Bridge Load Rating Program Manager - Structural Engineer

Bridge Load Rating Program Manager - Structural Engineer

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Bridge Load Rating Program Manager. This position is an experienced and licensed professional structural engineer who serves as the Bridge Load Rating Program Management Engineer and Section Supervisor, responsible for administering all aspects of the Bridge Load Rating and Overweight Vehicle Permitting programs for over 5,000 bridges and other transportation structures statewide.

The role works in seamless cooperation with the Bridge Inspection Program Manager as a co‑program manager responsible for ensuring program compliance with FHWA’s Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI), maintaining structure inventory records, and submitting SNBI bridge data to FHWA annually. The work directly affects public safety and commerce, and an advanced level of professional engineering experience and judgment is required to meet program requirements.

• Administer all aspects of the Bridge Load Rating and Overweight Vehicle Permitting programs for over 5,000 bridges and other transportation structures statewide.
• Co‑manage the Bridge Inspection Program to ensure compliance with FHWA specifications and maintain accurate structure inventory records.
• Submit SNBI bridge data to the FHWA annually.
• Provide professional engineering analysis and recommendations for bridge structural issues and load rating determinations.
• Oversee and supervise a team of professionals and paraprofessionals, ensuring effective project management, planning, and organization.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program that includes civil structural engineering courses in structural analysis, steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
• Graduate degree with concentrations in structural analysis and design preferred; advanced experience with bridge load rating or LRFD Bridge Design Specs may also be considered.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration in Montana (or another state eligible for comity).
• At least 8 years of bridge‑related load rating or bridge load rating program management experience; NBIS or SNBI bridge inspection, bridge engineering analysis, or bridge design experience may also be considered.
• At least 2 years of professional level management experience.
• Proof of successful completion (minimum 70% passing score) of a Federal Highway Administration approved comprehensive NBIS bridge inspection training course and certification as an NBIS Team Leader, or completion within 6 months of hire.
• Alternative qualifications include any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.

This position requires thorough and extensive knowledge of the theory, principles, methods and techniques of Civil Engineering and the associated mathematics and physical sciences, especially the methods and practices of bridge structural analysis. It requires familiarity with industry standards and specifications, bridge design and load rating standards, bridge and tunnel inspection standards, bridge and road construction methods and policies, and industry guidelines and practices.

The role must demonstrate skills in effective team building techniques; effective written and verbal communications; organizing, directing and supervising professional and paraprofessional personnel; dealing tactfully with the public and governmental officials; and project management, planning and organizing. It also requires the ability to perform engineering analyses and apply engineering concepts, techniques and procedures to a variety of situations, evaluate structural problems, review calculations and contract documents, and draw conclusions and make recommendations based on ambiguous or conflicting information.

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low‑cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional…