Salary : $66,072.00 - $108,228.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-01842
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 10/14/2026
Closing Date: 10/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionThe OpportunityWSDOT Bridge & Structures Office (BPO) is currently seeking a Bridge Engineer 3 to serve as an Under Bridge Inspection Truck (UBIT) Operator and Co-Inspector in Tumwater, WA. This position plays a critical role in supporting federally mandated bridge inspections and ensuring the safety and reliability of bridges on the state highway system. You will operate specialized inspection equipment, support close-up inspections of transportation structures, perform non-destructive testing, maintain inspection equipment, and help train other staff. At the BE3 level, you will also help lead UBIT inspection planning and serve as an experienced co-inspector.
What to ExpectThis 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.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:
- Drive and operate Under Bridge Inspection Trucks and other access equipment essential for close-up bridge inspections.
- Assist with in-service bridge inspections in accordance with federal and WSDOT requirements, using equipment and techniques such as technical rope access, UBITs, bucket trucks, scaffolding, and boats.
- Perform non-destructive testing, including ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and dye penetrant testing, on complex structures.
- Assist with inspection planning and preparation, assess bridge condition and serviceability, and identify needed repairs.
- Perform emergency response and participate in standby or on-call duty as required.
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and perform field repairs on UBITs.
- Provide formal training to less experienced staff on UBIT operations and assist with training on other inspection equipment.
- Develop schedules for UBIT inspection trips and write equipment specifications for new purchases, including UBITs and personal safety equipment.
- Schedule repairs and required maintenance for UBITs and other inspection equipment.
- Support office functions and other assignments as needed.
QualificationsThis is a Bridge Engineer 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the 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 as a Bridge Engineer 1, the following competencies are required:
- Effective Communication - Adept at verbal and written communication with team members.
- Organized Work Planning - Basic ability to prioritize and manage assigned tasks.
- Time Management - Allocate appropriate time for assigned tasks and make timely requests for assistance when needed.
- Equipment Operation - Basic ability to safely operate under-bridge inspection trucks (UBITs) or similar.
To be considered as a Bridge Engineer 2, the following competencies are required, in addition to the Bridge Engineer 1 qualifications:
- Bridge Condition Inspection Training - Successful completion of an FHWA-approved comprehensive bridge inspection training.
- Bridge Inspection - Demonstrated experience as a co-inspector on routine bridge inspections.
- Equipment Operation - Demonstrated ability to safely operate bridge inspection equipment, including mobile elevated work platforms and under-bridge inspection trucks (UBITs).
- Equipment Maintenance - Ability to perform basic driver-maintenance and troubleshooting on UBITs with guidance and some experience scheduling regular maintenance and necessary repairs.
- Completion of Aspen Ariel UBIT Operator Certification - Successful completion of Aspen Ariel course.
To be considered as a Bridge Engineer 3, the following competencies are required, in addition to the Bridge Engineer 2 qualifications:
- Bridge Inspection Training - Successful completion of an FHWA-approved NSTM training course.
- Organized Work Planning - Basic ability to coordinate logistics, equipment, and traffic control for scheduled bridge inspection trips.
- Time Management - Allocate appropriate time for planned bridge inspections, including travel and mobilization, and completion of final bridge inspection reports within 90 days of each inspection.
- Equipment Maintenance - Ability to individually perform required driver-maintenance and troubleshooting on UBITs.
In addition, the following are required at any level:
- Respectful Workplace: Actively contributes to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
- A Class A Commercial Driver's License without airbrakes restriction.
- 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 participate in standby on-call emergency response assignments.
- Ability to complete a Bridge Condition Inspection Course.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Bridge Technical Knowledge: Basic knowledge of bridge components obtained through bridge inspection or maintenance experience.
- UBIT Operation: Experience operating under-bridge inspection trucks, including bucket truck and UBIT driving experience.
- Bridge Inspection Standards: Familiarity with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), Specifications for a National Bridge Inventory (SNBI), and WSDOT Bridge Inspection Manual.
- Bridge Data Systems: Familiarity with WSDOT bridge inventory data, BridgeWorks, and WSDOT bridge elements.
- Completion of Aspen Ariel UBIT Operator Certification.
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, for this specific Bridge Engineer 3 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 is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For more information, please go to
- This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress through the Bridge Engineer field and achieve the goal class of Bridge Engineer 3. Candidates will be considered as Bridge Engineer 1, 2, or 3 level, depending on their qualifications. The salary levels for each are:
- Bridge Engineer 3: $80,496 - $108,228 Annually
- Bridge Engineer 2: $72,900 - $98,064 Annually
- Bridge Engineer 1: $66,072 - $88,788 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
How to ApplyApplications 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.
More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Re
