Bridge Inspection Engineer

IN Auditor of State; La Porte (IN); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking state department as a Bridge Inspection Engineer, where you will play a crucial role in ensuring public safety through thorough inspections of bridges and large culverts. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on innovative projects that enhance the quality of life for Indiana residents. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining infrastructure integrity while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. With the potential for hybrid work and a commitment to professional development, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community.

Benefits

Medical Plan Options

Wellness Rewards Program

Flexible Work Scheduling

Education Reimbursement Program

Group Life Insurance

Referral Bonus Program

Employee Assistance Program

Free LinkedIn Learning Access

Free Parking

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET Accredited school required.
• EIT Certification and knowledge of bridge inspection standards needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biennial inspections of bridges and large culverts.
• Prepare and submit reports for completed inspections.
• Coordinate repairs for damaged bridges.

Skills

Civil Engineering Principles

Bridge Inspection Standards

Technical Document Interpretation

Communication Skills

Computer Proficiency

Emergency Response Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

EIT Certification

Tools

Bridge Design Software (CONSPAN, RC-Pier)

Inspection Access Vehicles

Job description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Transportation:

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.

Role Overview:

As a Bridge Inspection Engineer you will conduct inspections of bridges and large culverts in order to maintain public safety and confidence, and to protect public investment. Bridge Inspectors must conform to the National Bridge Inspection Standards by inspecting bridges biennially (frequency may be extended or reduced), assigning ratings to bridge elements and reporting findings in accordance with the coding guidance developed by the Federal Highway Administration and INDOT. Bridge inspectors also inspect large culverts at a minimum of every six years, evaluating material deterioration and member distress and reporting findings in accordance with the Large Culvert or Retaining Wall inspection guidelines developed by INDOT.

Salary:

This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $67,314.00 for Engineers with an EIT License. Salary for this position may be commensurate with education and job experience.

Engineer Trainee:

A Professional Engineering (PE) license is not required for this position. Candidates who have an Engineering degree but do not hold a professional license are eligible for promotional increases upon achieving milestones, including passing the EIT exam, years of experience, and obtaining their professional engineering license. Once a candidate or incumbent has passed the EIT exam the salary traditionally starts at an annual salary of $67,314 but may be commensurate with education or work experience. Candidates or incumbents who have obtained their Professional Engineer license, the salary traditionally starts at an annual salary of $75,010 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Location:

This position is located in INDOT’s Laporte District, Bridge Inspection Department.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:
• Performs biennial inspections for INDOT bridges
• Performs inspections of large culverts (small structures 4’ to 20’ in span)
• Reviews some bridge inspection reports
• Determines specialized bridge inspection needs
• Quality Control – performs some QC office reviews
• Stays on-call to perform emergency damage inspections (i.e. collision, high water)
• Performs non-redundant steel tension member & in-depth inspections using access equipment
• Performs special inspections for bridges with concerns
• Performs post-construction inspections for bridges and large culverts
• Prepares and submits reports for completed inspections
• Reports deficiencies to asset management for corrective action
• Submits bridges recommended to be rehabilitated/replaced
• Determines work needed to repair damaged bridges and coordinates the repairs
• Normally work a 7.5 hour day, but may require flexible scheduling to accommodation specialty inspections, or after-hours accident investigations
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

This person must have the following requirements to be considered for employment:
• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET Accredited school
• Successfully attained Engineer in Training (EIT) Certification
• Working towards an Indiana P.E. if not already licensed in Indiana
• Understanding of how large culverts and bridge members function, and to recognize the impact a defect may have on the load carrying capability of a bridge component or element
• Broad knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices, techniques, and the ability to apply these principles and procedures as required
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents including but not limited to bridge and large culvert design and rehabilitation plans, roadway plans, inspection reports, maintenance records, geotechnical data, hydraulic data, and maps
• Knowledge of bridge maintenance principles, practices, methods and techniques related to maintenance of bridges and large culverts
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, and to follow verbal and written instructions
• Basic computer skills and the ability to become proficient in new programs and databases
• Must have valid Indiana driver’s license
• Physical Requirements include but are not limited to standing, walking, crouching, climbing, balancing, kneeling, reaching, lifting, grasping, sensing potential hazardous fumes, hearing and talking (including using a cell phone)
• Vision Requirements including peripheral, close, distant, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Ability to use tools including but not limited to pen and clipboard, digital camera, chipping hammer, range pole, measuring tape, handheld spotlight
• Ability to remain calm during emergencies
• Broad knowledge, understanding, and application of the practices and methods in State Transportation
• Ability to use bridge design software such as CONSPAN, RC-Pier, GEOMATH, and Merlin Dash
• Attend annual Local Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP) County Bridge Conference at Purdue and Annual State Border bridge inspections

Future Expected Training

Training Requirements (to become and maintain Team Leader status):

• NHI course "Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges”
• NHI course “Bridge Inspection Refresher Training” (required every 5 years)
• NHI course “Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques for Steel Bridges”
• Purdue S-BRITE course “Inspecting Steel Bridges for Fatigue”

Other Training Requirements:

• Bridge Inspection yearly workshops and other offered training classes
• Purdue S-BRITE training classes (various as offered)
• Fall Protection Training (required to use under-bridge access trucks)
• Confined Space Training (as needed)
• Asbestos Inspector Training (as needed)
• Certified SPRAT Level 1 climber or higher (as needed or desired)

Preferred training includes, but not limited to:

• Demonstrated experience in using inspection access vehicles and platforms for executing arm’s reach inspections
• Certified Asbestos Inspector licensure or willingness to obtain
• Certified SPRAT Level 1 climber or higher, or willingness to obtain

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail].