Bridge Inspection Technician / Engineer -Springfield, Illinois

WHKS & Co; Springfield, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

WHKS & Co is seeking an experienced Bridge Inspection Technician or Engineer to lead inspection teams across Illinois. You will conduct field inspections, document findings, and prepare reports for clients and regulatory agencies.

The role requires NBIS experience, knowledge of IDOT/FHWA guidelines, and the ability to travel across Illinois. We offer a flexible, collaborative work environment with competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Civil Engineering or equivalent bridge inspection experience meeting FHWA guidelines.
• At least 4 years bridge inspection experience, including 2 years NBIS.
• Certified or eligible for: IDOT TL, FCM or NSTM, MEWP, confined space entry.
• Familiar with AASHTO Bridge Evaluation, FHWA NBIS, and IDOT policies.
• Valid driver's license; willing to travel across Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate bridge inspection teams under IDOT/FHWA guidelines.
• Stay current with IDOT/FHWA regs, inspection techniques, and certifications.
• Plan scheduling, logistics, and equipment for inspections.
• Ensure safety protocols during field ops: traffic control, fall protection, MEWP, confined space.
• Perform bridge inspections, document conditions, prepare reports, and communicate findings.

Skills

Bridge inspection

Team leadership

Field inspections

NBIS inspections

Report writing

Safety protocols

Education

B.S. Civil Engineering

Tools

IHIS

Bentley InspectTech

AASHTOWare Bridge

Job description

WHKS has an excellent opportunity for an experienced Bridge Inspection Technician or Engineer interested in leading inspection teams across Illinois. This role involves conducting field inspections, preparing detailed reports, entering NBIS data into the Illinois Highway Information System (IHIS), and verifying compliance with federal and state safety regulations. WHKS strives to provide a flexible, supportive, and collaborative workplace where individuals can develop their strengths and pursue their interests in civil engineering. WHKS offers competitive compensation and benefits, as well as work schedule flexibility.

Salary Range

• $70,000-$100,000 annually

Responsibilities include:

• Lead and coordinate bridge inspection teams in accordance with Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines.
• Stay current with IDOT and FHWA regulations, inspection techniques, and certification
  requirements.
• Assist in scheduling, logistics, and equipment preparation for inspection assignments.
• Verify safety protocols are followed during field operations, including traffic control, fall protection, Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) occupancy and/or operation, and confined space entry.
• Performing bridge inspection which may include:
  • Conducting hands-on and visual inspections of highway bridges, culverts, and related structures.
  • Performing specialized inspections of fracture critical and non-redundant tension members.
  • Documenting structural conditions, deficiencies, and maintenance needs using inspection software and non-destructive testing equipment such as Ultrasonic thickness gauge (D-Meter) and delamination detection tools.
  • Preparing and reviewing inspection reports, sketches, and photographic documentation.
  • Communicating findings to project managers, clients, and regulatory agencies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or related bridge inspection experience meeting minimum FHWA guidelines to function as a Team Leader.
• Minimum of 4 years of bridge inspection experience, with a minimum of 2 years conducting NBIS inspections.
• Certified in or the ability to receive the following certification(s):
  • IDOT Certified Team Lead (TL) in Illinois
  • Fracture Critical Member (FCM) or Non-Redundant Steel Tension Member (NSTM)
  • MEWP
  • Confined space entry
• Familiarity with AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation, FHWA NBIS standards, and IDOT policies.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and confidently with clients, contractors, and peers.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions and travel extensively across Illinois.

Preferred

• Rope access or under-bridge inspection platform experience.
• Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) drone operation certification for aerial inspections.
• Proficiency in inspection software (e.g., IHIS, Bentley InspectTech, AASHTOWare Bridge).
• Experience with load rating inspection and analysis including structural modeling.