Bridge Inspector Assistant

Rk K; Blacksburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Hybrid work

Tuition reimbursement

Health, dental, vision, life, and disa

Paid parental leave

Wellness programs

Career Development

Matching 401(k) plan

Paid Holidays

Job summary

RK&K is seeking a Bridge Inspector Assistant to support transportation structure inspection programs across Virginia. Under NBIS Team Leaders, you gain hands-on experience, professional development, and a clear path toward NBIS Team Leader qualifications.

The role emphasizes safety, attention to detail, and growth within our inspection practice, with travel up to 25% across Virginia and the surrounding region.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of bridge inspection experience.
• Familiarity with NBIS, SNBI ratings, and VDOT inspection standards.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and digital data collection tools.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate field documentation.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Assist NBIS Team Leaders with inspections of bridges, culverts, tunnels, walls.
• Perform field inspections, measurements, sketches, and photo documentation.
• Operate inspection access equipment (ladders, bucket trucks, UAS).
• Support MOT and field safety implementation.
• Prepare field notes, reports, photographs, sketches.
• Enter and verify inspection data in bridge management systems.
• Maintain safety and NBIS compliance.
• Progress toward NBIS Team Leader qualifications through training.

Skills

Bridge inspection

Field data collection

Microsoft Office

Communication

Driver's license

Team player

Education

High school diploma

Tools

AssetWise

ASIR

InspectX

AASHTOWare Bridge Management

Job description

RK&K is seeking a Bridge Inspector Assistant to support transportation structure inspection programs throughout Virginia. Working under certified NBIS Team Leaders, this role offers hands-on experience, professional development, and a defined pathway toward future NBIS Team Leader qualification. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, technically curious, and eager to grow within a dedicated inspection practice.

Essential Functions

• Assist NBIS Team Leaders with inspections of bridges, culverts, tunnels, walls, and ancillary transportation structures.
• Perform field inspections, measurements, condition assessments, sketches, and photo documentation.
• Operate and support inspection access equipment including ladders, bucket trucks, and under-bridge inspection units.
• Assist with maintenance of traffic (MOT), work zone traffic control, and field safety implementation.
• Utilize inspection technologies including drones/UAS, 3D modeling tools, and nondestructive testing methods.
• Prepare field notes, inspection reports, photographs, sketches, and supporting documentation.
• Enter, manage, and verify inspection data within client and industry bridge management systems.
• Comply with all applicable safety, quality, OSHA, NBIS, FHWA, VDOT, and client requirements.
• Maintain required certifications, training records, and qualifications for assigned duties.
• Progress toward NBIS Team Leader qualifications through training, mentorship, and field experience.

Travel:

Up to 25% travel may be required, including occasional overnight travel to support inspection projects throughout Virginia and the surrounding region.

Required Skills and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One (1)+ year of bridge inspection experience. Related experience in construction inspection (CEI), bridge construction, or structural trades may be considered as supplemental, but direct bridge inspection experience is required.
• Working familiarity with basic bridge components, terminology, and common defects and deterioration mechanisms.
• Awareness of NBIS requirements, SNBI condition rating protocols, and VDOT inspection standards; depth of knowledge expected to develop through on-the-job training and formal coursework.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort working with digital data collection tools and tablets.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, well-documented field work.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce legible field notes and sketches and to communicate observations effectively to the Team Leader.
• Reliable, punctual, and dependable in a field-based work environment with variable daily schedules.
• Collaborative team orientation and willingness to support work sharing across offices and groups.
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Associate's degree or coursework in civil engineering technology, construction management, or a related technical field
• FHWA/NHI Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges (NHI 130055) certification
• Exposure to bridge inspection reporting platforms (e.g., AssetWise, ASIR, InspectX, AASHTOWare Bridge Management)
• Exposure to inspection access equipment (snoopers, bucket trucks, ladders, climbing equipment)

Other Duties

This job description indicates the general nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under ADA). It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities and duties required by the employee. Other duties are assigned as required.

Physical Demands

This role requires the ability to perform field inspections on active construction sites. The employee must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, navigate uneven terrain, and climb ladders or stairs. Ability to lift and carry inspection equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work is performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and may include exposure to construction-related hazards.

What We Offer

RK&K offers excellent potential for career advancement and professional growth. We also offer attractive compensation packages commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Paid time off
• Hybrid work (home and office)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs and employee resource groups
• Career Development
• Matching 401(k) plan
• Paid Holidays
• Much, much more!

Why RK&K?

As a full-service engineering and construction management firm, RK&K gives you the opportunity to directly impact the communities in which we live and work. What sets RK&K apart is an award-winning culture that has fostered a spirit of collaboration and trust for over 100 years. To its clients, the firm delivers concepts, processes, and outcomes that are designed for success. RK&K has earned its reputation as a trusted partner, responsive employer, and community steward.