Bridge Maintenance Specialist 3 | Two Positions (Permanent & Non-Permanent)

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 world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity WSDOT is currently seeking two Bridge Maintenance Specialist 3 professionals to fill one permanent and one non-permanent position in the Olympic Region Highway Maintenance Program. These positions perform journey-level maintenance, repair, operation, and reconstruction of the Tacoma Narrows and Thea Foss bridge systems to ensure their continued safety, reliability, and functionality. Working under the direction of the Maintenance Specialist 5, these roles are essential to preserving critical transportation infrastructure while prioritizing public and employee safety. These positions play a vital role in supporting WSDOT’s commitment to maintaining safe and reliable transportation systems through quality workmanship, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.

What to Expect You may work near high-volume, high-speed traffic, stand for extended periods, and navigate rough, steep, or uneven terrain. Some work may occur at heights or over land or water.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Bridge Maintenance Specialist 3 will:

• Perform journey-level maintenance, repair, and reconstruction of the Tacoma Narrows and Thea Foss bridges, including steel structures, bridge components, mechanical systems, railings, walkways, and other structural elements.
• Operate, inspect, and maintain specialized bridge maintenance equipment, including scaffolding, rigging systems, hoists, bridge cranes, and mobile staging platforms to safely access elevated structures and perform repairs.
• Prepare, clean, and paint bridge surfaces using specialized equipment while implementing hazardous material containment procedures, utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensuring coating quality.
• Conduct routine, preventative, and post-event bridge inspections, including assessments following earthquakes, high winds, and other emergencies, and document maintenance activities using designated tracking systems.
• Inspect, maintain, and repair electrical systems, including bridge lighting, wiring, controls, high-voltage equipment, transformers, and emergency power systems.
• Respond to bridge emergencies, traffic incidents, and severe weather events by performing emergency repairs, establishing traffic control, coordinating road and bridge closures, and conducting snow and ice removal operations.
• Support statewide bridge preservation activities by providing specialized access for inspections, assisting with emergency bridge installations, and maintaining roadways and associated infrastructure.
• Lead and train maintenance crews in the absence of the designated lead, including coordinating work assignments, providing equipment instruction, maintaining operational records, and supporting other maintenance activities as assigned.

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

• Collaborative Partnership & Customer Focus: Proven ability to build, cultivate, and sustain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance agency goals and deliver effective service outcomes.

• Safety & Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of workplace safety standards, construction industry practices, and heavy equipment operations applicable to bridge and highway maintenance and transportation infrastructure work. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of structural systems, including concrete, steel, and wood. Demonstrated knowledge of fall-protection PPE and rigging gear; proven safety record working at heights and/or in similarly high-risk environments.

• Communication: Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to convey technical and non-technical information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, ensuring mutual understanding and respect.

• Conflict Resolution: Ability to address and manage confrontational situations with composure, ensuring workplace challenges are resolved professionally and respectfully. Proficiency in de-escalation strategies to diffuse tense interactions.

• Technical & Digital Proficiency: Proficiency in operating Windows-based systems and business software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint), cloud-based platforms, virtual meeting tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams), and agency databases used for project tracking, asset management, and information systems.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are also required:

• Licensing & Certification: • Class A CDL with N endorsement, or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.

• The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.

• The ability to obtain a valid First Aid/CPR Certification within six (6) months of hire.

• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

• Ability to work at heights exceeding 25 feet over land or water.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended hours, alternate shifts, standby assignments, rotational day and night shifts, and emergency callouts as needed.

• Ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions and report to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes when called back after hours.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Maintenance and Construction Experience: Bridge, highway/roadway maintenance, and/or construction background.
• Skilled Trades Experience: Experience in ironwork, carpentry, painting, rigging, and heavy equipment operation.
• Snow and Ice Control: Experience in winter snow and ice control operations.
• Equipment Operation and Transport: Experience operating and transporting equipment.
• Traffic Control: Experience in traffic control per MUTCD, including planning, setting signs, and flagging.
• Local Area Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of the surrounding area.
• Maintenance Equipment Knowledge: Understanding of equipment utilized in bridge and highway maintenance, preservation, or construction.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

• This position is not eligible for remote work.

• The non-permanent opportunity is expected to last through June 2027.

• 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 DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.

• 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

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• 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.

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:

• 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. 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 [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32415em in the subject line.