Field Exploration Supervisor (TE3)

State of Washington • Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Field Exploration Supervisor to lead complex geotechnical field exploration activities that support statewide transportation design, construction, maintenance, and emergency projects. The position applies engineering principles, geotechnical exploration practices, WSDOT standards, and technical judgment to develop exploration strategies and determine drilling, testing, sampling, equipment, staffing, and traffic-control needs. The supervisor provides technical direction to WSDOT and contractor crews, oversees project resources and specialized equipment, monitors work quality and progress, and ensures field work and documentation meet project, regulatory, and safety requirements.

The position performs duties in person from an office, laboratory, and/or field locations. Work may involve exposure to traffic, motorists, falling rock, steep soil and rock slopes, debris, trees, and construction equipment. Intermittent in-state and out-of-state travel is expected, including overnight stays of up to four nights and travel to multiple locations in one day. Limited flexible or hybrid remote work options are available when the employee is not traveling.

WSDOT offers work-life balance and flexible schedule options, paid leave, tuition assistance for permanent employees, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare and state retirement program options. Full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year in addition to 12 paid holidays.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate policy, standards, and technical information effectively through verbal, written, and visual communication.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate operational and project records, exercise sound judgment in complex or time-sensitive situations, and use Microsoft Office and other computer systems for operational activities.
• Commitment to learning and growth and taking action to meet the needs of others.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Valid Washington State Department of Ecology Resource Protection Operator's License.
• Current 24- or 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification, or ability to obtain it within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced knowledge of 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 drilling equipment, excavators, skid-steers, fleet maintenance, tooling, inventory, and field procurement.
• Washington State Commercial Driver’s License Class A with N endorsement and without airbrake restriction.
• National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) crane operator license for fixed cab boom truck and articulating boom crane with winch.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and train multiple crews working on assigned projects and develop project duration estimates.
• Work with contractor drilling crews and drill and install groundwater monitoring wells.
• Operate heavy equipment, including excavators, skid-steers, off-road forklifts, vehicles, power tools, drill tooling, and specialized equipment.
• Review daily crew paperwork for completeness and accuracy.
• Review project sites to determine access and preparation needs, right-of-entry requirements, environmental permits, utility locates, and other requirements.
• Determine exploration strategies, field-testing equipment needs, and personnel requirements based on field reviews.
• Develop site safety plans for assigned projects.
• Coordinate Department of Ecology resource protection well reporting requirements, including construction notices of intent and reports.
• Review Field Exploration Unit job files for accuracy and work with technicians to close files.
• Coordinate maintenance and repairs of field exploration testing and support equipment.
• Provide technical direction to WSDOT and contract field exploration crews and oversee project resources and specialized equipment.
• Monitor field activity quality and progress and ensure work and documentation meet project, regulatory, and safety requirements.

Benefits

• 12 paid holidays.
• Up to 25 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees.
• Tuition assistance options for permanent employees, including tuition reimbursement programs, participating-college government discounts, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Comprehensive benefits package with healthcare options and state retirement program choices.
• Flexible schedule options, including telework options for eligible positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed