Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead

State of Washington•Pierce County – Tacoma, WA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead to join the Olympic Region Maintenance team in Tacoma, WA. This leadership role involves ensuring the safe operation, preservation, and long-term reliability of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and Thea Foss Bridge. The position leads journey-level bridge maintenance employees while performing skilled maintenance, repair, inspection, and emergency response activities. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with crew leadership, focusing on maintaining significant transportation structures and supporting WSDOT's mission.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to lead Bridge Maintenance Specialists by establishing clear expectations, promoting accountability, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards, and supporting employee development through effective communication and coaching.
Proven ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external partners to achieve shared goals and deliver effective service.
Demonstrated knowledge of workplace safety standards, bridge and highway maintenance practices, heavy equipment operations, structural systems, fall-protection equipment, rigging gear, and safe work practices in high-risk environments.
Ability to communicate technical and non-technical information clearly and professionally through written, verbal, and presentation methods with diverse audiences.
Ability to professionally address challenging situations, apply de-escalation strategies, and resolve workplace conflicts respectfully.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Windows-based software, and agency databases to support project tracking, asset management, and documentation.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
Possession of an unrestricted Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.
Ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six months of hire.
Ability to obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR certification within six months of hire.
Ability to maneuver and transport various materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work at elevated heights up to 520 feet, in confined spaces, in all weather conditions, and respond to emergency callouts as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing bridge, highway, roadway, or construction maintenance activities.
Experience in iron work, carpentry, painting, rigging, and heavy equipment operation.
Experience performing snow and ice control operations.
Experience operating and transporting heavy equipment.
Experience planning and performing traffic control activities in accordance with MUTCD standards, including sign placement and flagging.
Demonstrated knowledge of the surrounding service area.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate journey-level bridge maintenance crews performing maintenance, repair, reconstruction, inspections, and electrical maintenance on the Tacoma Narrows and Thea Foss bridge systems.
Schedule work, assign crews, coordinate equipment and resources, maintain work records, prepare project estimates, monitor inventory, and support accident investigations and reporting.
Train employees on equipment operation, safety practices, bridge maintenance techniques, and public relations while promoting a culture of accountability and teamwork.
Lead and participate in Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASPs), safety meetings, traffic control planning, and ensure compliance with all applicable safety requirements and work zone standards.
Perform journey-level maintenance, structural repairs, painting, rigging, staging, preventative maintenance, and rehabilitation of bridge components, mechanical systems, and elevated structures.
Operate, inspect, and maintain specialized bridge access equipment, cranes, scaffolding, rigging systems, and other specialized equipment used to safely perform work at height.
Perform snow and ice control activities, including operating truck-mounted equipment, applying anti-icing materials, hauling maintenance materials, and maintaining stockpile locations.
Conduct routine and post-event bridge inspections, document findings, and enter maintenance activities into designated software systems.
Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair bridge electrical systems, navigation lighting, obstruction lighting, emergency generators, transformers, and related electrical equipment.
Support statewide bridge preservation efforts by providing specialized access for inspections and assisting with emergency deployment of portable Bailey Bridges.
Respond to emergency incidents including bridge strikes, storm events, traffic control operations, roadway closures, hazardous material spills, and other emergency response activities.