Bridge Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $21.39 - $30.08 Hourly
Location : St. Ignace, MI
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: 5901-25-MBA-46-BW-Seasonal-CT
Department: Transportation
Opening Date: 06/05/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: MICHIGAN STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (MSEA)
Job Description
Perform general bridge painting and maintenance on the Mackinac Bridge and routine building and grounds maintenance on Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) buildings/grounds following all safety regulations. Assist shift leaders with escorting vehicles over the bridge.
Operate a motor vehicle or vehicle/trailer combination with a Gross Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more (e.g., hauling heavy loads in a semi-truck, dump trucks, blast trucks, vacuum trucks, long lowboy trailer) when performing work on the bridge or when escorting vehicles or vehicle/trailers over the Mackinac Bridge.
The "Salary" listed above is a range that reflects the minimum rate at the entry (6) level through the maximum rate at the experienced (E8) level. Based on education and experience, candidates will be reviewed to determine what level they are qualified for.
For additional information, please see the links below:
For information on benefits, visit or
The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
Required Education and Experience
Education
Educational level typically acquired through completion of high school.
Experience
Bridge Worker 6
No specific type or amount is required.
Bridge Worker 7
One year of experience in bridge maintenance work or as a semi-skilled worker in bridge or industrial construction, including the operation of such equipment as cranes, pneumatic tools, air compressors, and concrete mixers equivalent to a Bridge Worker 6.
Bridge Worker E8
Two years of experience in bridge maintenance work or as a semi-skilled worker in bridge or industrial construction, including the operation of such equipment as cranes, pneumatic tools, air compressors, and concrete mixers equivalent to a Bridge Worker, including one year equivalent to a Bridge Worker 7.
Alternate Education and Experience
Alternate Education and Experience
Bridge Worker E8
One year of experience equivalent to a Steeplejack 8 in the Michigan Department of Transportation may be substituted for the experience requirement.
Additional Requirements and Information
To be considered for this position you must:

• Possess a Commercial Learner's Permit at the time of hire. Continuing employment requires possession of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) group A with an N or X endorsement and not air brake restrictions which be obtained within twelve months from the date of hire.

View the job specification at:
All newly hired state employees are required to submit and pass a pre-employment drug test and physical (if applicable) prior to their actual appointment. Criminal and driving records will also be checked if applicable. Any position offer will be conditional until results of the drug test, physical, criminal background, and driving records indicate eligibility for employment.
The department reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process including, but not limited to, responses to application questions and responses to interview questions or exercises.
If you have questions related to this posting, please contact Camryn Nauta at
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:
Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state's military and veterans; rebuild our state's infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.
Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees' annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.
Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state's contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.
Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.
Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.
Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.
Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.
Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.
Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.
Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Please view Student Loan Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.
Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.
Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.
Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park-just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan's affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.
Updated: 2/28/24
01
Your eligibility for this position is based solely upon the information provided in your application, resume, transcripts, cover letter, and other attachments. Provide accurate dates of employment and extensive detail of your job duties in your application.Responses to the questions below must match what is on your application and are used for screening purposes.Have you read and understand the process for submission and use of your application materials?

• Yes
• No

02
In accordance with federal law, all new employees must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States within three business days of beginning employment.Can you, after employment, submit proof of your legal right to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

03
BRDGWKR - Do you possess at least an educational level typically acquired through the completion of high school?

• Yes
• No

04
BRDGWKR - Please select your level of experience.

• None
• At least one year of experience in bridge maintenance or in bridge or industrial construction, including the operation of such equipment as cranes, pneumatic tools, air compressors, and concrete mixers equivalent to a Bridge Worker 6.
• At least, two years of experience in bridge maintenance or in bridge or industrial construction, including the operation of such equipment as cranes, pneumatic tools, air compressors, and concrete mixers equivalent to a Bridge Worker, including one year equivalent to a Bridge Worker 7.
• At least, one year of experience equivalent to a Steeplejack 8 in the Michigan Department of Transportation
• At least three years of experience in bridge maintenance work equivalent to a Bridge Worker.

05
Do you possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or Commercial Learner's Permit?

• Yes
• No

06
Do you possess a Group A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a "N" or "X" endorsement and no air brake restrictions?

• Yes
• No

07
If you do not possess a CDL or Commercial Learner's Permit, are you willing and able to obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit prior to being hired into this position?

• Yes
• No
• I already possess a CDL or Commercial Learner's Permit

08
Are you a current Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) employee?

• Yes
• No

09
Are you a current State of Michigan employee? State employees work for one of the departments that make up the government of the State of Michigan (e.g., Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), etc.).

• Yes
• No

10
How many years of experience do you have as a laborer assisting in the construction, electrical, or mechanical trades? If you have this experience, please ensure it is documented in detail in the work experience and/or skills section of your application and/or resume otherwise your application may be screened out of this hiring process.

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1-3 years
• 3-5 years
• 5 or more years

11
How many years of experience do you have in assisting in or performing painting and/or sandblasting of structural steel? If you have this experience, please ensure it is documented in detail in the work experience and/or skills section of your application and/or resume otherwise your application may be screened out of this hiring process.

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1-3 years
• 3-5 years
• 5 or more years

12
Do you have any fear of heights or confined spaces?

• Yes
• No

13
MDOT - Where did you hear about this job? (Check all that apply)

• State of Michigan Website/NEOGOV or Governmentjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• College/University Career Services Office or website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Indeed
• Career Search Engine (i.e. Monster, Careerbuilder)
• Michigan Works! Agency
• Career Fair
• GovDelivery
• Billboard
• Employee Referral
• Veterans Organization
• Government Jobs
• Diversity Jobs
• recruitics
• ZipRecruiter
• Other

14
MDOT - Have you participated in any of the following MDOT Workforce Programs?

• M...