Floating Bridge & Special Structures Specialist (BE7)

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! 

The Opportunity

WSDOT Bridge & Structures Office is seeking to fill a Bridge Engineer 7 vacancy located in Tumwater, WA. Serving as the statewide technical expert on floating bridges, the Floating Bridge and Special Structures Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing statewide design policy and managing floating bridge, movable bridge, and special structure design activities performed by the design staff and consultants. In this role, you will also be responsible for facilitating solutions for construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, and repair issues involving floating bridges, moveable bridges, and other special structures. This professional engineer will serve as a Senior Structural Designer/Project Coordinator on major projects and will be assigned highly specialized design assignments. Our top candidate will contribute to WSDOT's mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation by supervising designs and by providing technical expertise to support construction and preservation of highway structures contained in the WSDOT highway system.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Floating Bridge & Special Structures Specialist will:

• Perform as a Senior Structural Designer or Bridge Design Coordinator on major projects. 
• Provide complex structural design work for major projects; perform Load Ratings on complex structures; review/check structural design work and track overall Project progress for conformance to schedules. 
• Coordinate with Region engineering staff for successful project completion; coordinate with Construction Offices and/or Maintenance Staff to determine best methods for repairs to be made in the field.
• Review AASHTO Specifications and provide expert interpretation.  
• Assist in prioritizing and conveying operational needs for budget and programming purposes.
• Act as Bridge Technical Advisor (BTA) in the support of region construction projects.
• Review plans related to the designated specialty to ensure quality control and consistency of plan details.
• Initiate, prepare reviews, and coordinate needed updates and revisions to the WSDOT Bridge Design Manual and Standard Specifications.
• Manage, develop and publish the Washington State Floating Bridge Design Manual.
• Develop and implement statewide bridge design policy for floating bridges, movable bridges and special structures of major size and complexity.
• Report to the Tumwater office at least two (2) days per week.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

Technical Engineering Expertise

• Experience in bridge design, construction, inspection, load rating, and transportation structures.
• Proficiency in structural design and analysis using AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and Seismic Bridge Design standards.
• Knowledge of WSDOT Bridge Design Manual, Standard Specifications, and Special Provisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Knowledge and experience developing work plans, setting strategic direction, managing budgets, and monitoring progress toward goals.
• Competency in leading, mentoring, and developing staff while fostering high-functioning teams.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including oversight of design projects and coordination with diverse stakeholders.

• Knowledge of Civil Service Rules and related WAC’s.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations.

• Strong oral and written communication abilities, including the capacity to explain complex engineering and structural concepts in clear, accessible terms.

• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. 

• Takes action to meet the needs of others.

• A Bachelor of Science in engineering. 
• Licensed as a Structural Engineer in the state of Washington or licensed as a SE in another state with the ability to obtain a Structural Engineer license in Washington State within six (6) months of hire. 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• A Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering.
• Experience in bridge construction, bridge inspection, load rating, and/or providing structural engineering support for WSDOT Bridge Construction projects.
• Ability to communicate the complex structural analysis and design issues in simple, understandable language, both verbally and in writing.
• Working knowledge of CAD software. 
• Experience with the Design Build method of project delivery, such as developing Requests for Proposal (RFP) or Proposals. 

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This position requires a Structural Engineers License issued by the State of Washington. License holders from other states will be expected to obtain a WA State SE license within six (6) months of appointment. 
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. Occasional field visits will be required and will have associated construction site hazards.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. However, the first review of applications will be conducted December 18, 2025. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including occasional telework for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter via email.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-HQ-04788 in the subject line. 

Salary : $120,048 - $161,436