Bridge Load Rating Program Manager - Structural Engineer

This position is an experienced and licensed professional structural engineer that serves as the Bridge Load Rating Program Management Engineer and Section Supervisor. It is responsible for administering all aspects of the Bridge Load Rating and Overweight Vehicle Permitting programs for over 5,000 bridges and other transportation structures in-service statewide. This role works in seamless cooperation with the Bridge Inspection Program Manager as a co-program manager to ensure program compliance with FHWA’s Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI), maintain structure inventory records, and submit SNBI bridge data to FHWA annually. The work directly affects public safety and commerce, requiring an advanced level of professional engineering experience and judgment to meet program requirements. This position reports to the Bridge Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Administer the Bridge Load Rating and Overweight Vehicle Permitting programs for over 5,000 bridges and transportation structures statewide.
• Ensure program compliance with FHWA’s Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI).
• Maintain structure inventory records and submit SNBI bridge data to FHWA annually.
• Collaborate with the Bridge Inspection Program Manager as a co-program manager.
• Apply advanced professional engineering experience and judgment to meet program requirements.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, including civil structural engineering courses in structural analysis, steel design, and reinforced concrete design. Graduate degrees with concentrations in structural analysis and design are preferred.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Montana. Candidates with PE registration in another state eligible for Montana licensure through comity will be considered.
• At least 8 years of bridge-related load rating or bridge load rating program management experience. NBIS or SNBI bridge inspection, bridge engineering analysis, or bridge design experience may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• At least 1 year of team lead or management experience.
• Proof of successful completion (minimum 70% passing score) of an FHWA-approved comprehensive NBIS bridge inspection training course and certification as an NBIS Team Leader, or successful completion and certification within 6 months of hire.
• Alternative qualifications: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.

Skills

• Thorough and extensive knowledge of civil engineering theory, principles, methods, and techniques, especially bridge structural analysis.
• Familiarity with industry standards and specifications, bridge design and load rating standards, bridge and tunnel inspection standards, bridge and road construction methods, and industry guidelines.
• Knowledge of personnel management, supervision, administrative and management concepts, and practices.
• Skill in effective team building, written and verbal communication, organizing, directing, and supervising professional and paraprofessional personnel.
• Skill in project management, planning, and organizing.
• Ability to evaluate structural problems, review calculations, and contract documents to determine proper courses of action.
• Skill in drawing conclusions and making recommendations based on ambiguous or conflicting information.

Benefits

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance.
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families.
• State retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation).
• Overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
• Benefits apply on the first day of employment.
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate.
• $5,000 sign-on bonus for the successful candidate.