Bridge Engineer 5 (In-Training)

Full Job Description

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence!

Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state.

In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a talented Bridge Engineer to help ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of Washington’s bridges.

In this role, you will support the State Local Bridge Engineer and assist local agencies with bridge engineering, inspection, and coding for the National Bridge Inventory, in alignment with federal mandates under Title 23 CFR Part 650.

Your expertise will directly contribute to WSDOT’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options for all Washington communities.

Bring your technical skills, make an impact statewide, and play a key role in maintaining the integrity of Washington’s critical transportation infrastructure.

What to Expect

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

• Assist the State Local Bridge Engineer (Delegated Program Manager) in meeting the goals of the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS).
• Assist in the quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) process of reviewing bridge letter files and bridge site visits. This position compiles background information in preparation for agency visits by reviewing bridge data and pre-filling QA/QC forms.
• Assist in the review and scoring of applications for the Federal Local Bridge Program (FLBP) grant program. This position will perform bridge site visits, and review bridge inspection reports, load ratings, scour appraisals, seismic vulnerability studies, and other technical documents.

Assist in day-to-day QA/QC activities to maintain compliance with the NBIS/NTIS.

This includes regular notifications to local agencies and follow-up communications for timely inspections and reporting of inspection data.

Position requires a clear and thorough understanding of 23 CFR 650 Subpart C (NBIS), Subpart E (NTIS), the WSDOT Bridge Inspection Manual, and the WSDOT Bridge Design Manual.

• Assist in development and delivery of training in support of the local bridge program, including the 2-week bridge inspection course, bridge inventory coding, and annual program updates.

Qualifications

This is a Bridge Engineer 5 (BE5) position.

However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level (BE4) depending on 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 BE5 level, the following competencies are required:

Technical Expertise & Structural Engineering: Applies advanced knowledge of structural engineering principles to perform bridge structural analyses, load ratings, and engineering evaluations in accordance with AASHTO and WSDOT standards.

Demonstrates proficiency in federal bridge inspection standards (23 CFR 650, NBIS/NTIS) and applies them in practical inspections and assessments.

Successfully completes or is able to obtain FHWA-approved comprehensive bridge inspection training within required timeframes.

Performs thorough field inspections in challenging environments, including working at heights, over water, in confined spaces, and over uneven terrain.

Licensure & Regulatory Compliance: Holds a Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) license and demonstrates the ability to secure Washington State licensure by comity within six months of hire.

Ensures all bridge inspection, evaluation, and reporting activities comply with federal and state regulations, including NBIS/NTIS and WSDOT policies.

Leadership & Team Management: Leads bridge or tunnel inspection teams, independently scheduling, performing, and reporting condition assessments per FHWA and WSDOT requirements.

Provides technical guidance and mentorship to engineering or inspection staff, supporting skill development and knowledge transfer.

Demonstrates initiative and accountability in taking action to meet organizational and team needs.

Collaboration & Professionalism: Contributes to a culture of respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity within the workplace.

Effectively represents the organization in interactions with internal teams, external agencies, and stakeholders.

Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and staying current with emerging bridge engineering practices.

Mobility & Practical Skills: Maintains a valid Washington State driver’s license and is able to travel statewide as needed for inspections and technical support.

Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Bridge Inspection Program Support: Demonstrates experience supporting a comprehensive bridge inspection program, contributing to planning, scheduling, and execution of inspections in alignment with federal and state standards.
• Quality Assurance & Technical Review: Applies critical thinking and attention to detail in reviewing bridge inspection reports and documentation, ensuring compliance with QA/QC standards and regulatory requirements.
• Technical Training & Knowledge Transfer: Develops and delivers technical training and guidance to engineers and inspection staff, effectively building team capability and ensuring consistent application of bridge engineering standards.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.

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.

This is a Bridge Engineer 5 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.

The base salaries for each level are: Bridge Engineer 4: $91,464 – $123,084

• Bridge Engineer 5: $100,980 – $135,840

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 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?

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:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Bridge Engineer 5 (In-Training) 05198 in the subject line.