Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead - Tacoma Narrows Bridge

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead to provide direction and guidance to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (TNB) crew. Operating a wide variety of bridge maintenance equipment and tools, this position is responsible for leading and performing journey-level work in the maintenance, repair, operation, and reconstruction of the Tacoma Narrows and Thea Foss bridges in a condition as near as possible to the condition of its initial construction or subsequent improvement, and to provide critical support to the safe operation of the agency's bridges. This position would have public safety and the safety of fellow employees as a high priority and must be considered in every decision and activity.

This position directly supports the agency strategic plan and goal areas of 1) Workforce Development, by leading a workplace that supports and promotes training and development for professional growth and upward mobility; 2) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, by creating, influencing, and fostering a physically and psychologically safe workplace where all employees feel that they belong; and 3) Resilience, by ensuring, through adherence to WSDOT policies, that the maintenance and preservation of assigned roadways and assets are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards to support Washington's long-term resilience.

What to Expect

This position is required to perform work that is often physical in nature, primarily outdoors and often next to high-volume, high-speed traffic. Work performed may be at elevated heights, above 100 feet over land or water. Weekends and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled or call-out emergencies; work alternate, emergency shifts as assigned, as well as respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, alone or a part of a team as needed. Rotational nightshift is required for this position.

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

• Lead Bridge Maintenance Specialists in the journey-level maintenance, repair, and reconstruction work on bridges and structures; in the periodic and post-earthquake bridge inspections; and in the maintenance and repair of assigned bridges' electrical equipment and circuitry.

• Oversee numerous work operations to ensure efficiencies are followed; assure adherence to safety rules and precautions by assigned personnel.

• Build work schedules and assign crew members to the work; communicate work status to supervisor; train personnel in equipment usage, safety, highway maintenance, and public relations.

• Maintain and submit daily records and reports of maintenance activities; enter all activities into computerized systems.

• Inspect and repair steel structures and mountings; perform maintenance, mechanical, and structural repairs on elevated structures on an ongoing basis and in emergencies.

• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment to prepare and paint bridge surfaces in a specified manner.

• Access the bridge to periodically inspect components and enter work efforts as prescribed.

• Inspect, maintain, and replace electrical equipment in circuity.

Qualifications

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

• Two (2) years of experience as a Bridge Maintenance Specialist 3.

OR

• One (1) year of experience as a Highway Maintenance Worker 3.

OR

• Four (4) years of experience in bridge painting, rigging or in the erection or maintenance of structural steel on high bridges, buildings, towers, or dams.

OR

• Equivalent education/experience.

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

• Skilled in the use of radio communication equipment, computers, phones, and other electronic equipment.

• Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State; or obtain within six (6) months of hire.

• Possession of a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card with experience performing traffic control per MUTCD including planning, setting signs and cones or barrels, and flagging; or obtain within six (6) months of hire.

• Welder skills, heat straightening skills, use of oxygen-acetylene cutting/heating torches, as well as a working knowledge of bridge structure forces and dynamics.

• Experience using computers, iPads, and Microsoft Office Products.

• Experience in working independently and prioritizing workload, with the ability to handle multiple assignments.

• Ability to transport, move, lift, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.

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

• Ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• High school graduation or possession of a GED certificate.

• Possession of an unrestricted Class A CDL with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.

• Two (2) years of experience operating and performing preventative maintenance with vehicles 15,000 GVW or greater.

• Experience leading and/or supervising crews, providing clear direction, and making good decisions in stressful conditions.

• Experience reading and understanding bridge construction plans for trouble shooting, to include Electrical, Mechanical, and Hydraulic systems.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of structural systems such as concrete, steel, and wood.

• Proficient in operating Windows based computers and software, such as MS Office Suite; virtual meeting software, such as MS Teams; and Cloud computing.

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 10% assignment pay for Bridge Maintenance Lead roles based in Pierce County.

• Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis. Overnight travel may be required.

• 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 subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing. 

• 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.

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 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, Alyssa Nastasi, at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-OR-32420e in the subject line.