Bridge Engineer 5 (In-Training)

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a profession engineer to fill a Bridge Engineer 5 vacancy in Tumwater, WA. As a Bridge Engineer 5 in the Bridge Preservation Office (BPO), this position will serve as a registered professional engineer responsible for conducting federally mandated load ratings on bridges and tunnels. The position supports WSDOTs mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation by ensuring the safety and reliability of the bridges and tunnels on the state highway system. This is accomplished by rating bridges and tunnels to their safe load capacity in accordance with national, federal, and state standards that defines the scope and requirements of the statewide bridge load rating program.

What to Expect

The WSDOT Bridge and Structures Office has over 100 employees and is known for its technical expertise in bridge design and inspection. It provides a full range of structural engineering services to construct and maintain safe, economical, and reliable structures for Washington's transportation system, which includes approximately 3,100 vehicular bridges. The bridge inventory includes structures such as floating bridges, movable bridges, suspension bridges, prestressed and cast-in-place concrete bridges, steel truss and plate girder bridges and timber bridges. The large variety of structures create many unique, interesting, and rewarding design experiences and challenges.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Bridge Engineer 5 will:

• Load rate structures (similar to design check) to evaluate the safe capacity of bridges to safely carry truck loads.
• Evaluate bridges with low load ratings to determine if there is a need for load posting or other traffic restrictions, or structural modifications to increase live load capacity.
• Use structural analysis techniques, supplemented by field inspections where needed, to determine proper mitigation.
• Develop conceptual and final design of bridge modifications needed to restore or increase live load capacity.
• Modify load ratings as needed to reflect structural changes due to vehicle damage, widenings, constructed modifications and retrofits.
• Participate as a Lead Inspector of a bridge inspection team using routine and non-destructive inspection methods.
• Operate the Under Bridge Inspection Truck (UBIT) from the bucket below bridge decks as an inspector.
• Prepare inspection reports and recommended repairs.
• Receive, approve and/or reject applications for overload movement over State bridges to ensure safe passage of trucks without compromising the structural integrity of the bridges.
• Recommend alternate routes for commercial trucks where necessary.
• Provide information to the public and other interested parties on bridge design and loading matters.

Qualifications

This is a Bridge Engineer 5 (BE5) position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level (BE4, BE3, BE2 or BE1) depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal in-training plan.

To be considered at the BE1, the following are required :

• A valid drivers license.
• A bachelors degree in civil engineering with an emphasis on structural analysis and design from an ABET accredited program.
• Ability to work outdoors and perform work that includes traversing rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to obtain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).

To be considered at the BE2, the following are required :

• BE1 Requirements and a total of 18 months as a BE1 or equivalent structural design experience.
• Passed the Engineer-in-Training (EIT)/Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam.

To be considered at the BE3, the following are required :

• BE2 Requirements and a total 18 months as a BE2 or equivalent structural design experience.

To be considered at the BE4, the following are required :

• BE3 Requirements and a total 18 months as a BE3 or equivalent structural design experience.
• Licensed as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington.

To be considered at the BE5, the following are required :

• BE4 Requirements and a total 18 months as a BE4 or equivalent structural design experience.
• Certified as a Lead Bridge Inspector in the State of Washington with 24 months of bridge inspection experience.
• Certified as a Tunnel Inspector in the State of Washington.
  

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) with an emphasis on structural analysis and design.
• Registration as a Structural Engineer in State of Washington.

*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.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to the salary range listed, for this specific Bridge Engineer 5 position, an additional 10% premium pay will be applied when either operating an Under-Bridge Inspection Truck (UBIT) from the bucket or while serving as back-up operator on the bridge deck for a minimum of four (4) hours per working day.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 3% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2025, upon legislative approval.
• In-state overnight travel is required with possible out of state travel to bordering counties.
• 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements . Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. However, the first review of applications will be conducted June 17, 2025 . The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
• This position has been approved for in-training. The hiring manager is looking to hire at the Bridge Engineer 5 level, however the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as a Bridge Engineer 4 , Bridge Engineer 3 , Bridge Engineer 2 or Bridge Engineer 1 , depending on qualifications . The base salaries for each level are:
  • BE5: $95,652 $128,676 Annually
  • BE4: $86,712 $116,556 Annually
  • BE3: $74,724 $100,524 Annually
  • BE2: $67,716 $91,068 Annually
  • BE1: $61,404 $82,512 Annually
• 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 www.uscis.gov .

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 occasional telework for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may 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 State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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.
• University\College transcripts.
• 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 via email.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at ... . Please be sure to reference 25DOT-HQ-00224 in the subject line.