In the Washington State Department of Transportation, Bridge and Structures Office or Washington State Ferries:

• Performs routine bridge analysis tasks, or

• Performs advanced technical bridge engineering tasks.

As an advanced bridge technician:

• Bridge Design Section or Washington State Ferries: prepares structural plans utilizing structural detailing Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software and bridge engineer calculations. These positions differ from Bridge Engineer 3 positions in that Bridge Engineer 2’s are limited to structural detailing, with less emphasis on mentoring inexperienced structural detailers. Bridge Engineer 2’s have limited project drawing coordination and management responsibilities, and do not participate in Employee Development and Performance Plan (EDPP) evaluations of other structural detailers. They differ from the positions of Bridge Engineer 1 in that Bridge Engineer 2’s are able to produce structural drawings from bridge engineer calculations, and require less bridge engineer oversight.

• Bridge Preservation Office: serve as a co-inspector. Performs non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections on complex structural elements. Writes inspection reports (such as Bridge Inspection Report (BIR), Washington State Bridges Inventory System (WSBIS), Fracture Critical (FC), In-depth, paint, Inventory, Special Features) for complex structures. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of inspection codes, office procedures, and policies. Assists in equipment purchases. Trained in operation of state radio system, and operation of a base radio station. Trained in disaster response, and emergency inspections. Operates Under Bridge Inspection Truck (UBIT).

• These positions require little supervision.


As an engineering professional:

• Bridge Design Section, Washington State Ferries, or Bridge Preservation Office: designs and checks the design of simple transportation structures (such as one or two span concrete flat slab or prestressed girder bridges, soldier pile retaining walls), or specific portions of more complex structures; prepares detail and layout drawings and sketches; computes quantities for structural plans; performs professional engineering duties of limited scope and difficulty in the design of transportation structures. The positions differ from Bridge Engineer 3 positions in that Bridge Engineer 2’s are limited to work on simple structures or to specific portions of more complex structures, with greater emphasis on more routine functions such as preparing and checking drawings, structural analysis, and computing quantities. They differ from Bridge Engineer 1 positions in that Bridge Engineer 2’s require proficiency in the techniques of structural analysis and the capacity to acquire the full range of engineering skills. These positions require spot check supervision.

Analyzes foundation records, pier construction details, data from fathometric surveys, scour repair history, flow and flood information, and other scour related data;

Inspects existing bridges throughout the State;

Computes load carrying capacity of bridges from information taken in the field; maintains files of bridge ratings and other pertinent data;

Determines the need for repairs and maintenance and prepares reports summarizing bridge conditions and recommending necessary work;

Operates MicroGraphic Data System (GDS) software to develop complete contract plans for all bridges and structures projects using design engineer’s calculations and sketches;

Prepares drawings of structural details; prepares bridge location and layout drawings;

Performs calculations for preparation of and/or checking quantities of concrete, structural steel;

Calculates material quantities for use in preparing cost estimates; checks material quantities calculated by other engineers;

Operates computer workstation to do independent bridge geometric calculations;

Performs structural analysis and design of simple transportation structures and components of intermediate level transportation structures;

Develops preliminary plans of simple and intermediate level transportation structures;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: engineering fundamental principles in the discipline of civil, structural, mechanical or electrical; bridge design concepts; UBIT safety, operation and repair.

Ability to: utilize computers for structural analysis; calculate structural quantities; instruct and/or lead.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

For bridge technician positions:

• Two years of experience as a Bridge Engineer 1, Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3 or equivalent.

For bridge engineering professional positions:

• A Bachelor of Science degree involving major study in civil, mechanical, electrical, or structural engineering, plus one year of experience as a Bridge Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3, Transportation Engineer 1, or equivalent. Possession of an Engineer-in-Training Certificate will be substituted for education.

Equivalent education/experience.

Note: Possession of a valid driver's license may be required. Some positions may also require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), without air brakes restriction.

Revised minimum qualifications and general revision: 6-21-74
Revises code (formerly 6647), title (Formerly Assistant Bridge Engineer 1), distinguishing characteristics, and minimum qualifications: 11-13-81
Revised minimum qualifications: 3-13-92
Revised minimum qualifications: 10-15-99
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, minimum qualifications, and general revision: 11-9-01
New class code: (formerly 66410) effective July 1, 2007.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/13/2019, effective 7/1/2019.