Co-Inspector - Bridge Engineer 3 In-training

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! 
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT Bridge & Structures office is currently seeking an engineering inspector to fill a Bridge Engineer 3 vacancy located in Tumwater, WA. This position serves as the Co-Inspector and backup UBIT driver. As a co-inspector, this position will be responsible for assisting in federally mandated bridge inspections. NBIS standards dictate the scope and requirements of a bridge inspection program, which the bridge preservation office is required to carry out. It is expected that this position will be split between a Co-Inspector and Back-Up UBIT Driver, with the time spent as a Co-Inspector at 80%, and the time spent as a Back-Up UBIT Driver at 20%. The Co-Inspector will be responsible for assisting in the completion of in-service bridge inspections in conformance with FHWA and WSDOT requirements and procedures. This work requires the access of structures using a variety of techniques and access equipment, including but not limited to, Technical Rope Access, UBIT’s, Bucket Trucks, Scaffolding, Boats, or other equipment as needed. This opportunity allows for candidates to be considered at either the Bridge Engineer 1, 2 or 3 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 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).
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Co-Inspector/Backup UBIT Driver will:

• Perform non-destructive ultrasonic, magnetic particle and dye penetrant tests on complex structures.
• Perform stand by on-call emergency response up to 4 weeks a year, or as required.
• Be responsible for the completion of the inspection reports, under the supervision of a Lead Inspector, in conformance with FHWA and WSDOT requirements and procedures.
• Utilize a variety of software programs and operate computers and computer accessories.
• Assist with, or conduct as assigned, preliminary work prior to an inspection trip to ensure inspection team readiness.
• Perform as an integral part of the Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Program, developing bridge inspection requirements and planning tools. 
• Drive, operate and maintain an Under Bridge Inspection Truck as part of a bridge inspection crew. Operate equipment necessary to complete inspections (i.e., UBITs, boats, man lifts, handheld power equipment).
• Utilize NDT techniques such as UT, Mag-Particle and Dye-Penetrant to identify structural deficiencies.
• Coordinate the inspection and reporting of Local Agency bridge inspections. Drive the UBIT to support Local Agency Inspections and WSDOT region Bridge Maintenance repair work.

 
Qualifications
This is a Bridge Engineer 3 (BE3) position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level (BE2 or BE1) depending on 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 Bridge Engineer 1, the following are required:

• High school diploma.
• A valid unrestricted Washington State Driver’s License.
• Class A CDL without airbrake restriction. 
• The ability to obtain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
• The ability to complete a Bridge Condition Inspection Course. 

 
To be considered at the Bridge Engineer 2, the following are required:

• BE1 Requirements.
• Bridge Condition Inspection Training Course (two-week course).
• 36 months of bridge inspection experience.
• Class A CDL without airbrake restriction. 

To be considered at the Bridge Engineer 3, the following are required:

• BE2 Requirements.
• 60 months of bridge inspection experience.
• Class A CDL without airbrake restriction. 

 
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Completion of a Bridge Condition Inspection Course – FHWA 130055. 
• Completion of Aspen Aerial UBIT Operator Certification. 
• Experience operating an Under Bridge Inspection Truck with 40 hours of bucket operation and 80 hours of driver operation.
• Associate’s degree.

*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 requires frequent overnight travel.
• This is an in-training positions that offer 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 a Bridge Engineer 3. Candidates will be considered as a Bridge Engineer 1, 2 or 3 level, depending on their qualifications. The salary levels for each are:
  • Bridge Engineer 1: $59,616 - $80,112 annually, depending on qualifications
  • Bridge Engineer 2: $65,748 - $88,416 annually, depending on qualifications
  • Bridge Engineer 3: $72,552 - $97,596 annually, depending on qualifications
• 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• 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 www.uscis.gov.

 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 State Benefits for more information.

 
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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. NOTE: This information may 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.
 
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter via email.
 
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-00255 in the subject line.