Salary: $71,472 - $96,144 Annually

WSDOT is seeking to fill two Landscape Architect Designer – TPS3 positions in the Environmental & Hydraulic Services (EHS) Office in Lacey, WA. These positions support the development and implementation of roadside and environmental restoration and mitigation projects, including highway roadsides, streambanks, wetlands, and urban landscapes, to ensure they meet functional needs, commitments, and permit requirements while minimizing long-term costs. The selected candidates will contribute to WSDOT’s mission by helping ensure projects are designed, constructed, and maintained in compliance with agency policies, procedures, and practices. Successful candidates will use their landscape architecture expertise, technical knowledge, and collaborative skills to deliver high-quality, sustainable designs that enhance the safety, functionality, and environmental stewardship of Washington’s transportation system.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Landscape Architect Designer will:

• Provide landscape architecture and contract development expertise for engineering, construction, and maintenance projects by representing the discipline on multi-disciplinary teams and developing solutions for complex projects.
• Conduct site studies, compile and analyze data, analyze existing features and conditions, and develop and select design alternatives and solutions. 
• Evaluate tree impacts during the planning phase of projects and conduct tree inventories to interpret the Roadside Policy Manual. 
• Provide clear and concise communication regarding landscape architecture items in Request for Proposals (RFPs), contracts, and WSDOT policies. 
• Modify Request for Proposal (RFP) templates and create appendix graphics for design-build or progressive design-build projects. 
• Prepare landscape architecture analysis, construction plans, specifications, and estimates using MicroStation and other supporting software for WSDOT contracts.
• Perform on-site inspections, field analysis, and provide recommendations for plant establishment, hazard tree assessments, maintenance evaluations, and construction inspection.
• Review and comment on plans and submittals from internal and external customers to ensure adherence to contract requirements and WSDOT policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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

• Landscape Architecture Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge and practical understanding in landscape architectural principles, methods, and practices. Capable of contributing to multidisciplinary transportation projects by integrating aesthetic, functional, and environmental considerations into the design process.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficient in operating Windows-based computers and MS Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, Sharepoint, Teams, and skills to analyze data, prepare and generate reports in spreadsheets and databases. Proficient in Computer Aided Design & Drafting (CADD) software, such as MicroStation. Familiarity with 3D Modeling and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. Proficient with photo manipulation, graphic rendering, and document layout software, such as Adobe Creative Suite.
• Communication Skills: Skills to communicate technical information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, virtually, by phone, and in person.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Skills to work productively both independently and a part of a team environment, prioritizing workload and handling multiple assignments, producing accurate and consistent results.
• 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 are also required:   

• A valid driver’s license with the ability to operate state-owned vehicles. 
• Ability to travel within the region to project sites for site analysis, meetings, and construction inspection/oversight.
• Public Pest Control Consultant or Public Operator Washington State Department of Agriculture Pesticide License, or equivalent, with endorsement category OC (Ornamental Insect and Disease), OW (Ornamental Weed), or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have: 

• License & Certification: Licensed as a Landscape Architect in Washington State. ISA Certified Arborist, and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).
• Commercial Landscape Architecture Experience: Professional experience in a commercial Landscape Architecture office or studio.
• GIS Experience: Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Agency Policies & Standards: working knowledge of WSDOT agency policies, standards and procedures.
• Project Management Experience: Experience managing complex projects utilizing standardized project management methodology and strategies.
• Contract Documentation Review: Experience reading and analyzing contract documents for coherence, completeness, constructability, and accuracy.
• Native Plant and Environmental Restoration Experience: Experience with native plant material and environmental restoration. 

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 non-overtime 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 employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Why work for WSDOT

How to Apply 

• Please apply online: Washington State Department of Transportation | Careers at WSDOT
• Contact Us - 
  For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected] . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32068m in the subject line. 

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