About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT has an exceptional opportunity for an innovative Landscape Designer in the Environmental & Hydraulics Services (EHS) Office located in Lacey. The individual in this role will, work to restore and improve highway roadsides, streambanks, wetlands, and urban landscapes so they meet functional needs, commitments, and permit requirements. As the Landscape Designer, you will be responsible for development of contract plans, specifications and estimates for WSDOT projects including restoration, mitigation, enhancement, and preservation projects as well as landscape design/contract plans for design-bid-build contracts, and project requirements for design-build contracts.

What to Expect
This position involves supporting WSDOT's strategic plan and roadside policy through wise management of the roadside as an asset, delivering right-sized projects, supporting multi-modal transportation options, improving environmental conditions, providing long-term stewardship of environmental mitigation sites, and meeting the expectations of the public for livable communities.
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, Landscape Designer will:

• Assist in the development and preparation of roadside preservation, restoration, enhancement, and environmental projects.
• Coordinate with project offices on scope, schedule, and deliverables.
• Develop and prepare professional reports with recommendations concerning WSDOT projects.
• Develop Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) plans, specifications and estimates for roadside restoration, preservation, enhancement, and environmental mitigation for Olympic Region projects.
• Assist in performing inspections and field reviews of construction, roadside preservation and enhancement projects.
• Participate in training and stay current on Department policies and Landscape Architectural procedures.
• Clearly communicate verbally and in writing with internal customers and the public.

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in landscape architecture, transportation, urban, regional or land use planning, engineering or natural or physical sciences and three (3) years of professional transportation experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation issues and problems. 
• A Master’s degree involving major study in of the above areas and two (2) years of professional transportation experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation issues and problems. 
• One (1) year as a Transportation Planning Specialist 2, Transportation Engineer 2, equivalent classification in city or county agencies, registration as a Landscape Architect in Washington State or an equivalent combination of education/experience.

• Possess a thorough working knowledge of Landscape Architectural principles, methods, and practices.
• Experience working effectively both individually and within a diverse team environment. 
• Experience adhering to safety policies and diligence in performing work in a safe manner. 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing across a broad spectrum of professional levels and diverse groups.
• Proficient with computer software and skills to analyze data, prepare and generate reports in spreadsheets and databases. 
• The ability to develop and prepare professional reports. 
• The ability to perform on-site inspections and make professional recommendations for roadside restoration, preservation, mitigation, and plant establishment. 
• Capable of reading and analyzing plans for contract coherence, completeness, constructability, and accuracy.
• The ability to traverse uneven, steep terrain, in all weather conditions. 
• The flexibility to travel long distance with occasional long hours and overnight stays.
• A valid driver's license with the ability to operate a state motor vehicle. 

• Registration as a Landscape Architect in Washington State.
• A working knowledge of WSDOT agency policies, standards, and procedures.
• Ability to manage complex projects utilizing standardized project management methodology and strategies.
• Familiarity with MicroStation Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD).
• The ability to read and analyze contract documents for coherence, completeness, constructability, and accuracy.
• WA State Department of Agriculture Pesticide (WSDA) License with endorsement categories OC (Ornamental Insect and Disease), OW (Ornamental Weed) are required within one year.

• This position requires a WSDA Pesticide License with endorsement categories OC and OW are required within one year of appointment.
• By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.   

• 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 occasional telework for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to eleven (11) paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum fourteen (14) 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.

• 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 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.