Maintenance Specialist 5

State of Washington; Renton (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in the Northwest Region seeks a Bridge Maintenance Specialist 5 to supervise a region-wide crew responsible for maintaining and repairing bridges. You will lead maintenance programs, ensure safety, and coordinate inspections and reporting.

The role involves four 10-hour shifts, travel to sites, and working near high-speed traffic and in marine environments. Telework is not available; CDL eligibility is preferred.

Qualifications

• Extensive journeyman experience in trades such as construction, steel fabrication, carpentry, electrician, concrete, or millwright.
• Mechanical knowledge of machines and tools, including repair and maintenance.
• Mathematics knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics.
• Knowledge of structural systems such as concrete, steel, and wood for bridges or structures.
• Knowledge of engineering principles; ability to inspect equipment or materials for errors or defects.
• Strong communication with supervisors, peers, and external sources.
• Ability to operate vehicles and mechanized devices.

Responsibilities

• Program, schedule, and supervise Region bridge preventative maintenance, inspections, repairs, and rehabilitation of bridges, tunnels, and other structures.
• Direct crews and prioritize bridge maintenance and repair work using Operations, Inspection, and Maintenance Manuals; cover structural and non-structural elements.
• Direct fabrication of steel and aluminum components using proper tools; coordinate with teams for specialized maintenance tasks.
• Conduct and oversee structure inspections in elevated and marine environments; prepare and maintain bridge reports and communicate emergencies.

Skills

Journeyman experience

Construction

Steel fabrication

Carpentry

Electrician

Concrete

Millwright

Machine knowledge

Math skills

Bridge construction

Engineering basics

Effective communication

Vehicle operation

CDL eligibility

Growth mindset

Service oriented

Active listening

Valid driver’s license

Organizational skills

Supervisory experience

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 dedicated leader to supervise, direct, and support a region-wide bridge maintenance crew responsible for maintaining and repairing bridges throughout the Northwest Region. This position plays a critical role in ensuring bridges remain safe, reliable, and available to the traveling public. The position provides leadership that supports effective maintenance operations while fostering a respectful, healthy, and inclusive work environment. Through this work, the position directly contributes to WSDOT’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options that strengthen communities and support economic vitality.

What to Expect

This position performs physically demanding bridge maintenance work in all weather conditions, during both daytime and nighttime hours, often near high-volume, high-speed traffic, marine environments, confined spaces, and elevated heights above 100 feet. Work includes navigating rough or uneven terrain, climbing, standing for extended periods, and maneuver or moving equipment weighing 50 pounds or more, with potential exposure to hazardous materials and other environmental hazards. The typical schedule consists of four 10-hour shifts, with required work on days, nights, weekends, and holidays; telework is not available. Frequent travel to bridge maintenance sites throughout the Northwest Region is required, along with occasional travel for training and meetings. Employees operate a variety of highway equipment, trucks, cranes, work boats, UBITs, power and hand tools, and other specialized equipment while using appropriate PPE.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this Bridge Maintenance specialist 5will:

• Program, schedule, and supervise Region bridge preventative maintenance, inspections, repairs, and rehabilitation of bridges, tunnels, and other structures.
• Direct crews and prioritize bridge maintenance and repair work using Operations, Inspection, and Maintenance Manuals, including structural and non-structural elements such as concrete decks, expansion joints, bridge rails, hatches, catwalks, timber components, and other bridge elements.
• Direct fabrication of steel and aluminum components using proper tools and techniques; coordinate with various teams for specialized maintenance tasks.
• Conduct and oversee structure inspections in elevated and marine environments to determine the type and priority of work; prepare and maintain written and monthly bridge reports and communicate emergencies and current issues.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, standards, and operational requirements, including proper use of PPE, fall protection, confined space procedures, and safe handling of hazardous substances and objects; identify opportunities for safety improvements.
• Supervise, train, coach, and evaluate employees; provide ongoing performance feedback, support professional development, assist with hiring and disciplinary actions, and maintain required training records and certifications.
• Utilize and maintain maintenance, bridge engineering, payroll, and reporting information systems; ensure accurate and timely data entry, time and leave approvals, and related records.
• Oversee safe traffic control, equipment, and tool operations, including development of plans consistent with MUTCD and WSDOT Work Zone Traffic Control Guidelines; oversee operation of trucks, UBITs, mobile cranes, TMAs, and power, air, and hand tools, and investigate equipment-related incidents and implement corrective actions.

Qualifications

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

• Extensive Journey Level Experience:Extensive journey level of experience in related trade such as construction, steel fabrication, carpentry, electrician, concrete, mechanic or millwright.
• Mechanical:Significant knowledge of machines and tools, including their design 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 bridges or other structures such as highways and buildings.
• Engineering and Technology:Knowledge of practical application of engineering science and technology this includes applying principles techniques procedures and the ability to inspect equipment structures or materials that identify the causes of errors or other problems or defects.
• Communication with Supervisors, Peers, Subordinates or People Outside the Organization:Providing information to supervisors, coworkers and subordinates. Communication 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 email.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment:

• Class A CDL, N tank endorsement without restrictions E for no manual transmission and dL for air brake restriction, or ability to get one within 6 months of employment.
• Running, maneuvering navigating or driving vehicles or mechanizing equipment such as forklifts, passenger vehicles or watercraft.

• Growth Mindset:Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented:Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above competencies, the following are also required:

• 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.
• Licensure:Valid driver's license and the ability to operate state owned vehicles.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• 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

*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.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County and additional 10% assignment pay.
• This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.
• 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 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 mayearn 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?

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

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-12572e MS5 in the subject line.