Field Exploration Operations Supervisor (TE4)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a skilled and organized field exploration specialist to oversee the logistics and daily operations of the Field Exploration Section. This position will supervise the field exploration engineers and drill crews performing statewide field testing and sampling in support of WSDOT’s complex design, construction, maintenance, and emergency projects. The position coordinates crew scheduling and performance tracking, monitors project costs, oversees training and certification requirements, manages drilling tools, supplies, and equipment, and coordinates equipment maintenance and acquisition. This position also supports the training and performance of regional field exploration personnel. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, organizational, communication, problem-solving, project coordination, and cost-management skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and support safe, efficient field operations.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience performing geotechnical drilling and field exploration work and supervising or leading multiple drilling crews or comparable field-based operational teams; knowledge of geotechnical drilling and sampling practices and applicable standards and procedures.
Experience planning, scheduling, prioritizing, and coordinating multiple field operations and effectively allocating personnel, equipment, vehicles, and other resources to meet changing project, emergency, and operational needs.
Experience supervising and leading employees, including assigning and planning work, providing direction, monitoring and evaluating performance, addressing performance concerns, and fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Proven ability to identify and address safety risks and ensure field operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, permits, agency policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
Demonstrated ability to manage the operational readiness of a drilling fleet and resolve complex field and equipment issues involving maintenance, repairs, difficult drilling conditions, access, supplies, tooling, and changing project requirements.
Ability to identify training needs, maintain certification records, communicate technical and operational information effectively, and facilitate collaborative problem-solving with employees, contractors, consultants, and agency partners.
Demonstrated success with managing multiple competing priorities, maintains accurate operational and project records, exercises sound judgment in complex or time-sensitive situations, and uses Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other computer systems to support operational activities.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
A valid Washington State Department of Ecology Resource Protection Operator's License.
A current 24- or 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Advanced training or experience in geology and soil and rock identification.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe PDF.
Experience managing complex or large-scale geotechnical drilling projects or geographically dispersed field operations.
Experience managing specialized equipment, fleet maintenance, tooling, inventory, and field procurement.
Experience coordinating employee training, certification, and professional development programs.
A Washington State Commercial Driver’s License Class A with N endorsement and without airbrake restriction.
A Department of Ecology Resource Protection Well Construction License.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and long-range drilling schedule based on project priorities, staffing/vacations, equipment availability, permits, and engineering needs.
Assign drilling projects to maximize efficiency while ensuring safe work practices and compliance with agency priority.
Schedule routine maintenance, repairs and location of all equipment to ensure proper operation; order parts for equipment as needed to keep crews working.
Troubleshoot and resolve work related/drilling issues.
Ensure crews comply with agency policies, safety requirements, permit specifications and standard operating practices.
Review daily drill/inspector reports for accuracy and completeness and production metrics for scheduling.
Prioritize work request/emergency’s and allocate personnel, vehicles, drill rigs, and specialized equipment to meet operational demands.
Operate state owned vehicle for delivery of repairs, maintenance, supplies to crews and personnel.
Manage the purchasing and tracking of equipment, tooling, and supplies and maintain inventory of expendable drilling supplies and tooling.
Track and maintain current inspections and certification for crane equipment.