Drawbridge Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 seeking a skilled, safety-focused leader to serve as the Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead in Seattle, WA. In this critical role, you will provide leadership and technical guidance to bridge maintenance crews responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of two of Washington's most vital movable bridges, the Montlake and Duwamish River Draw Bridges. Working under the direction of the Maintenance Specialist 5, you will help ensure these complex structures remain safe, reliable, and fully operational for both the traveling public and marine traffic that depend on them every day.

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead specialized bridge maintenance activities on navigable waterways regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard. You will oversee work performed in compliance with Title 33, Part 117 of the Code of Federal Regulations governing drawbridge operations, while promoting a strong culture of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence

Your leadership will play a key role in preserving critical transportation infrastructure and supporting the safe and efficient movement of people, goods, and vessels throughout the region. What to Expect Work is generally performed Monday-Thursday on four 10-hour shifts; however, weekends, holidays, night work, and extended hours may be required for emergency response and non-scheduled callouts. The position requires the ability to report to the duty station within 45 minutes, respond to all weather conditions, and participate in rotational night, standby, and call-back assignments.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead will: Provide safe and effective leadership for inspection, maintenance and repair of the Montlake and Duwamish River Draw bridges. Ensure the safe and reliable operation of the three movable span bridges. Plan, schedule, direct, support and prioritize work of the movable span crew in safely conducting inspections, preventative maintenance, and performing repairs.

Lead and direct movable span bridge crews, and perform Journey-level bridge work in routine, preventative maintenance and repairs. Support the Bridge Preservation Office (BPO) with mechanical and electrical inspections. Program, schedule and direct a crew covering graffiti in the NWR.

Inspect structures, which may require working at heights of 100' and greater, and in and around marine environments. Lead crew in the safe operation of all equipment and tools and implement effective traffic control planning. Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required: Extensive Journey Level Experience: Extensive Journey level of experience in a related trade such as Construction, Steel fabrication, Carpentry, Electrician, Concrete, Mechanic or Millwright.

Mechanical: Significant knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Mathematics: 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 Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and ability to inspect equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. Communication: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates.

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles or watercraft. 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.

Licensure: Valid driver's license, 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. Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required: Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more. Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and perform duties at elevated heights, above 100 feet catwalks, UBIT or suspended staging, over land or water.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Experience developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. Supervisory Experience: Proven experience leading and/or supervising crews, providing clear direction, and making sound decisions in stressful conditions. Important Notes This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

This position is not eligible for remote work. In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026. The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County and 10% Group C Assignment Pay.

To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the "Contact Us" section of this posting. 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.

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 (FMCSA). 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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity. 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 of 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 recruiter listed. Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov Please be sure to reference Bridge Maintenance Specialist Lead #11954 in the subject line.