Salary : $83,835.00 - $97,207.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Mercer Island, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-NWR-10730e
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Northwest Region
Opening Date: 09/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a skilled and motivated leader to serve as the Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead on beautiful Mercer Island, WA! This is a unique opportunity to help care for one of Washington's most recognizable transportation assets, the I-90 Floating Bridge. Under the direction of a Maintenance Specialist 5, you'll provide hands-on leadership, guidance, and technical support to the I-90 Floating Bridge crew as they work to safely maintain, inspect, and repair the bridge and its maintenance facility.
In this role, your expertise and leadership will help keep this critical transportation link operating safely and reliably for the thousands of people who travel across Lake Washington each day. If you enjoy specialized maintenance work, solving complex problems, working as part of a skilled team, and taking pride in maintaining infrastructure that keeps Washington moving, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead will:

• Provide safe and effective leadership for inspection, maintenance and repair of the I-90 Floating Bridge and Maintenance Facility.
• Plan, schedule, direct, support and prioritize work of the I-90 Floating Bridge crew in safely conducting inspections, preventative maintenance, performing repairs and operation per OIMs (Operation, Inspection and Maintenance) Manuals.
• Lead and direct the I-90 Floating Bridge crews, and perform Journey-level bridge work in routine, preventative maintenance and repairs.
• Fabricate steel and aluminum components using proper tools and techniques depending on the task assigned. •
• Perform work on navigation lighting, cathodic protection, workboat moorage condition, and readiness for wind events.
• Adjust pontoon positioning cables with the use of hydraulic pumps and related equipment. Perform repairs to boater protection buoys and cables.
• Dehumidifying pontoon interiors, and other related systems.
• With a general understanding of the operation of bridge control systems, lead and support the maintenance on the bridge control system and components of which include: Water sensors, Fire systems, Facility HVAC, standby generator and related switchgear and weather stations.
• Perform routine and post event bridge inspections for both bridge integrity and pontoon condition.
• Support the Bridge Preservation Office (BPO) with mechanical and electrical inspections.
• Perform inspection of structures, which may require working at heights of 100' and greater, and in and around marine environments, to determine type and priority of work to be performed.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Extensive Journey Level Experience: Extensive Journey level of experience in a related trade such as Construction, Steel fabrication, Carpentry, Electrician, Concrete, Mechanic or Millwright.
• Mechanical: Significant knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Building and Construction: Knowledge and understanding of structural systems such as concrete, steel, and wood which includes the application of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of bridges, or other structures such as highways and buildings.
• Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and ability to inspect equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Communication: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates. Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles or watercraft.
• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Class A CDL, N tank endorsement, without restrictions E for no manual transmission and L for air brake restriction, or ability to get one within 6 months of employment.
• Flagging certification and completion of ASHTO Plans Reading course within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to respond to assigned duty station with 60 minutes of an after-hours callout.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Experience developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Supervisory Experience: Proven experience leading and/or supervising crews, providing clear direction, and making sound decisions in stressful conditions.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. In addition, the 10% assignment pay for this job classification is included.
• 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.
• 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
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit

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 of 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 Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead #10730 in the subject line.
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 Benefits
Employees 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 Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be e