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
About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
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.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit ;/li>

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to for more information.

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.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit ;br>
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 Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


Please briefly describe your most recent field surveying role and responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
02


Leadership & Operations: Please select the statement that best describes your experience leading, coordinating, training, and evaluating field survey crews; developing work plans and schedules; and allocating resources to support safe and efficient operations.

• Extensive experience independently leading and supervising field survey crews, developing work plans and schedules, allocating resources, coordinating survey activities with project milestones, and evaluating staff performance while ensuring compliance with agency procedures and safety requirements.
• Considerable experience coordinating field survey crews, developing schedules, allocating resources, providing technical instruction, and ensuring safe and efficient operations.
• Experience providing direction, training, or coordination to field survey staff and assisting with work planning, scheduling, or resource allocation.
• Limited experience supporting field survey crew activities or operational coordination.
• No experience.

03


Leadership & Training: Please select the statement that best describes your experience training staff in the safe operation of geodetic instruments, vehicles, and/or watercraft.

• Extensive experience developing and delivering safety training and providing hands-on instruction in the operation of geodetic instruments, vehicles, and watercraft, as applicable, while ensuring compliance with agency safety requirements.
• Considerable experience providing hands-on training and guidance to staff on the safe operation of survey equipment, vehicles, or watercraft.
• Experience providing instruction or assistance to staff in the operation of survey equipment or vehicles.
• Limited experience working with or assisting others in the operation of survey equipment or vehicles.
• No experience.

04


Leadership & Safety: Please select the statement that best describes your knowledge and application of field safety practices, hazard assessments, jobsite risk evaluations, environmental constraints, and traffic control requirements.

• Extensive experience independently evaluating field conditions, identifying hazards, developing jobsite safety plans, and implementing appropriate traffic control and environmental protection measures in accordance with agency policies and requirements.
• Considerable experience conducting hazard assessments, evaluating jobsite risks, and implementing appropriate safety and traffic control measures.
• Experience identifying field hazards and following established safety, environmental, and traffic control procedures.
• General knowledge of field safety practices and traffic control requirements but limited experience applying them.
• No experience.

05


Technical Expertise - Geodetic: Please select the statement that best describes your knowledge and experience applying geodetic surveying principles, GNSS/GPS methodologies, monument research and preservation, and geodetic datum and coordinate systems.

• Extensive experience independently applying geodetic surveying principles, GNSS/GPS methodologies, datum concepts, coordinate transformations, and control network design; researching, recovering, establishing, and preserving survey monuments and geodetic control.
• Considerable experience applying geodetic surveying principles, GNSS/GPS methodologies, coordinate systems, and monument research, recovery, or preservation practices.
• Experience assisting with geodetic surveys, GNSS/GPS data collection, monument recovery, or applying coordinate systems and datum concepts.
• General knowledge of geodetic surveying principles and GNSS/GPS methodologies but limited hands-on experience.
• No experience.

06


Technical Expertise - QA/QC: Please select the statement that best describes your experience performing high-precision surveying, processing geodetic data, and validating horizontal and vertical control accuracy.

• Extensive experience independently performing high-precision leveling, loop closures, GPS baseline processing, network/traverse adjustments, and topographic data collection; evaluating residuals, verifying geodetic accuracy, and performing QA/QC in accordance with NGS Blue Book and other applicable standards.
• Considerable experience performing high-precision leveling, control surveys, GPS baseline processing, survey adjustments, and data collection; evaluating results and performing accuracy verification and QA/QC.
• Experience assisting with high-precision surveying, geodetic data processing, leveling, control surveys, or QA/QC activities.
• General knowledge of high-precision surveying methods and geodetic data processing but limited hands-on experience.
• No experience.

07


Please describe your experience using high-precision survey equipment, including robotic total stations, digital/barcode leveling systems, GNSS receivers, LiDAR scanners, and/or GPS-referenced hydrographic instruments. Identify the equipment used and the types of surveying activities performed. Walk thru the steps you take to collect, verify and process the data. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
08


Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

09


Are you able and willing to maneuver and transport materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds?

• Yes
• No

10


Are you a member of a Land Survey organization, society, or association; such as Land Surveyor's Association of Washington (LSAW) and/or Washington Council of Government Surveyors (WGCS)? If Yes, please list how long and what capacity. Otherwise, please enter N/A.
11


Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) Licensure: Please select the statement that best describes your current Washington State surveying licensure or certification.

• I currently hold an active Washington State Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license.
• I currently hold an active Washington State Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) certificate.
• I do not currently hold either credential

12


If you indicated you have an active PLS or LSIT, please list the year and license number in the space provided below. Otherwise, please enter N/A.
13


Are you actively seeking to obtain your PLS or LSIT? If yes, please describe what steps and resources are you taking towards this goal. Otherwise, please enter N/A.
14


Survey Coordination & Documentation: Please describe your experience coordinating with WSDOT Survey & Mapping, WSRN, and/or NGS staff. Include the types of documentation prepared or submitted, and your specific role. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
15


Survey Standards: Please select the statement that best describes your familiarity with the WSDOT Highway Survey Manual and its standards, procedures, and update processes.

• Extensive experience applying WSDOT Highway Survey Manual standards and procedures and contributing to the review, development, or updating of manual content.
• Considerable experience applying WSDOT Highway Survey Manual standards and procedures and participating in related updates or technical reviews.
• Working knowledge of the WSDOT Highway Survey Manual and its application to surveying activities.
• General familiarity with the WSDOT Highway Survey Manual but limited experience applying its standards or procedures.
• No familiarity or experience.

16


How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

17


If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question