Senior Lead Bridge Inspector (BE5 In-Training)

State of Washington
State of Washington

Tumwater, WA, USA

USD 100,980-135,840 / year

Posted on Jun 12, 2026

Description

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!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a Senior Lead Bridge Inspector to join the Bridge Preservation Office in Tumwater, WA. In this role, you will help ensure the safety and reliability of Washington’s bridge infrastructure by leading federally mandated bridge inspections across the state. This position serves as a technical leader within the statewide bridge inspection program, overseeing complex inspection activities, guiding inspection teams, and supporting critical decisions that protect the traveling public. This is an opportunity for an experienced bridge inspection professional to apply advanced engineering judgment, lead field operations in challenging environments, and contribute to the long-term preservation of one of the state's most important transportation assets.

What to Expect

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).

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

  • Lead and perform bridge condition inspections in accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), and WSDOT requirements.
  • Access bridges and structures using a variety of methods including rope access techniques, under-bridge inspection trucks, bucket trucks, boats, scaffolding, and other specialized equipment.
  • Provide field leadership, oversight, and technical direction to bridge inspection team members.
  • Participate in standby emergency response assignments and assist with structural assessments following incidents or emergencies.
  • Prepare and oversee completion of bridge inspection reports, findings, recommendations, and documentation using engineering software and reporting systems.
  • Review bridge plans, inspection reports, and historical records to prepare for upcoming inspections.
  • Coordinate inspection schedules, access equipment, traffic control resources, vehicles, materials, and staffing needs.
  • Collaborate with regional staff, maintenance personnel, contractors, local agencies, and other partners to support inspection activities.
  • Support statewide bridge program management activities including inspection procedures, inspection frequencies, resource planning, and bridge preservation initiatives.
  • Serve as a statewide technical resource on bridge inspection practices, access methods, and condition assessment.

Qualifications

This is a Bridge Engineer 5 (BE5) 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 for this opportunity at the Bridge Engineer 4 level, the following competencies are required:

  • Bridge Inspection: Applies bridge inspection principles, standards, and procedures in accordance with FHWA, NBIS, and WSDOT requirements.
  • Field Inspection Operations: Conducts bridge and structural inspections using established inspection methods, access equipment, and safety practices in complex field environments.
  • Technical Documentation: Identifies, documents, and communicates structural deficiencies, inspection findings, and recommended follow-up actions through technical reports and inspection records.
  • Inspection Planning and Coordination: Coordinates inspection preparation activities including review of plans and reports, equipment readiness, traffic control coordination, field logistics, and inspection resources.
  • Technical Tools and Technology: Utilizes engineering software, inspection databases, and nondestructive testing methods to support inspection and reporting activities.
  • Collaboration: Works effectively with inspection team members, regional staff, maintenance personnel, contractors, and partner agencies to support bridge preservation and public safety objectives.
  • Judgment and Decision Making: Demonstrates sound technical judgment and independent decision-making during inspection activities and field operations.
  • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
  • Current Professional Engineer (PE) license in a state or jurisdiction recognized for Washington State licensure through comity.

In addition to the qualifications listed above, candidates considered for appointment at the Bridge Engineer 5 level must also demonstrate:

  • Advanced Bridge Inspection Leadership: Demonstrates advanced proficiency leading bridge condition inspections in accordance with FHWA, NBIS, and WSDOT standards and procedures.
  • Advanced Technical Judgment: Evaluates structural conditions, identifies deficiencies, determines inspection priorities, and supports repair or operational recommendations.
  • Inspection Program Leadership: Leads inspection planning activities including coordination of staff, equipment, access methods, traffic control resources, and inspection schedules.
  • Documentation Oversight: Oversees completion of bridge inspection reports, documentation, and inspection records utilizing engineering software and reporting systems.
  • Field Leadership: Provides field leadership, technical guidance, and decision-making support to bridge inspection team members during routine, specialized, and emergency inspection operations.
  • Bridge Preservation Expertise: Applies expertise in bridge inspection methods, access techniques, and nondestructive testing practices to support statewide bridge preservation activities.
  • Current Professional Engineer (PE) license in a state or jurisdiction recognized for Washington State licensure through comity.

In addition, the following are required at any level:

  • Bachelors Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program or documentation of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE/EIT) examination.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Ability to work at heights exceeding 100 feet, in confined spaces, over waterways, and on uneven terrain.
  • Ability to travel overnight on a frequent basis.
  • Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to complete a Bridge Condition Inspection Course

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

  • Bridge Condition Inspection Experience: Experience conducting bridge condition inspections on highway or transportation structures.

Important Notes

  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • This position is not eligible for remote work.
  • In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
  • In addition to the salary range listed, for this specific Bridge Engineer 5 position, an additional 10% assignment pay will be applied when either operating an Under-Bridge Inspection Truck (UBIT) from the bucket or while serving as back-up operator on the bridge deck for a minimum of four (4) hours per working day.
  • This position requires frequent overnight travel.
  • This position requires a Professional Engineers License issued by the State of Washington. License holders from other states will be expected to obtain a WA State PE license within six (3) months of appointment.
  • This is a Bridge Engineer 5 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. The base salaries for each level are:
    • Bridge Engineer 5: $100,980 – $135,840 Annually
    • Bridge Engineer 4: $91,464 – $123,084 Annually
  • 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 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 listed Recruiter.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-01166 in the subject line.

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