Survey Party Lead (TE2)

State of Washington; Port Angeles (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid remote work options

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in Port Angeles seeks a skilled Survey Party Lead to lead the survey team for highway projects. You will establish survey control, determine right-of-way, perform construction staking, and verify contractor survey work with high-precision data collection.

The role requires leadership abilities, field proficiency with total stations and GPS/RTK, and the ability to mentor staff while ensuring alignment with WSDOT standards and project schedules.

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge in civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering and survey principles.
• Experience as survey instrument operator or field lead with alignment control and staking.
• Ability to read plans and verify field data against specifications.
• Proficiency with CAD software and data processing for design teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead survey activities and act as Survey Party Lead in office or field.
• Direct data collection, right-of-way determination, and staking operations.
• Manage field reports and maintain survey records and as-builts.
• Mentor entry-level staff and coordinate with project teams and contractors.

Skills

Survey principles

Engineering knowledge

Field leadership

Communication skills

Collaboration

Growth mindset

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Bentley OpenRoads

Trimble Business Center

GPS/RTK receivers

Job description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a skilled Survey Party Lead (Transportation Engineer 2) to join the Port Angeles Project Engineer Office (PAPEO) in beautiful Port Angeles, WA. In this role, you will serve as the lead of the survey team for highway construction projects, playing an important part in ensuring projects are accurately constructed, documented, and delivered to WSDOT’s standards. This position offers the opportunity to apply your engineering and surveying expertise across a variety of Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build projects while working collaboratively with project teams, contractors, and survey professionals.

The successful candidate will independently apply established policies, procedures, and standards while using sound judgment and initiative to perform a wide range of survey activities. Responsibilities include establishing survey control, determining right of way, construction staking, conducting quantity and as-built surveys, and performing quality assurance verification of contractor survey work using manual and electronic data collection methods. The position may also provide technical direction, guidance, and training to entry-level engineers, technicians, and survey personnel, making this an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys sharing knowledge and contributing to the development of others.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Survey Party Lead will:

• Act as Survey Party Lead working regularly in-person within the office or field settings.
• Determine data collection needs and directs field crew operations for alignment control, location survey work, and right-of-way determination using advanced manual and electronic data collection systems.
• Direct geodetic field operations, including network construction, control network utilization, and precision calibration/maintenance of survey equipment.
• Track, document, and prepare Surveyor’s Daily Report
• Maintain daily collaboration with field and office staff, WSDOT support groups, contractors, partner agencies, project stakeholders, and external customers
• Receive, track, and respond to survey requests in coordination with supervisor direction and project priorities.
• Communicate updates to project staff and contractors as needed and complete required survey documentation and records for assigned survey requests.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of Pre Activity Safety Plans (PASP).
• Instruct, train, and mentor survey party members.
• Execute targeted field investigation and collect high-precision survey data

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Foundational Survey & Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering and survey principles, typically acquired through formal education or equivalent on-the-job experience (e.g., experience equivalent to a Transportation Engineer 1 or Transportation Technician 3).
• Survey & Staking Expertise: Demonstrated experience serving as a survey instrument operator or field lead performing alignment control, slope staking, topographic data collection, right-of-way determination, and high-precision construction staking with modern manual and electronic data collection systems, including total stations, robotic instruments, and GPS/RTK receivers to support design, construction, and project delivery activities to real-world scenarios.
• Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Skilled in reading, analyzing, and interpreting contract plans, specifications, manuals, and other WSDOT documents in accordance with project requirements and engineering standards. Ability to perform engineering-related calculations, review technical data, analyze quantities and costs, and verify the accuracy of computations related to construction and project delivery.
• Field Reporting, Documentation, & Records Management: Demonstrated skill in preparing and maintaining accurate and timely construction documentation, reviewing engineering calculations for accuracy and completeness, tracking quantities, completing daily field reports based on direct field observations and inspection activities, and supporting the preparation of final records and as-built documentation.
• Software & Computer Proficiency: Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with computer technology, including engineering databases, reporting systems, data processing, and computer-aided drafting (CAD) software applications, such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley OpenRoads, or Trimble Business Center, to process raw field survey data for electronic design teams. Advanced skills in operating Windows-based computer systems and software, including MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, SharePoint, and Outlook) to document project data, manage tracking sheets, and communicate effectively.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey technical information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, virtually, telephonically, and in-person.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Demonstrated experience working productively in a team environment under tight deadlines and shifting priorities, producing accurate and consistent results.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.
• Possess a valid Flagger and First Aid Certification within six (6) months of appointment and subsequently achieve and maintain specific Division Certifications assigned to the position.
• Pass the WSDOT Basic Safety Training Course, and complete proper safety training outlined in Chapter 2 of WSDOT’s Highway Surveying Manual (M 22-97) prior to survey field activities.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Construction & Contract Administration: Demonstrates knowledge of construction practices, contract administration processes, and various contracting methods, with the ability to interpret and apply highway construction plans, specifications, and special provisions to evaluate workmanship, materials, and contractor work in accordance with industry standards and established procedures.
• WSDOT Project Delivery: Experience in applying the WSDOT Survey Manual, Construction Manual, Design Manual, and Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction Manual to transportation infrastructure projects within a public-sector environment.
  • Professional Credentials: Ability to apply judgement and ethical practice consistent with recognized certification or licensure requirements of Engineering-in-Training (EIT), Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT), Professional Engineer (PE), and/or Professional Land Surveyor (PLS).

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary includes the 5% Assignment pay for this location and job class.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference Survey Party Lead #30162 in the subject line.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.