Senior Lead Bridge Inspector (BE5 In-Training)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Senior Lead Bridge Inspector to join the Bridge Preservation Office in Tumwater, WA. This role is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of Washington’s bridge infrastructure by leading federally mandated bridge inspections across the state. The 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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting bridge condition inspections on highway or transportation structures.

Responsibilities

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.