Bridge Engineer ; In-Training Under Bridge Inspection Truck Operator/Co-Inspector
Listed on 2026-10-17
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Transportation
Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics
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!
TheOpportunity
WSDOT Bridge & Structures Office (BPO) is currently seeking a Bridge Engineer 3 to serve as an Under Bridge Inspection Truck (UBIT) Operator and Co-Inspector in Tumwater, WA. This position plays a critical role in supporting federally mandated bridge inspections and ensuring the safety and reliability of bridges on the state highway system. You will operate specialized inspection equipment, support close-up inspections of transportation structures, perform non-destructive testing, maintain inspection equipment, and help train other staff.
At the BE3 level, you will also help lead UBIT inspection planning and serve as an experienced co-inspector.
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.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:
- Drive and operate Under Bridge Inspection Trucks and other access equipment essential for close-up bridge inspections.
- Assist with in-service bridge inspections in accordance with federal and WSDOT requirements, using equipment and techniques such as technical rope access, UBITs, bucket trucks, scaffolding, and boats.
- Perform non-destructive testing, including ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and dye penetrant testing, on complex structures.
- Assist with inspection planning and preparation, assess bridge condition and serviceability, and identify needed repairs.
- Perform emergency response and participate in standby or on-call duty as required.
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and perform field repairs on UBITs.
- Provide formal training to less experienced staff on UBIT operations and assist with training on other inspection equipment.
- Develop schedules for UBIT inspection trips and write equipment specifications for new purchases, including UBITs and personal safety equipment.
- Schedule repairs and required maintenance for UBITs and other inspection equipment.
- Support office functions and other assignments as needed.
This is a Bridge Engineer 3 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 as a Bridge Engineer 1, the following competencies are required:
- 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.
- Equipment Operation – Basic ability to safely operate under-bridge inspection trucks (UBITs) or similar.
To be considered as a Bridge Engineer 2, the following competencies are required, in addition to the Bridge Engineer 1 qualifications:
- 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…
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