BRIDGE INSPECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

A bridge inspection report is only as reliable as the person who compiled it on-site. Missed deficiencies in concrete placement or falsework can cascade into structural non-conformance, payment disputes, and project delays. The Bridge Inspector owns field-level quality assurance across active transportation construction projects, verifying that work on foundations, retaining walls, and drainage structures meets contract specifications before progress payments are approved. This role sits within project delivery teams and answers to both internal project managers and public agency clients.

As the Bridge Inspector, you ensure that bridge and transportation structure construction conforms to approved contract plans and specifications, catching non-conforming work and maintaining the daily field record that drives progress payment documentation. You operate across active construction sites in coordination with contractors, surveyors, materials testers, and agency representatives, with scope that may include multi-structure highway projects subject to state DOT oversight.

Career Impact: Qualifying as an NBIS-certified inspection team leader while accumulating documented QA experience on Caltrans- or GDOT-regulated projects establishes a field record that state agencies and major engineering firms actively seek.

Business Impact: Contractors cannot receive progress payments and agencies cannot certify project milestones without the field measurement data and daily reports this role produces, making accurate documentation a direct control point in project delivery.

Growth Opportunity: The technical breadth demanded here, spanning substructure QA, erosion control compliance, and materials sampling, builds the competency profile that advances into Senior Bridge Inspector and eventually lead inspection program roles.

• Conduct quality assurance inspections of bridge and transportation structures, verifying compliance with contract plans, specifications, and special provisions.
• Monitor active construction operations including structural excavation, pile driving, concrete placement, and steel reinforcement for conformance with approved methods.
• Maintain accurate daily field reports covering contractor labor, equipment, construction progress, non-conforming work, safety issues, and weather conditions.
• Document field measurements and completed work quantities to support contractor progress pay estimates and change order verification.
• Coordinate with contractors, surveyors, and materials testers to ensure inspection coverage across all active work fronts.
• Review contract drawings, specifications, and prior inspection documentation in preparation for each scheduled field inspection.
• Supervise on-site inspection personnel, assign field coverage, and oversee work records to maintain consistent documentation standards.
• Report identified deficiencies, safety issues, and traffic control discrepancies promptly to the project manager and relevant agency representatives.

• Associate degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent work experience.
• 5 or more years of bridge or transportation structures construction inspection experience, with demonstrated QA responsibility on field projects.
• Working knowledge of construction inspection principles, field practices, and applicable code and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, contract provisions, and change order documentation.
• Knowledge of bridge construction methods including foundations, falsework, concrete substructure and superstructure, retaining walls, and drainage structures.
• Certification in OSHA safety standards or equivalent, with demonstrated knowledge of work zone traffic control requirements.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and ability to travel to project sites, including overnight stays as required.
• Physical capability to traverse steep embankments, work in confined spaces, climb structures, and lift up to 75 pounds.

• NBIS-qualified inspection team leader certification through NHI Course 130055 or 130056, or active progress toward qualification.
• Experience on state DOT-administered structures projects, including familiarity with agency-specific documentation and reporting requirements.
• Additional certifications in materials testing such as ACI Field Technician Grade 1, concrete certification, or erosion control supervisor credentials.
• NDT certification or equivalent non-destructive evaluation training applicable to in-service or under-construction bridge elements.

• Daily field report completion rate, reflecting consistency and timeliness of construction documentation.
• Non-conforming work identification rate per inspection cycle, measuring thoroughness of QA coverage against contract specifications.
• Progress pay estimate accuracy, tracked by variance between field-measured quantities and contractor-submitted values.
• Deficiency close-out time in days, measuring how quickly identified issues are documented, escalated, and resolved.
• Work zone traffic control discrepancy rate, reflecting how reliably the inspector identifies and flags plan deviations.
• Typical tools: Structural management systems (commonly state DOT platforms); field data capture (commonly tablet-based inspection apps and digital daily report systems).

