Bridge Maintenance Specialist

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range:

$32.94 - $40.22 Hourly

Department:

Department of Community Services (DCS)

Job Type:

Regular Represented

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

June 06, 2026

The Opportunity:

*Only apply for this position once. If you are interested, please apply without delay! This recruitment will close once we've reached 150 applications or the closing date, whichever comes first.*

 

OVERVIEW

The Transportation Division of the Department of Community Services at Multnomah County is seeking an experienced Journey-levelBridge Maintenance Specialist to ensure the safety and longevity of the county’s iconic bridges. 

In this role, you will maintain a variety of steel and concrete bridge structures through hands-on repair and seasonal emergency response. This work includes, but is not limited to:

• Performing repairs and routine maintenance

• Completing inspections

• Making modifications and improvements

• Removing snow and de-icing roadways, sidewalks and stairs

The Multnomah County Bridge team manages and maintains six Willamette River bridges and over 20 smaller bridges located within the county’s boundaries. The primary goals of the division are to provide safe transportation facilities for the public (river traffic, car, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic), to protect the public investment by preserving historic bridges and to help plan for the transportation needs of the population of the metropolitan area, which is projected to be more than 2.8 million people by 2030. The team is divided into three work groups, each with a unique function:  Engineering, Operations, and Maintenance. For more information on Multnomah County’s bridges, check out this video series.

The Bridge Maintenance Specialist works on operation machinery, gears, bearings, brakes, hydraulic systems, expansion joints, decks, rails and all bridge operation systems. The incumbent performs strenuous manual labor either individually or as a member of a team, climbing ladders, walking up and down stairs, kneeling and lifting up to 100lbs. The successful candidate will have the ability to perform all the essential functions of the position in all weather conditions, in heavy traffic conditions, and at heights up to 160 feet.

Essential functions include the following:

• Performing maintenance and repairs using hand and power tools and equipment to work with metal, wood, concrete, pipes, cables, etc. Tools/equipment used include: wrenches, pipe cutters, trowels, tape measures, grease guns, chain hoists, stationary cranes, grinders, air tools, various saws, tube benders, coping machine, drills, generators, weed eaters, chipping guns, iron worker, torches, pressure washers, winches, concrete mixers, sand blasters, AC/DC welders, torches and plasma cutter. 

• Replace sidewalks, concrete walls, assorted steel railing, repair bridge joints, cribbing and jacking of structures.

• Assist with design of bridge improvements, fabricate and install catwalks, scaffolding and handrails to OSHA safety standards. 

• Performance of these tasks requires the ability to read, understand and calculate material lists off blueprints.

• Performing preventive maintenance such as greasing, lubricating, painting, power washing.

• Operating equipment such as flusher trucks, loaders, truck mounted cranes, ten yard and dump truck, skid steer loader, backhoe, dozer, excavator, inspection boat, bucket trucks, snooper truck, aerial work platform, spider basket, and hydro platform.

• Maintaining traffic control with appropriate equipment.

• This job requires a knowledge of and the use of personal fall protection practices and procedures, rigging techniques, ropes and pulleys for raising and lowering tools and materials to the tops of bridges and down under bridges.

• Working over traffic (boats, cars, pedestrians, cyclists).

• Respond to emergencies.

• Winter operations include: Plowing, sanding, shoveling snow, using walk behind snow blowers and applying Ice-melt to the lift spans, roadways, sidewalks and stairs 

• This position is considered “Essential” and will require the candidate to report to work in all weather conditions.

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What We Can Offer You

The Department of Community Services (DCS) comprises unique and essential government services, including Elections, Land Use Planning, Animal Services and Transportation.

The common mission of these diverse lines of business is articulated in this simple statement: Inclusive community. Accessible services. With DCS, you will be challenged, encouraged to excel and given the opportunity to build a rewarding career. You will become part of a strong organization dedicated to providing outstanding services to the community.

At Multnomah County we are committed to maintaining an effective, respectful and inclusive workplace. We value collaborative problem solving and strive for continuous improvement. We strongly believe in workforce equity, diversity and inclusion. Visit our Workforce Equity Strategies Plan (WESP) to see where Multnomah County is headed with these values.

Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more. Find more details on our website.

 

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be specific about how your background is relevant.

Required Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

It should be clear in your application how you meet the following minimum qualifications.

• High school or equivalent

• Three years of bridge maintenance or construction experience, including welding and practices in lifting, supporting, and replacing major structural components

• Must have a valid Class C driver license

• Additional specialized training and experience in metal work, bridge repair/maintenance and/or construction operation, concrete work, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates.

• Ability to read, understand and calculate material lists from blueprints.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class A Commercial Driver License with air brake and tanker endorsement within 12 months of employment.(Multnomah County will pay for the process of obtaining the CDL.)

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a NCCCO Certification, Oregon Boater Education Card, and a Flagger certification within 12 months of employment. (Multnomah County will pay for the process of obtaining these certifications.)

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*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

 

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The Application Packet

Be sure to provide all the materials below in your application submission:

• Online application:Explain all related experience (paid or unpaid) and training in the education and work experience sections of the application.

• Resume:Please indicate how you meet the required minimum qualifications. Attach the PDF document to the on-line application. Be sure to explain in detail, including dat