Bridge Engineer 4 (In-Training) – Lead Inspector

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Tumwater (WA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Paid leave

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

State of Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in Tumwater, WA, seeks a Lead Inspector to perform NBIS-compliant bridge inspections and lead inspection teams. This in-training role allows progression through BE1–BE4 levels based on qualifications.

The Lead Inspector conducts in-service bridge inspections, uses UBIT and other access equipment, and prepares inspection reports while coordinating with FHWA/WSDOT standards. Willingness to travel overnight is required.

Qualifications

• Education: College-level engineering coursework related to bridge engineering.
• Effective communication: verbal and written.
• Organized work planning: prioritize and manage tasks.
• Time management: allocate time and seek assistance as needed.

Responsibilities

• Complete in-service bridge inspections per FHWA/WSDOT requirements.
• Access structures using equipment (UBIT, rope access, Lifts).
• Complete inspection reports per FHWA/WSDOT procedures.
• Use software and computers; coordinate with agencies and staff.
• Develop bridge inspection requirements and planning tools.

Skills

Communication

Organized planning

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Engineering degree or college-level coursework in bridge engineering

Tools

UBIT

Mobile elevated work platforms

Bridge inspection equipment

Job description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, 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 4 (In-Training) 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 inspections in conformance with FHWA and WSDOT requirements and procedures. This is an in-training position and allows candidates to be considered at either the Bridge Engineer 1, 2, 3 or 4 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).Frequent overnight travel is an important part of the role.

Lead Inspector Responsibilities

• Complete in-service bridge inspections in conformance with Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) and WSDOT requirements and procedures.
• Access of structures using a variety of techniques and access equipment, 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 4 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate 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:

• Education- Successful completion of college level engineering coursework related to bridge engineering, such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, or mechanical engineering.
• Effective Communication- Adept at verbal and written communication with team members.
• Organized Work Planning- Basic ability to prioritize and manage assigned tasks.
• Time Management- Allocate appropriate time for assigned tasks and make timely requests for assistance when needed.

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

• BE1 Requirements
• Bridge Condition Inspection Training- Successful completion of an FHWA-approved comprehensive bridge inspection training.
• Bridge Inspection- Demonstrated experience as a co-inspector on routine bridge inspections.
• Equipment Operation- Demonstrated ability to safely operate bridge inspection equipment, including mobile elevated work platforms and under-bridge inspection trucks (UBITs).
• Bridge Structural Analysis- Working knowledge of bridge design, load rating, or related structural analysis.

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

• BE1 and BE2 Requirements
• Bridge Inspection Training- Successful completion of an FHWA-approved NSTM training course.
• Bridge Inspection- Demonstrated experience as a co-inspector on multiple bridge inspection types (routine, NSTM, and complex feature) and ability to accurately identify and record defects for all common span and material types.
• Technical Writing- Ability to write draft bridge inspection reports with appropriate inclusion of supplemental documentation, such as photographs and sketches.
• Bridge Structural Analysis- Completion of one simple-span concrete bridge design or load rating under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer.
• Organized Work Planning- Basic ability to coordinate logistics, equipment, and traffic control for scheduled bridge inspection trips under the guidance of a Team Leader.

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

• BE1, BE2, and BE3 Requirements
• Professional Engineer- Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil engineering or Structural Engineer (SE) license in the State of Washington or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment through comity.
• Bridge Inspection Training- Successful completion of an FHWA-approved Stream Stability and Scour course.
• Certified Team Leader- Current certification as a Team Leader for bridge inspection in accordance with NBIS.
• Bridge Inspection- Independently perform the duties of a Team Leader for routine and NSTM bridge inspections, including all common span and material types and effectively participate in multi-team inspections under supervision of a Senior Team Leader.
• Technical Writing- Ability to write clear and accurate bridge inspection reports in accordance with WSDOT policies and procedures.
• Engineering Judgement- Demonstrated ability to apply engineering judgement to evaluate inspection findings, propose repair or preservation actions, and elevate complex issues to a senior engineer.
• Organized Work Planning- Ability to independently coordinate logistics, equipment, and traffic control for scheduled bridge inspection trips and provide direction to an assigned co‑inspector to complete these activities.
• Time Management- Allocate appropriate time for planned bridge inspections, including travel and mobilization, and completion of final bridge inspection reports within 90 days of each inspection.

The following qualifications are also required:

• Valid, unrestricted, Washington State Driver’s License.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Engineer-in-Training- Successfully passed the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam or ability to complete within 1 year of appointment.
• Respectful Workplace- Actively contributes to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.
• Growth Mindset- Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented- Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• Technical Experience- Basic knowledge of bridge components obtained through bridge inspection or maintenance experience.
• Technical Professional Knowledge- Familiarity with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), Specifications for a National Bridge Inventory (SNBI), and WSDOT Bridge Inspection Manual (WSBIM).
• Bridge Data- Familiarity with WSDOT Bridge Inventory System (WSBIS), the reporting application BridgeWorks, and WSDOT bridge elements.

*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.
• In addition to the salary range listed, for this specific Bridge Engineer 4 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 is a Bridge Engineer 4 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal in-training plan. The base salaries for each level are:
  • Bridge Engineer 4: $93,288 – $125,544 Annually
  • Bridge Engineer 3: $80,496 – $108,228 Annually
  • Bridge Engineer 2: $72,900 – $98,064 Annually
  • Bridge Engineer 1: $66,072 – $88,788 Annually
• 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.
• 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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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.
• PlanFor 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?

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05493e in the subject line.

The 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.

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