| Location | Tumwater, WA |
| Salary | $66,072–$125,544 Per Year |
Bridge Engineer 4 (In-Training) - Lead Inspector
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
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
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:
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 classification series 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:
To be considered at the BE2, the following are required:
To be considered at the BE3, the following are required:
To be considered at the BE4, the following are required:
The following qualifications are also required:
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
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 classification series 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
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
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:
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.
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
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05493e 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. Thats 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 entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Which best describes your Engineer-in-Training (EIT) status?
02
Do you currently hold a Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) license?
03
If you answered Yes to the previous question, please identify the state in which you are licensed and provide your license number. If you do not currently hold a PE or SE license, please enter N/A.
04
Please select the response that best describes your highest level of completed education.
05
Please list your degree and field of study and any college level engineering coursework you have completed related to bridge engineering, such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, or mechanical engineering. If you are currently working towards a degree, please list your degree and expected graduation date. Otherwise, note N/A.
06
This position requires the ability to work at heights of 100 feet, inside confined spaces, over water ways, and/or in inclement weather. Are you able and willing to perform these essential job functions?
07
Do you have a valid drivers license?
08
Do you have the ability to obtain a valid TWIC?
09
Which best describes your knowledge or experience with bridge structural analysis?
10
Please describe your experience with bridge design, load rating, or structural analysis. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
11
Which best describes your bridge inspection experience?
12
Which best describes your experience preparing bridge inspection documentation?
13
Please select the following training/certifications you have completed:
14
Please describe your bridge inspection, bridge maintenance, or related technical experience, including your familiarity with bridge components, NBIS, SNBI, WSBIM, WSBIS, BridgeWorks, or WSDOT bridge elements. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
15
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
16
If you selected Other on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question
Employer State of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov