Contract Lidar Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $96,144.00 - $129,288.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-00416-1
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Closing Date: 7/20/2026 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 a senior-level HQ Survey and Mapping Engineer to lead statewide survey control and mapping operations, including management of the WSDOT Primary Reference Network and delivery of geodetic, LiDAR, and mapping services. In this role, you will oversee project planning and tracking, evaluate and implement emerging technologies and funding opportunities, and manage consultant agreements supporting photogrammetric mapping projects. The HQ Survey and Mapping Engineer will play a critical role in advancing the agency's mission by ensuring the accuracy and reliability of survey control and mapping products essential to capital project design, construction, and monitoring. Our top candidate will demonstrate advanced technical expertise in geodetic and geospatial engineering disciplines, proficiency in modern surveying and mapping technologies, and the ability to lead complex, statewide initiatives.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the HQ Survey & Mapping Engineer will:

• Manage the WSDOT statewide geodetic control network to include setting, adjusting, leveling, documenting, and maintaining monuments and when necessary, resetting disturbed monuments.
• Determine Statewide work priorities, estimate workload by using the Highway System Plan and coordinating with Region Project Offices.
• Coordinate internal activities and schedules to ensure smooth operations.
• Manage and monitor unit budget, work with the GeoMetrix Office Manager to develop upcoming budget requests to address unit needs.
• Develop goals and objectives for the unit staff to include cross and upward training, mentorship, and guidance.
• Develop policy regarding statewide geodetic survey network programs.
• Respond to emergency events such as landslides and other natural disasters, and infrastructure impacts such as bridge strikes, to collect data as requested.
• Manage and administer consultant agreements/task orders providing photogrammetry and LiDAR services, and act as liaison with customers requesting these activities.
• Investigate and implement new forms of technology that allow the department to perform mapping and surveying activities in the most effective and efficient manner.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Survey Operations Management: Experience managing survey unit operations, including budgets, staff scheduling, vehicles, and equipment; reporting to leadership; leading technical teams; and evaluating operational effectiveness to meet business needs.
• Strategic Decision-Making and Policy Development: Experience exercising independent judgment in problem solving and developing strategic and tactical plans, including establishing policies and requirements for geodetic processes.
• Project and Contract Management: Experience planning, managing, tracking, and controlling complex projects, including consultant agreements and interagency coordination.
• Customer Relations and Communication: Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and communicating clearly with internal and external customers.
• Geodetic Survey Knowledge: Working knowledge of geodetic survey principles, practices, and tools, including horizontal and vertical GPS surveying, survey network design, and survey control (monumentation) network management.
• Mapping Knowledge: Working knowledge of mapping requirements (such as from LiDAR and photogrammetry) to support customer needs and oversee consultant deliverables.
• Advanced Survey Technology Expertise: Expertise in operating Global Positioning System (GPS) based survey equipment (static, fast static, real-time kinematic), terrestrial geodetic instrumentation, and applying the Washington State Real-Time Network.
• Survey Equipment Procurement: Knowledge of geodetic survey equipment procurement, including robotic total stations, LiDAR scanners, and digital bar code high precision levels.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following is also required:

• A Washington State Land Surveyor-In-Training (LSIT) certification with intent to successfully obtain a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license in 12 months of hire.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Advanced Geodetic Experience: Advanced experience applying geodetic survey principles, practices, processes and tools, including survey network design both horizontal and vertical GPS survey and survey control.
• Current Washington State Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license.

*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 the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
• 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, 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.

Check out this video to learn more:
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 . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-00416-1 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