Department: Engineering / Bridge Inspection
Location: Columbia, Mississippi - field-based, regional travel required
Reports To: Bridge Inspection Program Manager / Project Engineer
Compensation: Experience based salary withovertime eligibility for non-exempt employees
Position Summary
The certified Bridge Inspector is required to perform field inspections of bridges and related structures, assess their condition and safety, and document findings in compliance with federal, state, and local standards. This is a hands-on, field-based role for someone who knows bridges — a college degree is not required. A current bridge inspection certification and real inspection experience is a must.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform routine, in-depth, and special inspections of bridges, culverts, and other transportation structures.
- Evaluate structural components including decks, beams, girders, piers, abutments, and bearings.
- Document conditions, deficiencies, and maintenance needs using inspection software and standardized forms.
- Collect accurate measurements, photographs, and field notes to support inspection findings.
- Assist in preparing inspection reports and recommendations for repair, rehabilitation, or further evaluation.
- Ensure all inspections comply with FHWA, AASHTO, and applicable State DOT standards (NBIS, 23 CFR 650).
- Coordinate with traffic-control personnel to establish and maintain safe inspection work zones.
- Operate inspection tools and equipment such as ladders, rigging/harnesses, drones, and under-bridge inspection units (UBIU).
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to asset-management and bridge-inventory databases.
- Participate in emergency inspections following storms, floods, accidents, or other events.
Required Qualifications
- Current bridge inspection certification. Qualified as an NBIS Bridge Inspection Team Leader under 23 CFR 650.309 — completion of an FHWA-approved comprehensive bridge inspection training course (e.g., NHI Course 130055, “Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges”) with refresher training kept current (minimum 18 hours every 60 months). Certification must be current at hire and maintained throughout employment.
- Bridge inspection experience. 2+ years of hands-on bridge or structural inspection experience. Strong, directly relevant field experience may offset a shorter tenure.
- Proficiency with inspection software and standardized reporting, with strong attention to detail and clear technical writing.
- Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and outdoors in varying weather and field conditions.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to inspection sites throughout the region.
Note: A college degree is NOT required for this position. A current certification and proven inspection experience is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
- NICET certification in Bridge Safety Inspection (Level II, III, or IV).
- Experience with National Bridge Inventory (NBI) and element-level (AASHTO) condition reporting.
- Experience with rope access, drone-assisted inspection, or NSTM (fracture-critical) inspection.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or ability to operate specialized inspection vehicles.
- Proficiency with GIS or asset-management systems.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with overtime eligibility for non-exempt (hourly) employees.
- Health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
- Paid training and full support for maintaining required certifications and refresher hours.
- Company vehicle or mileage reimbursement for field travel.
- Opportunities for advancement into senior inspection, team-leader, or program-management roles.
How to Apply
Submit a resume and a copy of your current bridge inspection certification (including refresher-training documentation) to rbell@dunganeng.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Dungan Engineering, PA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Pay: $25,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Bereavement leave
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid jury duty
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person