• Base Salary Range: $62,000 to $88,000 per year, depending on experience and certification level.
• Bonus: project completion bonuses common, typically 3 to 7 percent of base.
• Equity: not standard for this role at most employers.
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage standard, often employer-subsidized.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually plus public holidays, increasing with tenure.
• Common Perks: Vehicle allowance or fleet vehicle, per diem for overnight travel, certification reimbursement, and PPE provided.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the hiring process and in the performance of job duties, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Bridge Inspector owns the full cycle of bridge inspections across the NMC SW Trunk Road Contract and Autolink M74, conducting examinations in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and recording findings in Transport Scotland's Structures Management System. Working alongside project teams and department leads, this role enables safe and compliant infrastructure delivery by identifying, reporting, and supporting the resolution of structural defects across the road network.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out a variety of different bridge inspections on the NMC SW Trunk Road Contract and other contracts such as Autolink M74 in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges.
• Record and report on all inspections including the use of Transport Scotland's Structures Management System.
• Arrange and carry out special inspections and detailed investigations of defects.
• Interpret bridge structure defects in construction materials such as steel and concrete.
• Record defects on site and report via word processing apps and online structural management systems.
• Liaise between departments, arrange traffic management, access equipment and compile task briefing sheets.
• Assist in ensuring the delivery of inspection programmes and optimising output of the inspection process.
• Assist in monitoring and reporting on inspection programme progress.
• Cooperate with the project team to undertake HSEA checks and audits as agreed.
• Assist, guide and develop others working towards a LANTRA BICS qualification.

Required Qualifications

• HNC or HND in Civil Engineering or a similar relevant discipline such as construction management.
• Membership of a professional body such as EngTech, CSWIP or BICS Lantra is desirable.
• Good knowledge of and progress towards a LANTRA BICS Bridge Inspector Certification.
• Technical knowledge of bridge structures and maintenance works.
• Good knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety and CDM 2015.
• Experience in the management and maintenance of trunk or local road network.
• Demonstrable experience in a relevant discipline preferably involving structural or building work is desirable.
• IOSH working safely or equivalent such as SMSTS.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office.

Embedded within a field-based structures team, the Bridge Inspector delivers quality assurance inspections of bridge and transportation structures across all phases of construction, from foundations and falsework through to superstructure, coordinating with contractors, surveyors, and materials testers to document project progress. Working closely with project stakeholders, this role ensures structural work complies with contract plans and specifications, safeguarding construction quality and enabling accurate progress reporting.

Core Functions

• Inspection of bridge construction activities, planning, scheduling and coordination of construction inspection, quality assurance inspections of bridge and transportation structures related work on projects,. 
• Perform quality assurance inspections of bridge and transportation structures to verify compliance with contract plans, specifications.
• Monitor construction work such as structural excavation, backfill operations, pile driving, concrete placement and steel reinforcement.
• Maintain accurate daily reports of construction site activity, field measurement for progress payment.
• Coordinate with others for documentation for contractor progress pay estimates.

Qualifications and Experience

• Associate degree in a technical discipline or construction-related field, or a high school diploma and equivalent work experience.
• Typically 5 or more years of related experience on field projects.
• Experience with bridge deck rehabilitation methods, retaining walls, concrete and steel bridge construction and bridge maintenance and retrofits.
• Experience on Caltrans structures projects is preferred.
• Well-defined knowledge of construction inspection principles, field inspection practices, process, methods and techniques.
• Well-defined knowledge of relevant construction codes, regulations, compliance practices and record-keeping requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.

Reporting to the Director of Structures Inspection, the Bridge Inspector is responsible for the inspection, scheduling, recording and reporting of assigned railroad structures in an effort to ensure the safety of G and W and the public, conducting detailed examinations across a defined territory. Partnering with corporate, regional, and field personnel, this role enables the safety of rail operations by prioritising defects, maintaining electronic records, and supporting both capital and emergency bridge programs.

Primary Duties

• Conduct detailed and accurate inspections of structures across defined territory noting conditions and repair priorities of all components.
• Ensure that prompt and appropriate action is taken for each structure to ensure the safety of G and W trains, employees and the public.
• Schedule and coordinate inspections for assigned territory and assist corporate and regional bridge staff in short-term and long-term bridge capital and repair programs.
• Prioritise findings and defects in line with federal and G and W requirements.
• Ensure inspection data is promptly recorded into G and W's Electronic Structures Information and Management System.
• Coordinate with regional personnel regarding inspection schedules and plans.
• Develop and grow regional relationships vital to the success and safety of the structures program.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required, with a Bachelor of Science in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ABET accredited school preferred.
• 2 to 5 years of experience in structures inspection and engineering.
• Working knowledge of the railroad industry and FRA regulations, AREMA recommended practices and the AREMA Bridge Inspection Handbook.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with a basic understanding of database management.
• Ability to operate machinery relative to bridge inspections and work at great heights in varying weather conditions.
• Excellent attention to detail and sound judgment and decision making skills.
• Ability to accurately express structures condition details in written and oral communication.

