Salary : $80,190.00 - $92,980.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-OR-32420e
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Olympic Region
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 7/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead to join the Olympic Region Maintenance team in Tacoma, WA. In this leadership role, you will help ensure the safe operation, preservation, and long-term reliability of the iconic Tacoma Narrows Bridge and Thea Foss Bridge. You will lead journey-level bridge maintenance employees while performing skilled maintenance, repair, inspection, and emergency response activities that directly support the safety of the traveling public and your fellow employees.

This position offers a unique opportunity to combine hands-on technical expertise with crew leadership, helping maintain some of Washington's most recognizable transportation structures. Success in this role requires a strong commitment to safety, collaboration, continuous improvement, and stewardship while supporting WSDOT's mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation.
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Lead and coordinate journey-level bridge maintenance crews performing maintenance, repair, reconstruction, inspections, and electrical maintenance on the Tacoma Narrows and Thea Foss bridge systems.
• Schedule work, assign crews, coordinate equipment and resources, maintain work records, prepare project estimates, monitor inventory, and support accident investigations and reporting.
• Train employees on equipment operation, safety practices, bridge maintenance techniques, and public relations while promoting a culture of accountability and teamwork.
• Lead and participate in Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASPs), safety meetings, traffic control planning, and ensure compliance with all applicable safety requirements and work zone standards.
• Perform journey-level maintenance, structural repairs, painting, rigging, staging, preventative maintenance, and rehabilitation of bridge components, mechanical systems, and elevated structures.
• Operate, inspect, and maintain specialized bridge access equipment, cranes, scaffolding, rigging systems, and other specialized equipment used to safely perform work at height.
• Perform snow and ice control activities, including operating truck-mounted equipment, applying anti-icing materials, hauling maintenance materials, and maintaining stockpile locations.
• Conduct routine and post-event bridge inspections, document findings, and enter maintenance activities into designated software systems.
• Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair bridge electrical systems, navigation lighting, obstruction lighting, emergency generators, transformers, and related electrical equipment.
• Support statewide bridge preservation efforts by providing specialized access for inspections and assisting with emergency deployment of portable Bailey Bridges.
• Respond to emergency incidents including bridge strikes, storm events, traffic control operations, roadway closures, hazardous material spills, and other emergency response activities.

Qualifications

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

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead Bridge Maintenance Specialists by establishing clear expectations, promoting accountability, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards, and supporting employee development through effective communication and coaching.
• Collaborative Partnership & Customer Focus: Proven ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external partners to achieve shared goals and deliver effective service.
• Safety & Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of workplace safety standards, bridge and highway maintenance practices, heavy equipment operations, structural systems, fall-protection equipment, rigging gear, and safe work practices in high-risk environments.
• Communication: Ability to communicate technical and non-technical information clearly and professionally through written, verbal, and presentation methods with diverse audiences.
• Conflict Resolution: Ability to professionally address challenging situations, apply de-escalation strategies, and resolve workplace conflicts respectfully.
• Technical & Digital Proficiency: Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Windows-based software, and agency databases to support project tracking, asset management, and documentation.
• 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:

• Possession of an unrestricted Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.
• Ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six months of hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR certification within six months of hire.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work at elevated heights up to 520 feet, in confined spaces, in all weather conditions, and respond to emergency callouts as required.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Bridge & Highway Maintenance: Experience performing bridge, highway, roadway, or construction maintenance activities.
• Specialized Maintenance Skills: Experience in iron work, carpentry, painting, rigging, and heavy equipment operation.
• Winter Operations: Experience performing snow and ice control operations.
• Equipment Operation: Experience operating and transporting heavy equipment.
• Traffic Control: Experience planning and performing traffic control activities in accordance with MUTCD standards, including sign placement and flagging.
• Local Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of the surrounding service area.

Important Notes

• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• The salary range listed includes the 10% Group C assignment pay.
• 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 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-OR-32420 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 p