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 Bridge and Structures Office is currently seeking to fill multiple Bridge Engineer 5 (In-Training) positions in Tumwater, WA. These positions are responsible for assisting in federally mandated bridge inspections as Lead Inspectors. The National Bridge Inspection Standards dictate the scope and requirements of a bridge inspection program. These Lead Inspector positions support WSDOT’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation by ensuring the safety and reliability of the bridges on the state highway system.
 
Note: This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress through the Bridge Engineer field and achieve the goal class of a Bridge Engineer 5. Candidates will be considered as a Bridge Engineer 4 or 5 level, depending on their qualifications. The salary levels for each are:
 
Bridge Engineer 4: $80,952 - $108,804 annually, depending on qualifications
Bridge Engineer 5: $89,292 - $120,132 annually, depending on qualifications

 What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Lead Inspector will:

• Complete in-service bridge inspections in conformance with FHWA and WSDOT requirements and procedures.
• Operate equipment such as inspection vehicle, UBIT’s, Bucket Trucks or other personnel lifts, or boats. Utilizing specialized equipment and techniques for underwater or rope access. 
• Perform non-destructive ultrasonic, magnetic particle and dye penetrant tests when required to identify structural deficiencies.
• Provide field supervision of inspection team members that may include other Bridge Inspectors. 
• Perform Stand by On Call Emergency Response up to 2 weeks a year or as required.
• Complete inspection reports in conformance with FHWA and WSDOT requirements and procedures.
• Prepare bridge inspection packets with current printouts of relevant bridge plans and inspection reports.
• Coordinate, as required, with outside agencies and rental companies for the use of specialized access equipment.
• Coordinate, as required, with WSDOT regional personnel or local agency staff to coordinate resources, inspection equipment, or traffic control operations. 
• Assign tasks and/or perform the preparation of equipment, vehicles and inspection materials.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
• Professional Engineers license. 
• Valid driver’s license. 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
• Professional Engineers license. 
• Valid driver’s license. 
• 24 months of bridge condition inspection experience or other structural related experience. 

• Ability to obtain a valid TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Card). 
• Ability to obtain a valid, unrestricted, Washington State Driver’s License.
• Ability to obtain a Washington State Professional Engineering License through comity.
• Ability to complete a Bridge Condition Inspection course. 
• Ability to travel (frequent in-state overnight travel is required). 
• Ability to work in confined-space environments, near and above freeway traffic, at heights exceeding 100 feet, and over waterways. 

• Bridge Condition Inspection license.

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• These positions are not eligible for remote work.
• 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. Compliance with this mandate 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.  
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov 

• 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. 
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 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.