UAV Survey Coordinator (TE3)
State of WashingtonDescription
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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 currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 3 to serve as the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Survey Coordinator in Union Gap, WA. This position provides advanced technical survey and geospatial support for regional Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) survey operations supporting transportation project delivery. The candidate selected for this role will coordinate UAS-based survey data collection, flight planning, pilot readiness, equipment and sensor compliance, field data collection, and integration of aerial survey products into survey, design, construction, right of way, and other project delivery workflows. The UAV Survey Coordinator ensures UAS-derived data is collected, processed, reviewed, documented, and delivered in accordance with WSDOT standards, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 requirements, safety requirements, and professional survey practices.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:
- Coordinate regional UAS/UAV survey operations used to support transportation project delivery, design, construction, right of way, cadastral, fish passage, maintenance, emergency response, and geospatial data collection needs.
- Ensure UAS survey activities comply with FAA Part 107 requirements, WSDOT UAS policy, regional procedures, safety standards, aviation risk management expectations, data security requirements, and applicable equipment compliance requirements.
- Serve as the regional technical coordination point for UAS survey operations.
- Advise project teams and management on appropriate use, limitations, and risks for UAS derived survey and geospatial products.
- Coordinate flight planning, airspace review, pilot assignments, site access, traffic control needs, construction coordination, ground control requirements, launch and recovery areas, flight authorization needs, and UAS field operations.
- Review UAS imagery, LiDAR, point clouds, orthomosaics, digital terrain models, mapping products, and supporting reports for completeness, accuracy, consistency, and usability.
- Oversee UAS fleet tracking, inventory, maintenance coordination, firmware and software updates, battery management, sensor configuration, calibration, service records, replacement planning, and equipment readiness.
- Track pilot readiness and coordinate procurement recommendations.
- Provide technical guidance to survey staff, project teams, management, consultants, and contractors on UAS capabilities, limitations, appropriate applications, data quality, and project risk.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
- UAS Operations Coordination and Regulatory Compliance: Demonstrated ability to coordinate UAS operations and ensure compliance with FAA regulations, agency policies, safety requirements, aviation risk management practices, and operational procedures while supporting transportation project delivery.
- Survey Mission Planning and Field Operations: Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and support complex survey missions by evaluating project requirements, identifying operational constraints, coordinating resources, and ensuring safe and effective field operations in diverse transportation environments.
- Geospatial Data Collection, Analysis, and Quality Assurance: Demonstrated ability to collect, process, review, and validate geospatial and survey data, applying quality control principles, survey standards, coordinate systems, metadata requirements, and accuracy verification procedures to produce reliable deliverables.
- Technical Survey and Geospatial Systems Integration: Demonstrated ability to integrate UAS derived data into survey, mapping, Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), Geographic Information System (GIS), right of way, design, construction, and project delivery workflows while ensuring consistency, usability, and compliance with established standards.
- Equipment, Asset, and Resource Management: Demonstrated ability to manage technical equipment, sensors, software, inventory, maintenance records, and operational resources to ensure readiness, reliability, compliance, and efficient support of field and office operations.
- Technical Communication and Stakeholder Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical information effectively to diverse audiences, build collaborative working relationships, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve project objectives and resolve operational issues.
- Leadership, Training, and Continuous Improvement: Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, assign and coordinate work, mentor staff, deliver training, develop procedures, and promote standardized practices that improve operational effectiveness, safety, and service delivery.
- 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:
- A valid driver’s license and demonstrated ability to independently travel to and between project sites, safely operate state-owned vehicles, and transport agency-owned inspection equipment and materials required to perform survey duties and related project activities.
- Ability to work along active highways, construction zones, rights of way, undeveloped terrain, bridges, water crossings, confined access areas, remote launch and recovery locations, and areas with variable weather conditions. Hazards may include moving traffic, heavy equipment, uneven terrain, overhead obstructions, utilities, aviation operational risks, and environmental exposure.
- Ability to work varied hours based on project schedules, construction activities, emergency response, flight conditions, and operational needs. Occasional evening, weekend, holiday, or after-hours work may be required.
- Ability to travel regionally within Central and Eastern Washington is required. Periodic statewide travel may also be required to support project sites, meetings, training, field reviews, construction offices, and coordination with headquarters or local agency partners. Travel may include day trips and occasional overnight assignments.
- Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Certifications: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or ability to obtain certification within six months of appointment. Land Surveyor-in-Training certificate, Professional Land Surveyor license, or demonstrated land surveying, geospatial, and CAD/CAE experience.
- UAS Survey Coordination: Experience coordinating UAS survey operations for transportation, construction, right of way, cadastral, mapping, inspection, or emergency response projects.
- UAS Geospatial Data: Experience with UAS photogrammetry, LiDAR, ground control, GNSS, point clouds, orthomosaics, digital terrain models, metadata, and geospatial data QA/QC.
- UAS Fleet & Compliance: Experience maintaining UAS fleet records, pilot qualifications, flight logs, battery records, maintenance documentation, equipment compliance records, and data management records.
- UAS Data Processing & CAD: Experience using Pix4D, Leica Infinity, Virtual Surveyor, OpenRoads Designer, MicroStation, GIS tools, or similar UAS data processing and CAD/CAE software.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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. 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 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. This information can 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 www.uscis.gov.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at olivia.dietrich@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SCR-51434 in the subject line.