Survey Party Lead (TE2)

State of Washington•Clallam County - Port Angeles, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a skilled Survey Party Lead (Transportation Engineer 2) to join the Port Angeles Project Engineer Office (PAPEO) in Port Angeles, WA. This role serves as the lead of the survey team for highway construction projects, ensuring accurate construction, documentation, and delivery according to WSDOT standards. The position involves applying engineering and surveying expertise across various projects, collaborating with project teams, contractors, and survey professionals. The successful candidate will independently perform a wide range of survey activities, including establishing survey control, determining right of way, construction staking, conducting quantity and as-built surveys, and quality assurance verification of contractor survey work. The role may also involve providing technical direction, guidance, and training to junior personnel.

Requirements

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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Demonstrated experience working productively in a team environment under tight deadlines and shifting priorities, producing accurate and consistent results.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.
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.
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).

Responsibilities

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.