Field Exploration Operations Supervisor; TE

Field Exploration Operations Supervisor

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!

WSDOT is seeking a skilled and organized field exploration specialist to oversee the logistics and daily operations of the Field Exploration Section. This position will supervise the field exploration engineers and drill crews performing statewide field testing and sampling in support of WSDOT's complex design, construction, maintenance, and emergency projects. The position coordinates crew scheduling and performance tracking, monitors project costs, oversees training and certification requirements, manages drilling tools, supplies, and equipment, and coordinates equipment maintenance and acquisition.

This position also supports the training and performance of regional field exploration personnel. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, organizational, communication, problem-solving, project coordination, and cost-management skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and support safe, efficient field operations.

This position will be expected to perform duties in person from the office, laboratory, and/or field. Hazards include traffic, motorists, falling rock, steep soil and rock slopes, debris, trees, and construction equipment.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Field Exploration Operations Supervisor will:

• Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and long-range drilling schedule based on project priorities, staffing/vacations, equipment availability, permits, and engineering needs.
• Assign drilling projects to maximize efficiency while ensuring safe work practices and compliance with agency priority.
• Schedule routine maintenance, repairs and location of all equipment to ensure proper operation; order parts for equipment as needed to keep crews working.
• Troubleshoot and resolve work related/drilling issues.
• Ensure crews comply with agency policies, safety requirements, permit specifications and standard operating practices.
• Review daily drill/inspector reports for accuracy and completeness and production metrics for scheduling.
• Prioritize work request/emergency's and allocate personnel, vehicles, drill rigs, and specialized equipment to meet operational demands.
• Operate state owned vehicle for delivery of repairs, maintenance, supplies to crews and personnel.
• Manage the purchasing and tracking of equipment, tooling, and supplies and maintain inventory of expendable drilling supplies and tooling.
• Track and maintain current inspections and certification for crane equipment.

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

• Geotechnical Drilling & Field Operations: Demonstrated experience performing geotechnical drilling and field exploration work and supervising or leading multiple drilling crews or comparable field-based operational teams; knowledge of geotechnical drilling and sampling practices and applicable standards and procedures.
• Operations Planning & Resource Management: Experience planning, scheduling, prioritizing, and coordinating multiple field operations and effectively allocating personnel, equipment, vehicles, and other resources to meet changing project, emergency, and operational needs.
• Supervision & Leadership: Experience supervising and leading employees, including assigning and planning work, providing direction, monitoring and evaluating performance, addressing performance concerns, and fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment.
• Safety, Compliance, & Risk Management: Proven ability to identify and address safety risks and ensure field operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, permits, agency policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Equipment & Operational Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to manage the operational readiness of a drilling fleet and resolve complex field and equipment issues involving maintenance, repairs, difficult drilling conditions, access, supplies, tooling, and changing project requirements.
• Training, Communication, & Collaboration: Ability to identify training needs, maintain certification records, communicate technical and operational information effectively, and facilitate collaborative problem-solving with employees, contractors, consultants, and agency partners.
• Organization, Judgment, & Technology: Demonstrated success with managing multiple competing priorities, maintains accurate operational and project records, exercises sound judgment in complex or time-sensitive situations, and uses…