Sitting at the intersection of field inspection and technical documentation, the Bridge Inspector 3 inspects 20 to 30 bridges per month throughout North Carolina as part of a supervised team, performing calculations, documenting deficiencies, and drafting sketches to communicate structural issues. Operating across inspection, reporting, and cost estimation tasks, this role supports the integrity of the state's bridge network by producing accurate deficiency records and repair cost estimates.

Duties

• Inspect roughly 20 to 30 bridges a month throughout North Carolina as part of a team.
• Perform bridge inspection-related calculations of basic complexity under direct supervision.
• Document deficiencies, take general structure photos and verify geometrics.
• Draft documents, sketches and related items to communicate bridge structural deficiencies and other related bridge inspection issues.
• Calculate quantities and repair cost estimates for identified deficiencies.
• Review inspection-related documentation including drawings, specifications and plans as necessary to prepare for inspections.

Skills and Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent additional directly related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Prior experience working outdoors such as bridge inspection, survey, construction inspection or landscaping work.
• Basic knowledge of materials, methods and equipment used in bridge and highway construction.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret and explain construction plans and drawings, contract provisions and specifications.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Interest in pursuing a career in bridge inspection work.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

A key member of the bridge safety team, the Bridge Inspector leads in-depth inspections of assigned bridges using non-destructive testing methods, mechanized access equipment, and climbing gear, while also conducting post-incident assessments to determine damage severity and recommend closures or detours. Collaborating across bridge owners, agencies, and field staff, this role protects public infrastructure by ensuring inspections are thorough, findings are accurately reported, and lead worker responsibilities are fulfilled.

Key Deliverables

• Conduct safety inspections of assigned bridges and prepare written reports of the conditions of the structures.
• Perform or lead in-depth inspections using non-destructive testing methods, mechanized access equipment and climbing gear.
• Perform post-incident bridge inspections to determine severity of damage and recommend appropriate actions with regard to bridge closures and detours.
• Coordinate with bridge owners and other agencies on inspection schedules, traffic control, railroad access and navigational channels.
• Perform lead worker responsibilities including providing general instruction, assigning and reviewing work, coaching and training, and providing input to the direct supervisor on staffing decisions and performance management.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2-year associate degree in civil engineering with 20 years of bridge design, construction or inspection experience.
• NBIS qualified inspection team leader certified via NHI Course 130055 or 130056.
• NDT certification and SPRAT level 1 or higher is a plus.
• Additional NHI coursework such as fracture critical is preferred.
• 4-year BS degree in civil or structural engineering and Professional Engineer license preferred.
• Knowledge of bridge inspection methods, procedures and reporting practices.
• Ability to traverse steep embankments, work within confined spaces and perform inspections while climbing structures, and lift up to 75 lbs.
• Highly motivated and independent with strong verbal and written communication skills and excellent attention to detail.

Safe and reliable bridge infrastructure depends on the Sr. Bridge Inspector, who leads field teams in gathering and documenting all necessary data to compile comprehensive bridge safety and maintenance inspection reports across North and South Carolina. Based within a regional inspection operation and assisting professional engineers, this role directly supports infrastructure safety outcomes by developing high-quality reports, maintaining inspection vehicles, and performing fieldwork in physically demanding and hazardous conditions.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead bridge inspection teams in the field and gather and document all necessary information and data to compile comprehensive bridge safety and maintenance inspection reports.
• Develop, write, review and submit inspection reports.
• Perform field work in hazardous conditions such as traffic congestion, steep slopes, ladders, confined areas and heights above water on scaffolds or snooper cranes.
• Assist professional engineers in related work.
• Maintain the inspection vehicle with all required supplies and up-to-date maintenance.

