Geodetic Field Engineer (TE3)

Salary : $80,496.00 - $108,228.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-05240
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 11/11/2026
Closing Date: 11/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking an experienced survey professional to provide technical leadership and supervision for HQ Survey & Mapping field operations. Serving as the Geodetic Field Engineer, this position will oversee field staff and assignments, provide technical expertise in land surveying methods, geodetic control, survey instrumentation, and field procedures, and develop and deliver practical training for HQ and regional survey teams. Responsibilities include leading geodetic control and monument recovery efforts, evaluating and maintaining survey equipment, resolving complex technical issues, ensuring quality assurance and compliance with WSDOT and National Geodetic Survey (NGS) standards, and promoting safe, accurate, and consistent survey practices statewide. A strong candidate will possess advanced surveying knowledge, demonstrated leadership and staff development skills, strong technical problem-solving abilities, and the ability to communicate complex technical information, deliver effective training, and apply sound judgment to field operations and quality standards.
What to Expect

This position may be expected to travel up to 60% and may require working on, or near highways in all types of weather, traverse over steep slopes, uneven terrain. The standard work schedule is Monday - Thursday; 4, 10 hour days.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Geodetic Field Engineer will:

• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in land surveying principles, GNSS positioning, total station methods, precision leveling, survey control, and field procedures for HQ and regional survey teams.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee field survey operations, including staffing, schedules, equipment, work assignments, and safety plans to ensure accurate, efficient, and safe completion of work.
• Supervise and develop HQ field survey staff by assigning and prioritizing work, evaluating performance, providing coaching and mentoring, and supporting technical proficiency, professional development, and accountability.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver practical field training and instruction on survey methods, instrumentation, field procedures, documentation, and quality verification for HQ and regional staff.
• Lead geodetic control surveys, monument recovery, maintenance, and verification activities to support the accuracy and reliability of the statewide survey control network.
• Review and evaluate survey observations, computations, adjustments, monument records, and documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with WSDOT and applicable NGS standards.
• Evaluate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot survey instruments and equipment; oversee equipment readiness, inventory, repairs, and replacement recommendations.
• Develop, review, and recommend survey procedures, quality assurance practices, checklists, and technical guidance to promote consistent field practices and improve survey deliverables.
• Provide technical assistance to HQ and regional survey teams by resolving complex field issues, evaluating survey methods and equipment, and coordinating technical support and operational needs.
• Contribute technical expertise to updates of the WSDOT Highway Survey Manual and related guidance, incorporating field observations, equipment evaluations, and staff feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications

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

Leadership & Operations

• Experience in leading, coordinating, training, and evaluating field survey crews while ensuring safe, efficient operations aligned with WSDOT procedures.
• Skill in developing field work plans, schedules, resource allocations, and integrating geodetic tasks with design, construction, and mapping project milestones.
• Experience in training staff in safe operation of geodetic instruments, vehicles, and watercraft (if applicable), ensuring adherence to agency safety protocols.
• Demonstrated knowledge of traffic control requirements, environmental constraints, and field safety practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safety policies, hazard assessments, jobsite risk evaluations, and traffic control practices.

Technical Expertise

• Knowledge of geodetic surveying principles, including GNSS/GPS methodologies and monument research, recovery, setting, and preservation practices.
• Experience performing high-precision leveling, loop closures, network adjustments, and data acquisition; validating horizontal and vertical control accuracy in accordance with NGS Blue Book, and other applicable standards using high-precision survey equipment, including robotic total stations, digital/barcode leveling systems, GNSS receivers, LiDAR scanners, and GPS-referenced hydrographic instruments.
• Experience processing GPS baselines, network/traverse adjustments, level runs, and scanned and conventional topographic data; evaluating residuals, verifying geodetic accuracy, and performing associated quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures.
• Knowledge of datum concepts, coordinate systems, transformations, and geodetic control network design.

Communication

• Skill in communicating geodetic procedures, monument workflows, and data management practices to office staff, region staff, consultants, and external partners.
• Skill in survey related documentation such as drafting and updating SOPs, geodetic/survey procedures, technical specifications, survey standards, preparing GPS session plans, leveling summaries, adjustment reports, and QA/QC documentation.

Growth Mindset & Service-Oriented

• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• 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.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:

• Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) Licensure: Current and active Washington State Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license or Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) certificate.
• Survey Coordination & Documentation: Ability to coordinate with WSDOT Survey & Mapping, Washington State Reference Network (WSRN), and/or National Geodetic Survey (NGS) staff and prepare or submit required technical documentation.
• Survey Standards: Familiarity with WSDOT Highway Survey Manual standards, procedures, and update processes.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05240 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Sy