Sign Bridge Assistant 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 Sign Bridge Assistant Inspector to support the preservation, safety, and reliability of bridges and related structures across the state highway system. This position performs sign bridge inspections and assists with federally mandated bridge inspections in accordance with National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), helping ensure critical transportation infrastructure remains safe and serviceable for the traveling public.

Work conditions may involve heights exceeding 100 feet, confined spaces, waterways, uneven terrain, variable weather, and technical rope access methods.

• Complete in‑service structural condition inspections of all types of sign bridge structures and lead structural condition inspections of high mast luminaires.
• Operate equipment necessary to complete inspections such as Under‑Bridge Inspection Trucks (UBIT), boats, man lifts, handheld power equipment, hand tools, and fall protection equipment.
• Operate computers and computer accessories; utilize a variety of engineering and survey software applications for defect diagnosis and reporting.
• Perform non‑destructive ultrasonic, magnetic particle and dye penetrant tests.
• Complete inspection reports in conformance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and WSDOT requirements and procedures.
• Prepare and update the sign bridge repair list and prioritize regional repair needs; maintain a monthly inspection schedule.
• Lead or assist in preliminary work prior to an inspection trip to ensure inspection team readiness.
• Serve as assistant to statewide authority on Sign Bridge and High Mast Luminaire structures.
• Maintain and update the inventory of all sign bridges statewide.
• Perform sign bridge inspection training given to engineers and technicians; perform maintenance and troubleshooting of inspection bucket truck.

Minimum (BE1) competencies required:

• Infrastructure Inspection Fundamentals: foundational knowledge of bridge, sign structure, or transportation infrastructure inspection principles and safety practices.
• Inspection Procedures and Standards: ability to learn, interpret, and apply inspection procedures, technical standards, and reporting requirements.

For BE3 competencies required:

• Bridge and Structural Inspection Leadership: experience conducting bridge, sign structure, and high mast luminaire inspections in accordance with FHWA, NBIS, and WSDOT standards and procedures.
• Structural Assessment and Technical Analysis: experience evaluating structural conditions and determining repair priorities, follow‑up actions, and operational recommendations based on inspection findings.
• Program Coordination: experience coordinating inspection schedules, resources, equipment, traffic control needs, and inspection team activities.
• Advanced Inspection Techniques: skills to apply judgment in complex inspection environments involving specialized access equipment, nondestructive testing methods, and emergency response situations.
• Technical Leadership and Guidance: experience providing guidance, instruction, and technical support to inspection staff, maintenance crews, and agency partners.
• Documentation and Records Management: skill in maintaining inspection records, inventories, repair tracking systems, and technical documentation supporting inspection programs.
• Decision Making and Safety: ability to exercise independent judgment during field operations to support public safety, worker safety, and infrastructure reliability.

At any level qualifications required:

• Growth Mindset: commitment to learning and growth.
• Service‑Oriented: takes action to meet the needs of others…