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 a Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead to join the Olympic Region Maintenance team in Tacoma, WA. In this leadership role, you will help ensure the safe operation, preservation, and long-term reliability of the iconic Tacoma Narrows Bridge and Thea Foss Bridge. You will lead journey-level bridge maintenance employees while performing skilled maintenance, repair, inspection, and emergency response activities that directly support the safety of the traveling public and your fellow employees.
This position offers a unique opportunity to combine hands-on technical expertise with crew leadership, helping maintain some of Washington's most recognizable transportation structures. Success in this role requires a strong commitment to safety, collaboration, continuous improvement, and stewardship while supporting WSDOT's mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:
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Lead and coordinate journey-level bridge maintenance crews performing maintenance, repair, reconstruction, inspections, and electrical maintenance on the Tacoma Narrows and Thea Foss bridge systems.
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Schedule work, assign crews, coordinate equipment and resources, maintain work records, prepare project estimates, monitor inventory, and support accident investigations and reporting.
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Train employees on equipment operation, safety practices, bridge maintenance techniques, and public relations while promoting a culture of accountability and teamwork.
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Lead and participate in Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASPs), safety meetings, traffic control planning, and ensure compliance with all applicable safety requirements and work zone standards.
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Perform journey-level maintenance, structural repairs, painting, rigging, staging, preventative maintenance, and rehabilitation of bridge components, mechanical systems, and elevated structures.
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Operate, inspect, and maintain specialized bridge access equipment, cranes, scaffolding, rigging systems, and other specialized equipment used to safely perform work at height.
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Perform snow and ice control activities, including operating truck-mounted equipment, applying anti-icing materials, hauling maintenance materials, and maintaining stockpile locations.
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Conduct routine and post-event bridge inspections, document findings, and enter maintenance activities into designated software systems.
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Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair bridge electrical systems, navigation lighting, obstruction lighting, emergency generators, transformers, and related electrical equipment.
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Support statewide bridge preservation efforts by providing specialized access for inspections and assisting with emergency deployment of portable Bailey Bridges.
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Respond to emergency incidents including bridge strikes, storm events, traffic control operations, roadway closures, hazardous material spills, and other emergency response activities.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
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Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead Bridge Maintenance Specialists by establishing clear expectations, promoting accountability, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards, and supporting employee development through effective communication and coaching.
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Collaborative Partnership & Customer Focus: Proven ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external partners to achieve shared goals and deliver effective service.
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Safety & Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of workplace safety standards, bridge and highway maintenance practices, heavy equipment operations, structural systems, fall-protection equipment, rigging gear, and safe work practices in high-risk environments.
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Communication: Ability to communicate technical and non-technical information clearly and professionally through written, verbal, and presentation methods with diverse audiences.
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Conflict Resolution: Ability to professionally address challenging situations, apply de-escalation strategies, and resolve workplace conflicts respectfully.
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Technical & Digital Proficiency: Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Windows-based software, and agency databases to support project tracking, asset management, and documentation.
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Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
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Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
The following qualifications are also required:
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Possession of an unrestricted Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with N endorsement to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.
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Ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six months of hire.
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Ability to obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR certification within six months of hire.
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Ability to maneuver and transport various materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
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Ability to work at elevated heights up to 520 feet, in confined spaces, in all weather conditions, and respond to emergency callouts as required.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
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Bridge & Highway Maintenance: Experience performing bridge, highway, roadway, or construction maintenance activities.
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Specialized Maintenance Skills: Experience in iron work, carpentry, painting, rigging, and heavy equipment operation.
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Winter Operations: Experience performing snow and ice control operations.
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Equipment Operation: Experience operating and transporting heavy equipment.
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Traffic Control: Experience planning and performing traffic control activities in accordance with MUTCD standards, including sign placement and flagging.
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Local Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of the surrounding service area.
Important Notes
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This position is not eligible for remote work.
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The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
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The salary range listed includes the 10% Group C assignment pay.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
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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.
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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:
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An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
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An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
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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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32420 in the subject line.
