Salary : $66,072.00 - $125,544.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-05493e
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 09/14/2026
Closing Date: 10/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSDOT Bridge & Structures office is currently seeking a Lead Inspector to fill a Bridge Engineer 4 (In-Training) vacancy located in Tumwater, WA. As a member of the Bridge Preservation Office (BPO), this position will serve as a Lead Inspector and will be responsible for conducting federally mandated bridge inspections throughout the State. National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) dictate the scope and requirements of a bridge inspection program, which is the basic mission that the Bridge Preservation Office is required to carry out. The Lead Inspector will be responsible for conducting in-service bridge inspections in conformance with FHWA and WSDOT requirements and procedures. This is an in-training position and allows candidates to be considered at either the Bridge Engineer 1, 2, 3 or 4 level depending on professional experience. This position supports WSDOT's mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation by ensuring the safety and reliability of the bridges on the state highway system.
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). Frequent overnight travel is an important part of the role.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Lead Inspector will:

• Complete in-service bridge inspections in conformance with Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) and WSDOT requirements and procedures.
• Access of structures using a variety of techniques and access equipment, including but not limited to, Technical Rope Access, operating an Under Bridge Inspection Truck (UBIT), Man Lifts, Bucket Trucks, Scaffolding, Boats, or other equipment as needed.
• Complete inspection reports in conformance with FHWA and WSDOT requirements and procedures.
• Utilize a variety of software programs and operate computers and computer accessories.
• Be responsible for preliminary work prior to inspections, such as reviewing bridge reports and files, preparing inspection packets, and coordinating with outside agencies and WSDOT personnel.
• Develop bridge inspection requirements and planning tools.

Qualifications

This is a Bridge Engineer 4 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 at the BE1, the following are required:

• Education - Successful completion of college level engineering coursework related to bridge engineering, such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, or mechanical engineering.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.

To be considered at the BE2, the following are required:

• BE1 Requirements
• 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).
• Bridge Structural Analysis: Working knowledge of bridge design, load rating, or related structural analysis.

To be considered at the BE3, the following are required:

• BE1 and BE2 Requirements
• Bridge Inspection Training: Successful completion of an FHWA-approved NSTM training course.
• Bridge Inspection: Demonstrated experience as a co-inspector on multiple bridge inspection types (routine, NSTM, and complex feature) and ability to accurately identify and record defects for all common span and material types.
• Technical Writing: Ability to write draft bridge inspection reports with appropriate inclusion of supplemental documentation, such as photographs and sketches.
• Bridge Structural Analysis: Completion of one simple-span concrete bridge design or load rating under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer.
• Organized Work Planning: Basic ability to coordinate logistics, equipment, and traffic control for scheduled bridge inspection trips under the guidance of a Team Leader.

To be considered at the BE4, the following are required:

• BE1, BE2, and BE3 Requirements
• Professional Engineer: Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil engineering or Structural Engineer (SE) license in the State of Washington or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment through comity.
• Bridge Inspection Training: Successful completion of an FHWA-approved Stream Stability and Scour course.
• Certified Team Leader: Current certification as a Team Leader for bridge inspection in accordance with NBIS.
• Bridge Inspection: Independently perform the duties of a Team Leader for routine and NSTM bridge inspections, including all common span and material types and effectively participate in multi-team inspections under supervision of a Senior Team Leader.
• Technical Writing: Ability to write clear and accurate bridge inspection reports in accordance with WSDOT policies and procedures.
• Engineering Judgement: Demonstrated ability to apply engineering judgement to evaluate inspection findings, propose repair or preservation actions, and elevate complex issues to a senior engineer.
• Organized Work Planning: Ability to independently coordinate logistics, equipment, and traffic control for scheduled bridge inspection trips and provide direction to an assigned co-inspector to complete these activities.
• 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.

The following qualifications are also required:

• Valid, unrestricted, Washington State Driver's License.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Engineer-in-Training: Successfully passed the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam or ability to complete within 1 year of appointment.
• 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.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• Technical Experience: Basic knowledge of bridge components obtained through bridge inspection or maintenance experience.
• Technical Professional Knowledge: Familiarity with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), Specifications for a National Bridge Inventory (SNBI), and WSDOT Bridge Inspection Manual (WSBIM).
• Bridge Data: Familiarity with WSDOT Bridge Inventory System (WSBIS), the reporting application BridgeWorks, and WSDOT bridge elements.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to the salary range listed, for this specific Bridge Engineer 4 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 is a Bridge Engineer 4 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. The base salaries for each level are:
  • Bridge Engineer 4: $93,288 - $125,544 Annually
  • 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.

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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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.
Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05493e in the subject line.
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