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Our client, a government agency, seeks an experienced Bridge Management Engineer for a hybrid role based in Helena, MT.

Job Overview : This position, as Bridge Management Engineer and Section Supervisor, oversees statewide Bridge Inspection and Operations for 5,000+ structures, ensuring compliance with FHWA NBIS, state, and federal laws. Responsibilities include safety inspections, load rating, maintenance, data reporting, and budget management. The role ensures public safety, maintains program standards, supervises staff, and promotes efficient resource use. Advanced engineering expertise is critical to fulfilling these duties, impacting public safety and commerce.

Responsibilities:

This position manages NBIS policies statewide, ensuring compliance with FHWA National Bridge Inspection Standards (23 CFR 650) to safeguard public safety. Responsibilities include evaluating and implementing regulatory changes, coordinating with FHWA on compliance reviews, addressing program deficiencies, and maintaining performance metrics. The role also oversees Quality Control and Assurance for the bridge inspection and load rating program.

This position plans, organizes, and directs activities of the Bridge Management Section and Units related to Bridge Inspection and Operations, ensuring safe operation of Montana’s public bridges and tunnels, requiring knowledge of structural engineering, bridge inspection, and administrative practices.

• Policy and Program Management : Establishes and updates policies, procedures, and practices to ensure safe, efficient, and effective bridge inspections and operations in compliance with NBI standards. Regularly evaluates performance and adapts practices to meet objectives. Develops and manages annual budgets, tracks expenditures, and addresses program overruns.
• Oversight and Coordination : Provides professional guidance to the Bridge Management Section, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Collaborates with Department staff, local agencies, and other bridge owners to ensure public safety and promote program objectives, including advising on bridge restrictions or closures due to unsafe conditions.
• Technical Leadership : Oversees specialized inspection contracts (e.g., underwater diving, fracture critical evaluations) and ensures proper procurement and integration of equipment and software for optimal performance. Conducts bridge data analysis to predict performance, identify projects, and justify funding needs.
• Documentation and Representation : Develops and distributes inspection criteria, standards, and policy manuals. Represents the department in national committees (e.g., AASHTO Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures) to align with uniform standards and implement necessary changes to state programs and staff training.

Structure Management System Oversight

This position oversees the operation and improvement of MDT’s Structure Management System, which manages bridge condition data to meet Federal NBI standards, support safety decisions, funding requests, and project selection. It serves diverse stakeholders, including MDT, FHWA, local agencies, and the public. Responsibilities include system performance evaluation, implementing upgrades, and ensuring effective user training.

Staff Supervision and Management

• Planning and Coordination : Establishes and revises work plans, priorities, and procedures; monitors progress through meetings and consultations; and promotes information exchange through staff meetings to support section goals.
• Staffing and Recruitment : Develops and recommends staffing plans, identifies human resource needs, and coordinates recruitment and selection activities, including establishing selection committees, reviewing criteria, and evaluating hiring recommendations.
• Performance and Training Management : Sets measurable performance standards, conducts appraisals, manages corrective actions, and ensures compliance with personnel policies. Assesses and coordinates training activities to meet staff development needs.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Physical Requirements : Engage in light lifting, walk on uneven terrain or high structures, and use safety equipment. Perform tasks requiring extended periods of sitting, occasional movement, and operation of computers and electronic devices.
• Travel and Fieldwork : Travel within the state for projects (up to 500 miles/month) and attend out-of-state conferences. Work in field and office settings near others.
• Mental and Communication Skills : Perform complex engineering analysis, interpret technical documents, and convey engineering concepts to diverse audiences. Manage stress from critical decision-making, multitask under strict deadlines, and ensure accuracy in all work.

KSAs

• Engineering Expertise : In-depth knowledge of civil engineering principles, mathematics, and physical sciences, focusing on bridge structural analysis, design, load rating, and inspection standards.
• Industry Standards : Familiar with bridge and road construction methods, policies, and industry guidelines, including relevant standards and specifications.
• Management and Supervision : Understanding of personnel management, supervision practices, and administrative concepts for effective leadership and program administration.
• Team Leadership and Communication : Skilled in team building, communication, and supervising professional and paraprofessional staff. Capable of tactfully interacting with the public and government officials.
• Project Management and Judgment : Skilled in project planning and management, applying engineering judgment to interpret design standards and produce documentation for inspections, repairs, and design projects.
• Communication and Relationship Building : Maintains communication with agencies, private entities, and the public to address needs, solve problems, and foster relationships.
• Leadership and Teamwork : Motivates and mentors team members, fostering a positive work environment and ensuring collaborative solutions.
• Initiative and Problem Solving : Proactively identifies opportunities and challenges the status quo with innovative solutions, analyzing root causes and developing creative approaches.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 will be evaluated case-by-case.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Montana. PE registration from another state eligible for Montana through Comity will be considered.
• At least 8 years of bridge-related load rating, condition inspection, engineering analysis, design, or construction experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of supervision or team lead experience.
• Proof of successful completion (minimum 70% passing score) of a FHWA-approved comprehensive bridge inspection training course, or completion within 6 months of hire.

Diversity Commitment

At HR Soul, we embrace a rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences within our workplace. We actively encourage applications from women, individuals of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, immigrants, and veterans.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

HR Soul proudly upholds its status as an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination against any employee or candidate based on various attributes, including but not limited to race (encompassing characteristics historically associated with race such as hair texture and style), color, gender (including pregnancy and related conditions), religion or belief, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, union membership, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable laws.

Inclusivity Commitment

HR Soul and its partners are fully committed to ensuring that all qualified individuals are included. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need assistance during the job application or interview process, or require accommodations to perform essential job functions, please reach out via our contact page: Contact HR Soul .

Your Rights

HR Soul is dedicated to ensuring that all applicants are aware of their rights concerning workplace discrimination, which is unlawful.

Application Agreement

By applying for this position, you authorize HR Soul to exclusively consider you as a candidate for the specified opportunity. You affirm that the information you provided about your qualifications is true and that you have not misrepresented yourself. Additionally, you agree to keep confidential any details regarding the position that you may learn from HR Soul, sharing such information only as necessary to support your application process. In exchange, HR Soul pledges to make reasonable efforts to represent you throughout the job screening and resume distribution stages.

Salary Transparency Statement

Compensation for this position (and others) at HR Soul is based on multiple factors, including:

• The candidate’s skill set, experience, and education
• Required licenses and certifications
• Geographic location of the office
• Additional business and organizational considerations

In line with local regulations, HR Soul provides a salary range that reflects a reasonable estimate of the base pay for this role in areas where salary disclosure is mandated.