Data Collection Field Technician (TPT3)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Transportation Planning Technician 3 to serve as a Data Collection Field Technician. This role supports state and federal data-driven decision-making by collecting traffic data and performing associated tasks. The primary duties involve traveling throughout Washington State to install and maintain temporary traffic counting equipment, perform manual traffic counts, and conduct alternative forms of data collection to support engineering and policy decisions. This position requires extensive overnight travel and involves working in adverse weather conditions.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience contributing to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
Proven ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics with professionalism, emotional intelligence, and effective conflict resolution.
Demonstrated ability to assess priorities, manage multiple tasks, and consistently meet quality and timeliness expectations.
Proven organizational and time-management skills that support productivity under limited supervision.
Demonstrated ability to perform job functions both independently and as part of a team.
Proven competence in critical thinking, problem-solving, accountability, adaptability, and maintaining professional standards in a dynamic work environment.
Demonstrated ability to receive, interpret, and clearly communicate information both verbally and in writing.
Proven skill in composing concise and relevant documentation of data collection efforts for internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to critically assess current processes and identify improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and alignment with customer needs.
Proven capacity to suggest and implement practical solutions.
Demonstrated skill in safely using hand and power tools, power digging and concrete cutting equipment, generators, and electronic data collection devices.
Demonstrated ability to maintain high levels of concentration over long periods, minimizing errors during repetitive or routine tasks.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
Ability to travel extensively while fulfilling schedules that require being away from home the entire workweek during a large portion of the year.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
Ability to operate vehicles for extended periods, including long-distance travel and extended periods of stationary work while handling electronic equipment.
Ability and stamina to perform field data collection duties, including maneuvering and transporting various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 100 pounds.
Ability to traverse uneven terrain and steep slopes, cross traffic lanes, and perform repetitive physical movements such as bending, squatting, kneeling, and hammering.

Nice To Haves

Experience safely and effectively performing work on or near the traveled way, particularly in the performance of traffic studies.

Responsibilities

Perform technical and physically demanding duties involved with performing short-duration traffic counts, both through use of pneumatic tubes and visual observation, and other forms of traffic data collection such as vehicle occupancy counts or Bluetooth studies.
Review assigned schedule and pre-activity safety plan to ensure all requisite information has been provided.
Identify necessary equipment and materials and load them in a state vehicle; safely operate a state vehicle and navigate throughout Washington State.
Make decisions involving safety to properly install a temporary traffic data collection device at a designated location and, if not, identify an alternate method for collecting data at that site.
Install short duration data collection equipment while adhering to WSDOT policy and procedures.
Perform associated four-hour visual counts of traffic to document the percentage of each vehicle type in the traffic stream or the percentage of each type of vehicle movement through an intersection with the use of a manual count board.
Document detailed information regarding the assigned traffic count that may be pertinent to data processing staff.
Uninstall the data collection equipment, place it in the state vehicle, then download data from the equipment to a laptop; transfer files to the department’s server, then provide copies of associated paperwork to office staff.
Discuss and communicate at the appropriate level of information with peers and managers; this includes writing clean, concise documentation.
Interpret assignments and collect quality data.
Use and understand personal computers and department assigned suite of software tools (e.g. Windows OS. Microsoft Suite and File maker Pro) and vendor supplied traffic counting software.
Train new employees; assist in testing new traffic counting technologies.
Participate in meetings that promote a lean organizational culture.