District Bridge Inspector

Job Responsibilities

Performs periodic inspection and evaluations of bridge substructure and superstructure elements including timber rot, concrete spalls and cracks, section loss due to rust, scour, settlement, and collision damage from waterway or highway traffic. Conducts both visual and tactile inspections of bridge decks, superstructure, substructure, roadway approaches, and guardrails in accordance with the Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual (BIRM), the AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation (MBE), and the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) practices and methods.

May include inspecting posting sign placement or removal, post maintenance inspections, administrative requests, and FHWA inquiries.

Prepares inspection reports, structure inventory and appraisal sheets, and performs quality control on others' inspection reports when needed. During field inspections, determines the preliminary structural condition and safe load limit until a more comprehensive structural analysis can be performed by the Bridge Management Office and/or contracted consultant personnel. Ensures bridge inspections and report completion meet the timelines of the department and federal bridge program guidelines.

Enters daily work reports and bridge deficiencies in Highway Maintenance Management System (HMMS) and Enterprise Asset Management System (EAMS). Documents and keeps up with the latest bridge repairs, postings, and construction project statuses as needed.

Assists in coordination between Bridge Management Office, District Bridge Engineering staff, and contracted consultants on matters pertaining to bridge maintenance, inspection, and load posting.

Assists in emergency or inclement weather operations throughout the district and state, including operating inclement weather equipment and performing special inspections after an event. May include inspection or monitoring of maintenance repairs and rehabilitations, collisions, or natural disasters. May require working extended hours or extended shift operations.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

A high school diploma and five (S) years of bridge inspection related work experience in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards; or an approved acceptable equivalence. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required.

The physical demands for the essential functions involve bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and grasping. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Walking for extended periods, treading rough terrain, working in close proximity to motoring traffic, and in natural environmental hazards. May be required to work outside normal scheduled work week; especially during inclement weather.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation is committed to a diverse workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work‑life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long‑term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time‑limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.