Experience and Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in bridge inspections with a minimum of 1 year as a qualified NBIS Team Leader.
• NHI Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges course with refresher training within the last 5 years.
• Associate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Valid driver's license with a favorable driving record.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders and work at heights.
• Ability to travel throughout North and South Carolina with occasional consecutive overnight stays.
• Ability to multi-task in a team environment with short-term deadlines and exercise independent judgement in the solution of work problems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

As the Senior Bridge Inspector, this role manages individually assigned projects of strategic and complex scope, leading inspection teams, mentoring staff, and preparing and authorising reports, drawings, and defect schedules to ensure high-quality service delivery. The structures division relies on this work to maintain competitive tendering capability, uphold national safety standards across a diverse portfolio of structures, and develop the technical competence of junior inspection personnel.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Manage individually assigned projects including strategic, complex and large projects to ensure high-quality service, meeting customer requirements and maintaining high standards of supplier cooperation.
• Deliver projects on time and within programme while maintaining high safety standards.
• Inspect a variety of structures including those of nationally strategic importance.
• Lead inspection teams and mentor and guide lower grade staff.
• Prepare, check and authorise reports, drawings and schedules of defects.
• Aid the Project Estimator in assessing company capability to undertake works and provide knowledge to ensure competitive tenders and quotes are submitted.

Background and Experience

• HND or degree in a relevant construction discipline, with IEng or CEng preferred.
• NVQ in a relevant construction discipline or BICS Senior Inspector certification.
• STE02, 03, 04, 05 or 07 qualification or equivalent combination.
• Senior-level experience in bridge inspection, examination or maintenance in highways or rail.
• Sound technical understanding of construction materials, forms and common investigation methods.
• Proven high-quality report writing skills with experience in checking and authorising reports.
• Good mentoring and leadership skills with proven experience motivating others.
• Good office IT skills including Word, Excel, databases, CAD and email.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Bridge Inspector manages construction oversight for large-scale bridge projects, collaborating with contractors, local governments, and agencies to ensure work is built in accordance with approved plans and specifications while solving complex schedule and budget challenges on behalf of the owner. The work directly supports project delivery quality by supervising inspection personnel, tracking subcontractor performance, and producing detailed daily progress reports for Document Controls and the Field Engineer.

Role Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with contractors, local governments and other agencies having jurisdiction to solve project challenges representing the owner's best interest.
• Solve complex challenges relating to project schedule and budget as an effective member of the project team.
• Observe and monitor contractor teams to ensure the project is constructed in accordance with approved plans and specifications and that critical project milestones will be met.
• Track and manage general contractors and subcontractors and supervise inspection personnel and on-site construction for conformance with contract requirements.
• Write detailed daily reports of project progress to be recorded by the Document Controls and Field Engineer.

Professional Experience

• 8 or more years of relevant experience with extensive construction supervision experience.
• Experience in constructability review, design completeness review, construction, commissioning and validation.
• Experience in construction management services including construction oversight, inspection, project controls, project administration and project close out.
• GSWCC Level 1 and GDOT Worksite Erosion Control Supervisor certification.
• ACI Field Technician Grade 1 or GDOT Concrete Certification.
• OSHA 10 hour or 30 hour certification.
• Proficiency in the full suite of Microsoft Office products.
• Highly organised with strong oral and written communication skills.

The Senior Bridge Inspector owns day-to-day field inspection operations on bridge construction projects, maintaining detailed records of contractor activities, performing sampling and testing, and managing a team of inspectors whose schedules and work products this role directly oversees. Working alongside contractors, surveyors, and project management teams, this role enables accurate payment tracking, quality compliance, and safe work zone conditions across active construction sites.

Ownership Areas

• Maintain detailed records of the contractor's daily operations including manpower, equipment, construction methods and events that affect the work.
• Monitor work zone traffic control plans and erosion control plans and identify discrepancies and potential issues.
• Perform sampling and testing of component materials and completed work, and verify dimensions of prepared and completed work.
• Inspect construction work, conduct field tests and track completed work quantities for payment.
• Perform survey checks and manage the team of inspectors, coordinate their schedules and oversee their work and records.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent with 4 or more years of construction experience including 2 or more years in bridge inspection.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications.
• Valid driver's licence with a good driving record.
• Must obtain any required certifications and pass appropriate qualifications tests within specified timeframes.
• Ability to sit, stand, climb, bend, twist or stoop frequently under various outside conditions and lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to use construction or inspection safety equipment including fall protection.

