Bridge Engineer ; In-Training Lead Inspector

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 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.

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.

• 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.

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:

• Education- Successful completion of college level engineering coursework related to bridge engineering, such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, or mechanical engineering.
• Effective Communication- Adept at verbal and written communication with team members.
• Organized Work Planning- Basic ability to prioritize and manage assigned tasks.
• Time Management- Allocate appropriate time for assigned tasks and make timely requests for assistance when needed.

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…