Senior Lead Bridge Inspector; BEIn-Training

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!

WSDOT is seeking a Senior Lead Bridge Inspector to join the Bridge Preservation Office in Tumwater, WA. In this role, you will help ensure the safety and reliability of Washington’s bridge infrastructure by leading federally mandated bridge inspections across the state. This position serves as a technical leader within the statewide bridge inspection program, overseeing complex inspection activities, guiding inspection teams, and supporting critical decisions that protect the traveling public.

This is an opportunity for an experienced bridge inspection professional to apply advanced engineering judgment, lead field operations in challenging environments, and contribute to the long‑term preservation of one of the state’s most important transportation assets.

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).

• Lead and perform bridge condition inspections in accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), and WSDOT requirements.
• Access bridges and structures using a variety of methods including rope access techniques, under‑bridge inspection trucks, bucket trucks, boats, scaffolding, and other specialized equipment.
• Provide field leadership, oversight, and technical direction to bridge inspection team members.
• Participate in standby emergency response assignments and assist with structural assessments following incidents or emergencies.
• Prepare and oversee completion of bridge inspection reports, findings, recommendations, and documentation using engineering software and reporting systems.
• Review bridge plans, inspection reports, and historical records to prepare for upcoming inspections.
• Coordinate inspection schedules, access equipment, traffic control resources, vehicles, materials, and staffing needs.
• Collaborate with regional staff, maintenance personnel, contractors, local agencies, and other partners to support inspection activities.
• Support statewide bridge program management activities including inspection procedures, inspection frequencies, resource planning, and bridge preservation initiatives.
• Serve as a statewide technical resource on bridge inspection practices, access methods, and condition assessment.

• Bridge Inspection: Applies bridge inspection principles, standards, and procedures in accordance with FHWA, NBIS, and WSDOT requirements.
• Field Inspection Operations: Conducts bridge and structural inspections using established inspection methods, access equipment, and safety practices in complex field environments.
• Technical Documentation: Identifies, documents, and communicates structural deficiencies, inspection findings, and recommended follow‑up actions through technical reports and inspection records.
• Inspection Planning and Coordination: Coordinates inspection preparation activities including review of plans and reports, equipment readiness, traffic control coordination, field logistics, and inspection resources.
• Technical Tools and Technology: Utilizes engineering software, inspection databases, and nondestructive testing methods to support inspection and reporting activities.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with inspection team members, regional staff, maintenance personnel, contractors, and partner agencies to support bridge preservation and public safety…