Senior Lead Bridge Inspector (BE5) - 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 Bridge & Structures office is currently seeking a Lead Inspector to fill a Bridge Engineer 5 vacancy located in Tumwater, WA. As a member of the Bridge Preservation Office (BPO), this position will serve as a Lead Inspector and will be responsible for conducting federally mandated bridge inspections throughout the State. National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) dictate the scope and requirements of a bridge inspection program, which is the basic mission that the Bridge Preservation Office is required to carry out. The Lead Inspector will be responsible for conducting in-service bridge and tunnel inspections of Special Structures in conformance with FHWA and WSDOT requirements and procedures. Special Structures are monumental, moveable, complex, or otherwise unique bridges, and all tunnel structures in Washington State. This is an in-training position and allows for candidates to be considered at either the Bridge Engineer 4 or 5 level depending on professional experience. This position supports 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.

What to Expect

This position, at times, performs works at heights exceeding 100', inside confined space environments, over waterways, outdoors with exposure to inclement weather and frequently traverse uneven terrain. In addition, this position may perform inspection of bridges and structures using technical rope access (technical climbing techniques).

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Senior Lead Bridge Inspector will:

• Complete in-service bridge inspections in conformance with Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) and WSDOT requirements and procedures.
• Operate a variety of equipment and use access techniques, including but not limited to, Technical Rope Access, operating an Under Bridge Inspection Truck (UBIT), Man Lifts, Bucket Trucks, Scaffolding, Boats, or other equipment as needed.
• Complete inspection reports in conformance with FHWA and WSDOT requirements and procedures.
• Utilize a variety of software programs and operate computers and computer accessories.
• Be responsible for preliminary work prior to inspections, such as reviewing bridge reports and files, preparing inspection packets, and coordinating with outside agencies and WSDOT personnel.
• Develop bridge inspection requirements and planning tools.

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) 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 BE4 level, the following are required:

• A valid driver's license.
• A bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• Licensed by the State of Washington as a Professional Engineer or licensed as a Professional Engineer in another state and able to obtain a license in Washington State within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to obtain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
• Ability to complete Bridge Condition Inspection Training and Tunnel Safety Inspection Training.
• Ability to obtain a Washington State Boater Education Card.
• Ability to travel (frequent in-state overnight travel is required).
• Ability to work in confined-space environments, near and above freeway traffic, at heights, and over waterways.
• Ability to operate a UBIT at heights greater than 100 feet.
• Ability to operate a work skiff for performing under bridge inspections from the water.
• Ability to climb and descend steep and uneven, brush covered slopes while transporting up to 50 pounds of equipment.

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

• BE4 Requirements and a total 24 months of bridge condition inspection experience or other structural related experience.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Experience inspecting bridges in Washington State at the Bridge Engineer 5 level or Bridge Engineer 3 level if experience is in Special Structures.
• Open Water Scuba certification.
• Working knowledge of CADD.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 3% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2025.

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

• This position may offer limited flexible/hybrid remote work options.

• In addition to the salary range listed, for this specific Bridge Engineer 5 position, an additional 10% assignment 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.

• This position requires frequent overnight travel.

• This position requires a Professional Engineers License issued by the State of Washington. License holders from other states will be expected to obtain a WA State PE license within six (6) months of appointment.

• 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.

• 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, depending on qualifications. The salaries for each level are:

• Bridge Engineer 5: $95,652 - $128,676 Annually

• Bridge Engineer 4: $86,712 - $116,556 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.
• 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.
• 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-00229e in the subject line.