Assistant Inspector – Bridge Inspection

WSP in the U.S.; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 61,000 - 87,700; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking an Assistant Inspector – Bridge Inspection to join our Mountain/Pacific Northwest group. This role supports inspections of bridges, culverts, and related structures across AZ, CO, ID, NM, NV, and UT, with travel as needed.

You will collect field data, assist in preparing inspection reports, and work under NBIS/NTIS guidelines, collaborating with engineers and clients. The position requires a degree in structural or civil engineering and a willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 0 to 1 years of relevant post‑education experience; experience in bridge inspection, construction, or structural fieldwork.
• Excellent research skills with an analytical mindset.
• Ability to read and interpret bridge plans and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to document field conditions.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying climates.
• Ability to work at heights, over water, and around active traffic.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital data collection tools.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Assist with inspections of bridges, culverts, overhead sign structures, high mast lighting poles, retaining walls, and other transportation assets.
• Support inspections performed under state DOT/transit authority/local agency regulations, NBIS, NTIS, and WSP quality standards.
• Collect and document field data, including measurements, defect identification, material conditions, and environmental factors.
• Prepare client compliant field notes, sketches, and photographic documentation for use in inspection reports.
• Assist in developing inspection reports, including condition ratings, element level data, and recommended maintenance actions.
• Operate inspection tools and equipment such as measuring devices, sounding tools, tablets, drones (if applicable), and under bridge inspection units (UBITs).
• Follow all safety protocols including MOT procedures, confined space entry, and working over water.
• Coordinate with senior inspectors, engineers, and client representatives during field operations.
• Participate in client training and certification pathways toward NBIS Bridge Inspector qualification.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Skills

Attention to detail

Read bridge plans

Data collection

Microsoft Office

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering

Tools

UBITs

AASHTOWare BrM

Drones

Digital field data tools

Job description

WSP is seeking an Assistant Inspector – Bridge Inspection to join our Mountain Pacific bridge inspection team. This position can be based out of one of WSP's offices in AZ, CO, ID, NM, NV, or UT.

WSP is a global leader in engineering and professional services, delivering safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. Our Mountain/Pacific Northwest Inspection Group is growing and looking to hire Assistant Inspectors for bridge, culvert, tunnel, ancillary structures, retaining wall and other structure inspections for state DOTs, transit authorities and local agencies. Travel outside of the region may be required as we build workload here in the Mountain/Pacific Northwest Region.

As an Assistant Inspector, you’ll support structural inspections while building technical expertise in one of the most important public safety disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Assist with inspections of bridges, culverts, overhead sign structures, high mast lighting poles, retaining walls, and other transportation assets.
• Support inspections performed under state DOT/transit authority/local agency regulations, National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS), and WSP quality standards.
• Collect and document field data, including measurements, defect identification, material conditions, and environmental factors specific to client climate (corrosion, scour, marine exposure).
• Prepare client compliant field notes, sketches, and photographic documentation for use in official inspection reports.
• Assist in developing inspection reports, including condition ratings, element level data, and recommended maintenance actions.
• Operate inspection tools and equipment such as measuring devices, sounding tools, tablets, drones (if applicable), and under bridge inspection units (UBITs).
• Follow all WSP, client, and project specific safety protocols, including MOT (Maintenance of Traffic) procedures, confined space entry, and working over water.
• Coordinate with senior inspectors, engineers, and client representatives during field operations.
• Participate in client training and certification pathways to advance toward client/NBIS Bridge Inspector qualification.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or closely related discipline.
• 0 to 1 years of relevant post‑education experience
  • Experience in bridge inspection, construction, or structural fieldwork
• Excellent research skills with an analytical mindset.
• Familiarity with process and concepts for design/build.
• Ability to read and interpret bridge plans and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately document field conditions.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying climates.
• Ability to work at heights, over water, and around active traffic.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital data collection tools.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with NBIS bridge requirements.
• Experience with bridge asset management software (AASHTOWare BrM, etc).
• Knowledge of structural materials including reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, steel, and timber.
• Experience with UBITs, aerial lifts, rope access, or drones (FAA Part 107 certification a plus).
• OSHA 10‑hour or 30‑hour training.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary (all locations): $61,000 – $87,700. Expected Salary (Colorado only): $68,000 – $93,800. WSP USA reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range and to offer additional benefits and compensation in accordance with applicable laws.

Location

Positions available in AZ, CO, ID, NM, NV, and UT. Travel outside the region may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.