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.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Lead Inspector will:

• 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:

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:

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

Why WSDOT

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

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

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05493e in the subject line.