Bridge Engineer 4 (In-Training)
The Opportunity:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Bridge & Structures Office is currently hiring four (4) Bridge Engineer 4, In-Training positions in Tumwater, WA. These positions provide design and construction support for transportation structures of intermediate size and complexity.
These positions will be filled within the following areas within Bridge Design:
Bridge Design Unit - As part of this team, candidates will provide structural design work and construction support for the full range of structures in the WSDOT inventory, including bridges, retaining walls, signing and lighting support structures and buried stream crossing structures.
Bridge Projects Unit – As part of this team, candidates will design structures of minor to intermediate complexity, provide structure scoping (type, size, and location) support, create structural specifications and estimates, design bridge preliminary plans, review structure construction documentation, and act as project managers overseeing consultant structural designs.
Floating Bridge and Special Structures Unit – As part of this team, candidates will provide design and construction support primarily for the State's four floating bridges, movable bridges (including bascule, vertical lift and swing bridges) and other special structures.
The Bridge and Structures Office provides a full range of structural engineering services required to provide safe, economical and reliable structures for Washington's transportation system, which includes nearly 3,100 existing vehicular bridges and typically 18 new bridges per year.
WSDOT is known for its bridge design and bridge inspection technical expertise. Our professional staff is motivated and trained to design the optimum solutions for the highly complex and challenging projects we deliver and to preserve our large and valuable inventory of existing bridges and structures. To learn more, we invite you to visit our website: WSDOT Bridge & Structures (http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/bridge)
WSDOT offers flexible work schedules, opportunities for telework, opportunities for training and attending conferences/seminars and opportunities for advancement.
At WSDOT, we value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. To learn more, please watch the following video: Why WSDOT?
Note: This is an in-training position that offers 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 4. Candidates will be considered as a Bridge Engineer 1, 2, 3, or 4, depending on their qualifications. The salary levels for each are:
Bridge Engineer 1: $53,904 - $72,432 annually, depending on qualifications
Bridge Engineer 2: $59,436 - $79,944 annually, depending on qualifications
Bridge Engineer 3: $65,592 - $88,236 annually, depending on qualifications
Bridge Engineer 4: $72,432 - $97,392 annually, depending on qualifications
This position will perform the following work:
- This position will require intermittent, infrequent, in-state travel.
- Perform detailed structural analysis and design for all types of bridges and structures with assistance on the most complex bridges. This includes performing the entire range of technical bridge engineering functions such as:
- Structural calculations using a computer and other methods to determine geometrics, member sizes and construction details.
- Preparing complex detail and layout drawings and sketches.
- Constant updating of knowledge to assure compliance of design with construction codes and current practice and suggesting improvements.
- Serving as a mentor to new engineers in the Bridge Design section.
- Calculating and checking quantities used in job cost estimates and scope estimates.
- Managing complex projects including resources and scheduling of other engineers and detailers to produce accurate bridge plans on schedule.
- Reviewing structural designs prepared by consultants and peers; acting as technical coordinator/contact for consultant designs, studies, and other types of analysis.
- Reviewing design work for constructability.
- Acting as a representative of the Bridge and Structures Office on projects of various sizes.
- Acting as Bridge Technical Advisor communicating directly with the project engineer and construction support office for questions and problems arising during contract execution of intermediate to major structures.
- Developing and checking preliminary bridge and structure plans.
- Other duties as assigned.
The qualifications for the Bridge Engineer 1 level are:
- A Bachelor of Science degree (or higher) involving major study in civil, mechanical, or structural engineering including at least 27 quarter hours or 18 semester hours of junior, senior or post-graduate structural course work (engineering analysis or design).
- Possession of a valid driver's license.
The qualifications for the Bridge Engineer 2 level are:
- All of the requirements of the Bridge Engineer 1 level plus:
- Successful completion of the FE Exam (E.I.T. status)
- 12 months of bridge design experience.
The qualifications for the Bridge Engineer 3 level are:
- All of the requirements of the Bridge Engineer 1 level plus:
- Successful completion of the FE Exam (E.I.T. status)
- Minimum of 30 months of applicable work experience, which shall include a minimum of 12 months of bridge design experience, while the remaining 18 months can be made up of a combination of specifications & estimate, construction support, preliminary plan, construction inspection, or bridge condition inspection or load rating experience.
The qualifications for the Bridge Engineer 4 level are:
- All of the requirements of the Bridge Engineer 1 level plus:
- Minimum of 48 months of applicable work experience, as outlined in the Bridge Engineer 3 qualifications above. Should also include experience with the Design Build method of project delivery, and project management or leadership experience.
- Licensure in Washington State as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering.
Ideal candidates for this position will also have the following preferred qualifications:
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel programs.
- Proficiency in structural design and analysis, including Finite Element Analysis, live load analysis, deep foundation and seismic analysis.
- Experience with design and/or project management of civil projects.
- Working knowledge of CAD software.
- Experience in construction and/or inspection of transportation structures.
- Experience in developing Requests for Proposal (RFP) or developing proposals in response to an RFP for bridge projects of intermediate to major size and complexity.
- Experience with AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design.
- Experience with the WSDOT Bridge Design Manual, Standard Specifications and Special Provisions.
How to apply:
To be considered for this position, please attach the following to your online application:
- A chronological Resume outlining your experience to date;
- A Cover Letter detailing your qualifications, and why you believe you are the best person for this role, and
- A minimum of three (3) professional references who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.
Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Erik Lunke at lunkee@wsdot.wa.gov. Please reference recruitment number 19DOT-HQ-01168.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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. For more information, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/.