What are the responsibilities and job description for the State Local Bridge Engineer (BE6) position at State of Washington?
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 is seeking a skilled professional Bridge Engineer 6 in Olympia, WA. In this critical role, you will serve as the State Local Bridge Engineer, providing leadership and oversight for Washington State’s local bridge program. You will oversee the qualifications, certification, and performance of approximately 250 local agency and consultant bridge personnel, ensuring strict compliance with federal regulations while promoting safety, innovation, and excellence in bridge management. This role is ideal for a highly skilled engineer who thrives on technical leadership, collaboration, and making a statewide impact on infrastructure safety.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the State Local Bridge Engineer will:
- Manage a program of quality assurance project inspections for all local agency owned bridges eligible for replacement, rehabilitation, or preventative maintenance funding through the federal highway program.
- Inspect existing bridges with regard to their condition, capacities, and necessary repairs.
- Serve as a technical advisor responsible for correct coding and for the initial scope of work used to determine project cost estimates used by Local Programs Management for programming the local share of federal funds set aside for the Local Agency Bridge Program.
- Presents all the projects to the Bridge Advisory Committee (BAC) for recommendation for funding.
- Provide oversight and technical assistance to ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations in bridge support for all local agencies statewide.
- Supervise and review in-service bridge inspection work performed by Washington State Local Agency Bridge Inspectors and consultants in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS).
- Disseminate the lists to bridge owners to assist in their scheduling, coordination of resources, and verification of the adequate completion of routine, fracture critical, underwater, and complex structure inspections.
- Review and approve all local agency bridge inspections or delegate the review duties to qualified local agency Bridge Program Managers.
- Supervise the collection and approval of statewide local agency bridge inventory data for inclusion in the NBIS mandated Washington State Bridge Inventory System (WSBIS) and serves as the statewide specialist for local agency bridge inventory information.
- Serve as the State Local Bridge Engineer, providing leadership and oversight for Washington State’s local bridge program
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Professional Engineering Expertise: Licensed as a Professional Engineer in Washington State, demonstrating the technical knowledge, judgment, and accountability required to practice at an advanced engineering level.
- Advanced Bridge Engineering Competency: Proven ability to apply advanced engineering principles, methods, and techniques to bridge design, evaluation, and problem-solving, typically developed through progressive experience at a senior engineering level.
- Bridge Inspection Certification: Certified as a Bridge Inspector in Washington State, demonstrating proficiency in conducting inspections, evaluating structural conditions, and ensuring compliance with federal and state standards.
- Respectful Workplace: Demonstrated ability to contribute to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Registered as a Professional Engineer in the branch of Structural Engineering in the State of Washington
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
- Must be able to travel to various facilities (indoor and outdoor) with training supplies and materials throughout Washington State.
- Must be able to travel to various bridge locations with inspection equipment throughout Washington State.
- 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.
- 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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
- 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. This information can 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 recruiter listed.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference State Local Bridge Engineer #01223 in the subject line.
Salary : $111,504 - $149,904