Reporting to the project manager and senior staff, the Bridge Inspector II performs inspection work, compiles reports, and collects and analyses data from physical work sites including GIS, geotechnical, and subsurface utility information to support project development, design, and construction. Partnering with engineers, infrastructure authorities, and cross-functional teams on federally and privately funded projects, this role advances the quality and safety of structural outcomes by contributing technical analysis, risk identification, and precise documentation using 2D and 3D tools.

Job Functions

• Review previous bridge inspection reports and assist in the planning of field operations.
• Perform inspection work and compile reports under direction from the project manager and other senior staff.
• Collect, compile and analyse data from physical work sites, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface utility information, maps, geotechnical data and other matrices for project development, design and construction.
• Perform basic professional structural engineering work relating to research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, buildings, infrastructure and transportation channels.
• Assist with the development of technologies, monitoring devices, modeling techniques and design requirements to account for the safety and functionality of end-users and transportation systems.
• Write technical reports summarising research with findings and conclusions, generating complete, accurate and concise documentation using sketches, calculations, electronic systems, spreadsheets and 2D and 3D illustrations.
• Assist technical staff and project managers with risk identification and assessment, offering input and analysis with design concepts, construction, mitigation and improvement activities.
• Work collaboratively with engineers, professionals and infrastructure authorities on federal, state, regional, local and privately funded projects.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Structural or Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Engineer in Training Certification preferred with prior design experience an advantage.
• 1 to 3 years of relevant post-education experience.
• Member of or active participant in local professional practice organisations is desirable.
• Knowledge of structural engineering principles, practices, process and design and build application to project work.
• Familiarity with infrastructure planning, design and construction management including rehabilitation and new design.
• Highly familiar with relevant structural and civil construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices and record-keeping requirements.
• Experience with discipline-specific design software such as MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, InRoads, Geopak, GeoSlope, ANSYS, STADD, HEC-RAS or HEC-HMS.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to express ideas effectively to both engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• Analytical mindset with sound judgement, attention to detail, accuracy and ability to multi-task in a dynamic work environment.

Embedded within a collaborative inspection group, the Bridge Inspector conducts site inspections, records field observations using field computers, and prepares inspection reports through data entry, technical writing, and photo editing in support of multi-disciplinary project teams. Working closely with professionals across departments and partnering agencies, this role enables accurate and timely inspection reporting that underpins infrastructure assessment and project decision-making.

What You'll Do

• Work collaboratively with all members of the inspection group and partner with other professionals and departments to gather information for projects.
• Conduct inspections and assist in supervision of site investigations as needed.
• Utilise field computers to record field observations.
• Prepare or assist in preparation of reports including data entry, text writing and photo editing.
• Perform data entry and manipulation and technical writing for the preparation and review of inspection reports and proposals.

Position Requirements

• Associate's degree in Engineering or a related discipline, or a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with an Engineer in Training certificate.
• NHI and NBIS bridge inspection qualifications or Team Leader qualifications are a plus.
• Experience with NCDOT Wigins software is desired but not required.
• Valid driver's licence in good standing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with good planning, organisational and time management skills.
• Willingness to travel overnight and work flexible field hours including some weekends.

Bridge Inspector delivers OSIM bridge and culvert inspections alongside municipal and MTO OBMS assignments, maintaining daily journals, setting up traffic lane closures, and working flexible hours including nights and weekends across periods away from home. Success in the position means bringing strong knowledge of MTO Book 7 and AutoCAD, holding a Class G licence, and applying organised record-keeping practices to support accurate inspection documentation and payment processes.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Participate in all aspects of OSIM bridge and culvert inspections and conduct municipal and MTO OBMS assignments.
• Keep a daily journal or diary for references and payment purposes.
• Set up and maintain short-term duration traffic lane closures.
• Work flexible hours including days, nights and weekends.
• Available to work away from home for periods of time.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology with a minimum of 3 years OSIM inspection experience.
• Class G driver's licence with access to a vehicle.
• Excellent working knowledge of MTO Book 7.
• Good working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with strong organisational and record keeping skills.