About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! 

The Opportunity
WSDOT’s Multimodal Planning & Data Division is currently seeking to fill three Data Collection Field Technician positions – two in Tumwater, WA and one in Spokane, WA. Under the direction of the workgroup’s Field Supervisor, these journey-level positions support state and federal data-driven decision making relative to the public road network by collecting traffic data and performing associated tasks. The primary duties are to travel throughout Washington state, either independently or as part of a team, and install and maintain temporary traffic counting equipment in and adjacent to the roadway, as well as to routinely perform three and four-hour manual traffic counts from a state vehicle parked near the traveled way. Other duties most frequently involve additional forms of data collection to support departmental engineering and policy decisions. If you’re interested in a job that requires extensive overnight travel, we strongly encourage you to apply for these opportunities.
 
What to Expect
These positions perform field work in adverse weather conditions and in varying temperatures and humidity levels. Consecutive weeks of statewide travel for up to a week at a time. Crossing lanes of travel while carrying equipment. Performing repetitive physical movements including bending, squatting, kneeling, and hammering motions. 
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Data Collection Field Technician will:

• Safely operate a state vehicle and navigate throughout Washington state. 
• Routinely install short duration data collection equipment and perform associated four-hour visual counts of traffic.
• Document detailed information regarding the assigned traffic count that is pertinent to data processing staff.
• Use 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. 
• Prepare reports from collected data including problems encountered in the field. 
• Train new employees. 
• Assist in testing new traffic counting technologies.
• Work with data processing staff involved with quality assurance activities. 
• Participate in meetings that promote a Lean organizational culture. 

Qualifications
To be considered for these opportunities, at least one (1) of the following are required:

• Three (3) years of experience performing basic engineering duties, data collection work, or skilled labor; OR
• Three (3) years of experience as a Transportation Planning Technician 2 or equivalent classification; OR
• An Associate of Arts degree in Civil Engineering, Technology, Surveying, Drafting, Computer Science, or closely related field or an equivalent vocational technical program consisting of at least 1,200 instructional hours in these fields.

 
In addition to one (1) of the above, the following are also required:

• The ability to travel extensively - requires week-long stays out of town during a large portion of the year.
• The ability to sit in a parked vehicle for up to four continuous hours while working with handheld electronic devices.
• The ability to effectively work both independently and as part of a team.
• The ability to communicate with peers and managers effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing; this includes the ability to compose relevant and concise documentation regarding data collection efforts.
• The ability to understand and consistently follow safety guidelines and policies. 
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle for extended periods of time. 
• The ability to safely relocate materials and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds, as well as to safely manipulate equipment up to 50 pounds above shoulder height.
• The ability to perform duties, including safely crossing lanes of travel while carrying equipment, in adverse weather conditions and in varying temperatures and humidity levels.
• A high school diploma or GED equivalency.

 
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Professional experience collecting traffic data, including the use of pneumatic tube counters, manual count boards, and/or Bluetooth readers.
• Professional experience analyzing traffic data.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

 Important Notes 

• These positions travel statewide on weekly basis. Travel is a normal part of the job.
• We are seeking to fill 3 positions – two are based out of Tumwater and one is based out of Spokane, WA.
• These positions are not eligible for remote work.
• These positions are physically demanding and requires safely moving materials and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds, manipulating equipment up to 50 pounds above shoulder height, bending, squatting, kneeling, traversing all types of terrain and obstacles, the use of various tools and equipment, and the ability to perform these tasks in all weather conditions and near roadways and traffic. 
• 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• 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 www.uscis.gov.

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. Employees in this position enjoy a standard daytime schedule, working Monday-Friday only, with weekends off. 
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may 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 State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?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 via email.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-05390m in the subject line.