Bridge Maintenance Engineer, Civil Engineer 3 (CE3)

State of Washington; Tumwater (WA); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Bridge Maintenance Engineer (CE3) for the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources in Tumwater, WA, a full-time non-permanent role. This position entails extensive field work, bridge inspections, load-rating updates, and coordination with the Region Engineer on maintenance and large repairs.

Applicants should have a Civil or Forest Engineering degree, 4 years of relevant design/construction experience, and 3 years in public works contracting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Forest or Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• 4 years' experience in design/construction of forest roads and bridges; includes 5 fish-passable stream-crossings.
• 3 years' experience in Public Works contracting and knowledge of Washington contracting laws.
• Experience with site mapping and surveying principles using topographic equipment.

Responsibilities

• Annually inspect region bridges and update load ratings as required.
• Maintain bridge inventory and signage based on load ratings.
• Coordinate maintenance and large repairs with the Region Engineer.
• Support region timber sales, road maintenance programs, and FEMA response.

Skills

Surveying principles

Communication

Organizational skills

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forest or Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

ArcGIS

RoadEng

Microsoft Office

Job description

Bridge Maintenance Engineer, Civil Engineer 3 (CE3)

Recruitment #2026-10-3855

Full-time, Non-Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)

Anticipated Non-permanent is December 2026 - June 2027

Location: Tumwater, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $6,384.00 - $8,583.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/4/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our South Puget Sound Region as a Bridge Maintenance Engineer. Are you someone who has excellent organizational skills, can manage multiple tasks and projects at the same time, appreciates the importance of good communication and follow-up, and enjoys working outdoors? Do you want to work with a great group of hard-working and dedicated individuals who maintain almost 2000 miles of forest roads in the South Puget Sound area? If so, this is the position for you!

Responsibilities:

• Annually inspect all region bridges required under L&I and WACs and open to the public within the South Puget Sound region.
• Ensure bridge inventory, inspections, and database are current, including updating load ratings as received. Determine and maintain appropriate signage for each bridge dependent upon load rating reports.
• Maintain all bridges and culverts classified as bridges by planning, designing, determining budget estimates, and coordinating routine maintenance and/or large repairs with the Region Engineer.
• Provide engineering expertise and assistance to the region timber sales and road maintenance programs.
• Design, coordinate, permit, implement, and comply with other engineering projects, including contract preparation and administration.
• Assist with Rights of Way (ROW) road assessments and reviews.
• Coordinate the region’s FEMA response.
• Act in a Project Manager role for Rock Pit Leasing.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in Forest or Civil Engineering or a closely related field;
  OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Four (4) years’ experience in the use of engineering principles in relation to design and construction of forest roads and bridges. Experience needs to include the completion of 5 fish-passable stream-crossing structures or designs equivalent in complexity.
• Three (3) years’ experience in Public Works contracting and understanding of Washington State contracting and purchasing laws and regulations.
• Experience with site mapping and knowledge of surveying principles, including the use of topographic survey equipment.

Required Competencies:

• Knowledge of and experience in surveying and surveying principles.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and ensure requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The position works from an assigned duty station. Approximately 70% of the work is performed in isolated unimproved natural forestry settings. The individual must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• Position requires approximately 50-75% of time in the field traveling alone between projects, work centers, and meetings. A portion of work requires traveling alone in the field. Occasional overnight travel may be required for training sessions.
• Registration as an Engineer-In-Training.
• Must have a current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications:

• WSDOT Bridge Inspection certification
• Competent in Washington Forest Practice Rules, Hydraulic Code, and DNR’s State Lands Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, ArcGIS, RoadEng, and other engineering software programs, as well as Microsoft Office programs
• Registration as a Professional Forest Engineer or Civil Engineer in the State of Washington or another State based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington will substitute for either the education or experience requirements.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at [e-mail].

Questions?

Please contact Susan Shaffer at [e-mail]/253-691-5290 or email us at [e-mail].

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call [phone] or email [e-mail]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Vision:

Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Our Mission:

Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Values:

• Integrity—Staff who work at the Department of Natural Resources are principled and consistent on behalf of all Washingtonians.
• Respect—Employees value and respect the public DNR serves, and one another.
• Professionalism—The Agency is committed to professionalism and civil conduct.
• Joy—DNR’s work involves some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities impacting Washington, which staff meets with curiosity and gratitude.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we cannot hire or extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Visas. For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with a disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

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