Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead

State of Washington; Mercer Island (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Paid Leave

Tuition Assistance

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation on Mercer Island, WA seeks a Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead to oversee the I-90 Floating Bridge crew, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing this critical asset to keep it safe and reliable.

Under a Maintenance Specialist 5, you will provide hands-on leadership, plan work, and ensure compliance with OIMs while coordinating with internal teams to deliver safe, efficient bridge operations.

Qualifications

• Extensive Journey level experience in a related trade such as Construction, Steel fabrication, Carpentry, Electrician, Concrete, Mechanic or Millwright.
• Mechanical knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Mathematics knowledge including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics and their applications.
• Building and construction knowledge of concrete, steel, and wood structures and related tools and methods.
• Engineering and technology: applying engineering principles to inspect equipment, structures, or materials to identify problems.
• Communication: providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and external sources.
• Operating vehicles, mechanized devices, or equipment such as forklifts or watercraft.
• Active listening and growth mindset.
• Service-oriented attitude.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe and effective leadership for inspection, maintenance and repair of the I-90 Floating Bridge and Maintenance Facility.
• Plan, schedule, direct, support and prioritize work of the I-90 Floating Bridge crew while conducting inspections and maintenance per OIMs.
• Lead and direct bridge crews, performing journey-level bridge work in routine maintenance and repairs.
• Fabricate steel and aluminum components using appropriate tools.
• Perform work on navigation lighting, cathodic protection, and related equipment.
• Adjust pontoon positioning cables using hydraulic pumps and related equipment; repair buoys and cables.
• Dehumidify pontoon interiors and related systems.
• Support bridge control system maintenance including water sensors, HVAC, generators and switchgear.
• Conduct routine and post-event bridge inspections for integrity and pontoon condition.
• Assist the Bridge Preservation Office with inspections of structures and systems.
• Work at heights up to 100 feet and in marine environments to determine priority of work.

Skills

Journey Level Experience

Mechanical

Mathematics

Building & Construction

Engineering & Technology

Communication

Operating Vehicles

Active Listening

Growth Mindset

Service-Oriented

Tools

ASHTO Plans Reading

Flagging Certification

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 is currently seeking a skilled and motivated leader to serve as the Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead on beautiful Mercer Island, WA! This is a unique opportunity to help care for one of Washington’s most recognizable transportation assets, the I-90 Floating Bridge. Under the direction of a Maintenance Specialist 5, you’ll provide hands‑on leadership, guidance, and technical support to the I-90 Floating Bridge crew as they work to safely maintain, inspect, and repair the bridge and its maintenance facility.

In this role, your expertise and leadership will help keep this critical transportation link operating safely and reliably for the thousands of people who travel across Lake Washington each day. If you enjoy specialized maintenance work, solving complex problems, working as part of a skilled team, and taking pride in maintaining infrastructure that keeps Washington moving, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead will:

• Provide safe and effective leadership for inspection, maintenance and repair of the I-90 Floating Bridge and Maintenance Facility.
• Plan, schedule, direct, support and prioritize work of the I-90 Floating Bridge crew in safely conducting inspections, preventative maintenance, performing repairs and operation per OIMs (Operation, Inspection and Maintenance) Manuals.
• Lead and direct the I-90 Floating Bridge crews, and perform Journey-level bridge work in routine, preventative maintenance and repairs.
• Fabricate steel and aluminum components using proper tools and techniques depending on the task assigned.
• Perform work on navigation lighting, cathodic protection, workboat moorage condition, and readiness for wind events.
• Adjust pontoon positioning cables with the use of hydraulic pumps and related equipment. Perform repairs to boater protection buoys and cables.
• Dehumidifying pontoon interiors, and other related systems.
• With a general understanding of the operation of bridge control systems, lead and support the maintenance on the bridge control system and components of which include: Water sensors, Fire systems, Facility HVAC, standby generator and related switchgear and weather stations.
• Perform routine and post event bridge inspections for both bridge integrity and pontoon condition.
• Support the Bridge Preservation Office (BPO) with mechanical and electrical inspections.
• Perform inspection of structures, which may require working at heights of 100’ and greater, and in and around marine environments, to determine type and priority of work to be performed.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Extensive Journey Level Experience: Extensive Journey level of experience in a related trade such as Construction, Steel fabrication, Carpentry, Electrician, Concrete, Mechanic or Millwright.
• Mechanical: Significant knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Building and Construction: Knowledge and understanding of structural systems such as concrete, steel, and wood which includes the application of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of bridges, or other structures such as highways and buildings.
• Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and ability to inspect equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Communication: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates. Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e‑mail.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles or watercraft.
• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Growth Mindset:Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented:Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Class A CDL, N tank endorsement, without restrictions E for no manual transmission and L for air brake restriction, or ability to get one within 6 months of employment.
• Flagging certification and completion of ASHTO Plans Reading course within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station with 60 minutes of an after-hours callout.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Experience developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Supervisory Experience:Proven experience leading and/or supervising crews, providing clear direction, and making sound decisions in stressful conditions.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. In addition, the 10% assignment pay for this job classification is included.
• 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 is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.
• 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.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

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 recruiter listed.