BRIDGE INSPECTOR 5

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is seeking Bridge Inspectors to evaluate on-system and off-system bridges, ensuring safety and compliance. This hands-on role requires attention to detail, safety awareness, and strong documentation in diverse environments.

Positions report to the District Bridge Engineer in East Baton Rouge Parish. A range of paths through education and experience leads to eligibility, with ongoing professional development and mandatory trainings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus six years of bridge inspection experience.
• Alternative paths include relevant engineering coursework and bridge inspection exposure.
• ABET accreditation or equivalent coursework is required for college hours.

Responsibilities

• Inspect bridge components including superstructure, substructure and approaches.
• Take measurements and perform field tests as needed.
• Document conditions via notes, sketches, photos, and narratives.
• Complete inspection reports and maintain bridge files in systems.
• Coordinate with local agencies for off-system inspections.
• Assist with access equipment and emergency/disaster responses.

Skills

Bridge inspection

Documentation

Safety awareness

Field work

Education

High school diploma or GED

ABET-accredited degree recommendation

Engineering license/FE exam considerations

Job description

DISTRICT 61 - UNIT 051 – Baton Rouge

This is a departmental promotional opportunity open to DOTD employees only.

At DOTD, our mission is to innovatively develop and sustain safe and reliable infrastructure comprising highways, multimodal transportation assets, micro-mobility systems, and public works. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity.

About this Job:

At the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), we plan, build, maintain, and protect the transportation systems that connect communities, support commerce, and keep Louisiana moving. Please visit our DOTD Career Center for more information about our agency.

Help protect the traveling public by inspecting bridges and documenting conditions that guide repairs and maintenance. Bridge Inspectors perform critical public safety work by conducting inspections of on-system and off-system bridges in accordance with established standards and DOTD procedures.

This is a hands-on field role that requires attention to detail, safety awareness, and strong documentation skills. Work is performed in a variety of environments and may involve heights, water, traffic exposure, weather conditions, and travel to bridge locations within the assigned district.

Positions are located in East Baton Rouge Parish, District 61 Unit 051 and report to theDistrict Bridge Engineer.

Please visit our DOTD Career Center for more information about our agency:

https://dotd.la.gov/about/office-of-management-and-finance/human-resources/career-center/

One year of the required experience for the following minimum qualifications must have been as a Bridge Inspector 4 or as a bridge inspection team leader:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED plus six years of experience in bridge inspection; OR
• Six months of experience in sub-professional engineering, heavy mobile equipment operation, or mobile equipment maintenance plus six years of experience in bridge inspection; OR
• Two years of experience in bridge design, bridge load rating, bridge maintenance, and/or bridge construction plus four years of experience in bridge inspection; OR
• Possession of a current license to practice professional engineering plus one year and six months of experience in bridge inspection; OR
• An associate's degree in engineering or engineering technology plus five years of experience in bridge inspection; OR
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering and a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam plus three years of experience in bridge inspection.
• NOTE: Incumbents are required to have successfully completed a FHWA approved comprehensive bridge inspection training course.
• NOTE: Any college hours or degree must be from a college or university as accredited by ABET or given equivalency by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

Official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

• Inspect bridge components (superstructure, substructure, approaches, waterways, safety features, etc.)
• Take measurements and perform field tests as needed
• Document conditions using notes, sketches, photographs, and narratives
• Complete inspection reports and maintain bridge files/records in required systems
• Coordinate with local agencies and bridge owners for off-system inspections
• Support inspections involving special access equipment (bucket trucks, man lifts, ladders, etc.)
• Assist with accident damage documentation and reporting
• Participate in structured training and required continuing education
• Support emergency/disaster response activities when needed

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: Promotional

Compensation: This is a promotional opportunity for DOTD Employees only.

*Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.*

Contact Information:

Thaddaeus Manuel

Bridge Engineer

225-231-4161

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities. DOTD does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or pregnancy, and prohibits harassment of any type.

Information on the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available:

https://www.laworks.net/workforcedev/lrs/lrs_rehabilitation.asp

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.