Salary : $76,608.00 - $102,996.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 10/28/2026
Closing Date: 11/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionBridge Maintenance Engineer, Civil Engineer 3 (CE3)
Recruitment #2026-10-3855
Full-time, Non-Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)
Anticipated Non-permanent is December 2026 - June 2027
Location: Tumwater, WA Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $6,384.00 - $8,583.00 Monthly Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/4/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Under the direction of the South Puget Sound Region Engineer, you will be responsible for overseeing the region's bridge inspection and maintenance program. You will work together with heavy equipment operators, contractors, engineers, other state agencies, and external partners to plan, implement, and complete bridge replacement, removal, and maintenance projects, as well as other road maintenance projects around the region. Your experience and skills will be used to coach and mentor other engineers in the planning, surveying, designing, and contract writing phases of timber sales and public works contracts. You will frequently use your excellent verbal, writing, and active listening skills to communicate and network with agency staff at both the region and division level. This position works under the supervision of the licensed Region Engineer to gain experience towards your Professional Engineering License.
Duties Responsibilities:- Annually inspect all region bridges required under L&I and WACs and open to the public within the South Puget Sound region.
- Ensure bridge inventory, inspections, and database are current, including updating load ratings as received. Determine and maintain appropriate signage for each bridge dependent upon load rating reports.
- Maintain all bridges and culverts classified as bridges by planning, designing, determining budget estimates, and coordinating routine maintenance and/or large repairs with the Region Engineer.
- Provide engineering expertise and assistance to the region timber sales and road maintenance programs.
- Design, coordinate, permit, implement, and comply with other engineering projects, including contract preparation and administration.
- Assist with Rights of Way (ROW) road assessments and reviews.
- Coordinate the region's FEMA response.
- Act in a Project Manager role for Rock Pit Leasing.
Qualifications Required Qualifications: You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.
- A bachelor's degree in Forest or Civil Engineering or a closely related field;
OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. - Four (4) years' experience in the use of engineering principles in relation to design and construction of forest roads and bridges. Experience needs to include the completion of 5 fish-passable stream-crossing structures or designs equivalent in complexity.
- Three (3) years' experience in Public Works contracting and understanding of Washington State contracting and purchasing laws and regulations.
- Experience with site mapping and knowledge of surveying principles, including the use of topographic survey equipment.
Required Competencies: - Knowledge of and experience in surveying and surveying principles.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
- Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and ensure requests are followed.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:- The position works from an assigned duty station. Approximately 70% of the work is performed in isolated unimproved natural forestry settings. The individual must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
- Position requires approximately 50-75% of time in the field traveling alone between projects, work centers, and meetings. A portion of work requires traveling alone in the field. Occasional overnight travel may be required for training sessions.
- Registration as an Engineer-In-Training.
- Must have a current, valid driver's license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
Desired Qualifications:These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.
- WSDOT Bridge Inspection certification
- Competent in Washington Forest Practice Rules, Hydraulic Code, and DNR's State Lands Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, ArcGIS, RoadEng, and other engineering software programs, as well as Microsoft Office programs
- Registration as a Professional Forest Engineer or Civil Engineer in the State of Washington or another State based on registration requirements equivalent to those in Washington will substitute for either the education or experience requirements.
At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at
Supplemental InformationApplication Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact
- Online Application: Apply at (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
- Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the position's requirements, and explain why you're the best candidate for the job.
- Resume: Your resume should include your work history, education, volunteer experience, life skills, and any other relevant information for the position.
- References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
- Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
- Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.
Questions? Please contact Susan Shaffer at /253-691-5290 or email us at
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
