Bridge Field Technician

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 36,506 - 54,759; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust health plans

401(k) matching

Educational assistance

Job summary

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. is seeking a Field and Lab Technician to join the bridge engineering team located at their Portland office. This role involves extensive travel across the U.S. for field investigations, bridge inspections, and conducting tests. Ideal candidates will have a hands-on background and effective communication skills.

The position offers competitive compensation with a range of $26.50 - $39.75 hourly, plus a comprehensive benefits package including health plans and a generous 401(k) match. Join a team that values growth and development.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and follow verbal/written instructions.
• Developed understanding of routine testing procedures.
• Interest in obtaining relevant certifications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations and bridge inspections.
• Perform tests in lab and field independently.
• Support inspections and interpret results.

Skills

Hands-on capabilities in mechanical and construction trades

Detail-oriented and problem-solving mindset

Effective written and oral communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree in related field

Tools

MS Office

CAD software

Job description

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an exceptional Field and Lab Technician to join our bridge engineering team, located at WJE's global headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois or WJE's branch office in Portland, Oregon.

At WJE, we spend almost as much time in the field, up close and personal with our projects, as we do in the office. This role will require regular nationwide travel to perform field investigations and bridge inspections, collect samples, test materials in order to assist in the diagnosis process, perform nondestructive and destructive testing, assist with specimen and full scale testing in our laboratory, perform fabrication of test components and retrofit components, and install structural retrofits. This position works under the general supervision of a Senior Specialist or Project Manager but completes routine and moderately complex tasks, testing and structure retrofit installations independently. As a Field and Lab Technician, you will perform various inspection techniques on a variety of bridge structures, both modern and historic.

A career at WJE will give you the opportunity to learn from and grow alongside industry‑leading experts as you develop your technical expertise and your hands‑on capabilities.

Essential Functions

• Routinely completes lab and field technician work, which includes participation in bridge structure inspections, retrofit of steel and concrete structures including installation of bolted or welded steel retrofits, installation of instrumentation and data acquisition equipment, concrete coring, steel sample removal, moderate to complex steel fabrication, and performing tests in lab and field with minimal supervision
• Support other inspections to assess conditions such as corrosion, defects, or cracking of structural steel. Interpret indications of distress and report or record results per project requirements
• Under the direction of experienced engineering staff, understand and execute inspections in accordance with AWS or other applicable codes
• Assist in additional NDT or other work at WJE's laboratory or field equipment facilities
• Responsible for equipment maintenance and purchase/rental
• Calibrates laboratory and field testing equipment
• Plays an active role in the quality assurance program
• Understands, follows, and enforces all safety standards
• Assists in work product development by operating a computer, iPad, or similar device
• Develops computer sketches or drawings from field notes or hand sketches
• Conducts specialized testing
• Assume increasing responsibilities as your experience and capabilities develop
• Travels to job sites for extended periods of time (up to 40% of the time throughout the year)

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent or Associate's degree in related field and up to four years of relevant work experience
• Hands on capabilities with experience in mechanical, construction, and/or applicable electronic trades
• Developed understanding of routine tests
• Ability to work independently and to perform tasks after verbal and written instruction
• Ability and interest to obtain some or all of the certifications herein after undergoing required classroom training and workhour experience
• Basic computer knowledge. Knowledge of MS Office, PDF editors, and CAD software preferred.
• Detail-oriented, problem solving mindset
• Effective written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• ACI field training and lab certification
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or certified welder (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW to AWS D1.1/D1.5)
• Commercial Driver License (Class A or B CDL)
• SPRAT Level 1 Certification or Higher, or equivalent

Compensation and Benefits

WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure, where the hourly rate is just one component of an employee's annual earnings. Additionally, employees may be eligible to receive overtime and variable compensation based on personal and company performance, often resulting in above-market annual earnings. Actual hourly rate will be based on several factors including consideration for a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity. A good faith estimate of the starting hourly rate (gross) for this position is in the following range:

$26.50 - $39.75

This non‑exempt position is also eligible for WJE's industry‑leading, total rewards package which enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits including:

• Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high‑deductible PPO options
• Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay vesting immediately
• Time off to care for yourself and others
• Investments in employees' educational assistance and professional development

WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants to apply including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans (VEVRAA federal contractor).

WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.