Bridge Inspector Jobs in Olympia, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $75,982.00 - $88,099.00 Annually
Location : King County - Renton, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-NWR-13482e
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Northwest Region
Opening Date: 07/14/2026
Closing Date: 7/28/2026 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 world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Bridge Maintenance Specialist 2 to perform journey-level bridge maintenance, repair, and operational work on more than 1,300 bridges throughout the Northwest Region. Under the direction of a Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead or Maintenance Specialist 5, this position plays a critical role in preserving transportation infrastructure that supports safe and reliable travel. The incumbent performs skilled maintenance activities while prioritizing safety for employees, coworkers, and the traveling public. This position also helps foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that reflects WSDOT's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
What to Expect
The typical schedule is Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday, 40 hours per week, working four 10-hour shifts from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Schedule and work hours may vary based on operational needs and may include day, night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Bridge Maintenance Specialist 2 will:

• Perform journey-level maintenance, repair, and preservation work on bridges, tunnels, and related transportation structures.
• Repair and maintain structural and non-structural bridge components, including expansion joints, bridge rails, catwalks, decks, steel elements, and concrete features.
• Restore and replace timber bridge components such as caps, piles, and stringers.
• Remove logs, debris, and other obstructions from bridge piers and critical infrastructure components.
• Fabricate steel and aluminum components using appropriate tools, equipment, and construction techniques.
• Operate specialized equipment and vehicles, including cranes, Under Bridge Inspection Trucks (UBIT), Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMA), and trucks up to 80,000 pounds GVW.
• Utilize power, air, and hand tools to support maintenance, repair, and construction activities.
• Implement traffic control measures, including flagging operations, lane closures, road closures, and detours, while maintaining compliance with established safety standards and procedures.

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

• Mechanical Aptitude: Significant knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Mathematical Reasoning: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Building and Construction: Knowledge and understanding of structural systems such as concrete, steel, and wood, which includes the application of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of bridges, or other structures such as highways and buildings.
• Engineering and Technical Application: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and the ability to inspect equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Communication and Information Sharing: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Equipment and Vehicle Operation: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, or watercraft.
• External Communication and Customer Service: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, by telephone, or by e-mail.
• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• 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:

• Class A CDL, N tank endorsement, without restrictions E for no manual transmission and L for air brake restriction, or ability to get one within 6 months of employment.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work at elevated heights above land or water and from catwalks, platforms, and specialized equipment.
• Ability to work day, night, weekend, and holiday shifts as required to support operational and emergency response needs.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• The salary listed includes the legislatively approved 5% King County salary premium and the 10% Group C assignment pay.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, wind, heat, cold, and other inclement weather, during both daytime and nighttime hours. Duties are physically demanding and frequently occur adjacent to high-volume, high-speed traffic, requiring work from both stationary and moving traffic control platforms. The position requires working at ground level, in confined spaces, and at elevated heights exceeding 100 feet from catwalks, Under Bridge Inspection Trucks (UBITs), suspended platforms, and other structures over land or water. Duties require balancing, bending, twisting, reaching, and maneuvering in tight spaces on vehicles, equipment, and bridge structures. Exposure to hazardous conditions and materials may include gasoline, diesel fuel, solvents, oils, lubricants, paints, cleaners, airborne contaminants, biohazardous materials, chemical waste, and other workplace hazards.
• 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
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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

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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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 at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-13482e 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. That's 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 lo