Bridge Evaluation Engineer; Engineer

About Us

The Department of Public Works supports Nova Scotia’s 23,000 kilometres of roads and highways and 4,100 bridges. Our Structural Engineering Division is growing, and we have an opportunity for a Bridge Evaluation Engineer to join our team. You will be responsible for managing bridge evaluations to determine load‑carrying capacity, overweight special move permits, inspections of bridges, bridge rehabilitation, and project management.

Watch your projects come to life and make a lasting impact on the Provincial road network of Nova Scotia.

Reporting to the Manager of Structural Engineering and under the general supervision of the Senior Bridge Maintenance Engineer, the Bridge Evaluation Engineer evaluates and processes Overweight Special Move Permits and liaises with the District Bridge Engineer, Senior Bridge Maintenance Engineer, Vehicle Standards Engineer, Vehicle Compliance, and other Department staff.

• Evaluate existing bridge infrastructure to determine load‑carrying capacity using the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code based on configuration and condition, using plans, inspection reports, and occasional site visits/inspections to provide load postings as required for bridges owned by the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works.
• Participate in structural rehabilitation to improve load‑carrying capacity, and provide recommendations based on safety, economics, and constructability.
• Prepare and review tender documents for bridge load rating analysis and strengthening schemes.
• Procure engineering consulting services, prepare terms of reference, coordinate proposal reviews, award contracts, supervise consultants’ work, and approve payments.
• Review processes and procedures to modernize the Special Move Permit system.

A bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution and working knowledge of structural design and analysis is required. Candidates must be a current member of Engineers Nova Scotia (ENS) or be eligible to become a member.

Other requirements:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, excellent organisational skills, quick learning, and sound decision‑making skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of the Public Highways Act, the Motor Vehicle Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and related regulations (preferred).
• Knowledge of Department policies and procedures (asset).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with structural analysis software and/or finite element analysis (asset).
• Experience and knowledge of project management techniques, consultant procurement practices, tendering processes, advanced highway structure design and evaluation applications (asset).

Assessment tools may include written examinations, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks.

Work is primarily office‑based, but site visits are required in all seasons and weather conditions on busy roads or isolated construction sites.

Engineers must be licensed to practice as determined by Engineers of Nova Scotia (ENS) before being classified as an Engineer‑3.

Occasional travel throughout Nova Scotia may be required.

• Career development opportunities and ongoing training.
• An engaging workplace with forward‑thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths.

Pay Grade: PR 08-PR 15

Salary Range: $2,288.52–$3,693.39 Bi‑Weekly

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under‑represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self‑identify on your application.

Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at