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 ’s Multimodal Planning & Data Division is seeking a Transportation Planning Technician 3 to serve as a Data Collection Field Technician. Under the direction of the workgroup's Field Supervisor, this journey-level technician 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, install and maintain temporary traffic counting equipment in and adjacent to the roadway, and routinely perform three- and four-hour manual traffic counts from a state vehicle parked near the traveled way. In addition, this position will also perform alternative forms of data collection to support Departmental engineering and policy decisions. If you’re interested or excited about an opportunity that requires extensive overnight travel, we strongly encourage you to apply for these opportunities!
What to Expect
This position performs fieldwork in adverse weather conditions and in varying temperatures and humidity levels and requires consecutive weeks of statewide travel for up to a week at a time. This work is often repetitive physical movements including bending, squatting, kneeling, and hammering motions. Repetitive motions while performing traffic data collection in the form of manual counting, setting, checking, and picking up mechanical traffic counting equipment.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Data Collection Field Technician will:
-
Perform the technical and physically demanding duties involved with performing short-duration traffic counts, both through use of pneumatic tubes and visual observation, and other forms of traffic data collection such as vehicle occupancy counts or Bluetooth studies.
-
Review assigned schedule and pre-activity safety plan to ensure all requisite information has been provided.
-
Identify necessary equipment and materials and load them in a state vehicle; safely operate a state vehicle and navigate throughout Washington State.
-
Make decisions involving safety to properly install a temporary traffic data collection device at a designated location and, if not, identify an alternate method for collecting data at that site.
-
Install short duration data collection equipment while adhering to WSDOT policy and procedures.
-
Perform associated four-hour visual counts of traffic to document the percentage of each vehicle type in the traffic stream or the percentage of each type of vehicle movement through an intersection with the use of a manual count board.
-
Document detailed information regarding the assigned traffic count that may be pertinent to data processing staff.
-
Uninstall the data collection equipment, place it in the state vehicle, then download data from the equipment to a laptop; transfer files to the department’s server, then provide copies of associated paperwork to office staff.
-
Discuss and communicate at the appropriate level of information with peers and managers; this includes writing clean, concise documentation.
-
Interpret assignments and collect quality data.
-
Use and understand 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.
-
Train new employees; assist in testing new traffic counting technologies.
-
Participate in meetings that promote a lean organizational culture.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
-
Inclusive & Professional Work Practices: Demonstrated experience contributing to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Proven ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics with professionalism, emotional intelligence, and effective conflict resolution.
-
Workload Management & Prioritization: Demonstrated ability to assess priorities, manage multiple tasks, and consistently meet quality and timeliness expectations. Proven organizational and time-management skills that support productivity under limited supervision.
-
Independent & Team-Based Work: Demonstrated ability to perform job functions both independently and as part of a team. Proven competence in critical thinking, problem-solving, accountability, adaptability, and maintaining professional standards in a dynamic work environment.
-
Communication & Documentation: Demonstrated ability to receive, interpret, and clearly communicate information both verbally and in writing. Proven skill in composing concise and relevant documentation of data collection efforts for internal and external stakeholders.
-
Process Improvement & Analytical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to critically assess current processes and identify improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and alignment with customer needs. Proven capacity to suggest and implement practical solutions.
-
Hand & Power Tool Operation: Demonstrated skill in safely using hand and power tools, power digging and concrete cutting equipment, generators, and electronic data collection devices.
-
Attention to Detail & Concentration: Demonstrated ability to maintain high levels of concentration over long periods, minimizing errors during repetitive or routine tasks.
-
Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
-
Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
The following qualifications are also required:
-
Ability to travel extensively while fulfilling schedules that require being away from home the entire workweek during a large portion of the year.
-
A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
-
Ability to operate vehicles for extended periods, including long-distance travel and extended periods of stationary work while handling electronic equipment.
-
Ability and stamina to perform field data collection duties, including maneuvering and transporting various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 100 pounds.
-
Ability to traverse uneven terrain and steep slopes, cross traffic lanes, and perform repetitive physical movements such as bending, squatting, kneeling, and hammering.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
-
Experience safely and effectively performing work on or near the traveled way, particularly in the performance of traffic studies.
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
-
This position is not eligible for remote work.
-
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 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.
-
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 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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at
[email protected]. Please be sure to reference
26DOT-HQ-03361 in the subject line.
