Bridge Inspector Assistant

Rk; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work (home and office)

Paid time off

Health, dental, vision, life, and auto

Job summary

RK&K seeks a Bridge Inspector Assistant to support transportation structure inspections in Virginia under NBIS Team Leaders. This role offers hands-on experience, professional development, and a clear path toward NBIS Team Leader qualification for safety-focused, technically curious candidates.

Responsibilities include field inspections of bridges and related structures, data collection, drone usage, and documentation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ year of bridge inspection experience; related construction inspection or structural trades experience may be considered.
• Working familiarity with basic bridge components, terminology, and common defects and deterioration mechanisms.
• Awareness of NBIS requirements, SNBI protocols, and VDOT inspection standards; on-the-job training will develop knowledge.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and comfortable with digital data collection tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist NBIS Team Leaders with inspections of bridges, culverts, tunnels, walls, and related structures.
• Perform field inspections, measurements, condition assessments, sketches, and photo documentation.
• Operate inspection access equipment such as ladders, bucket trucks, and under-bridge units.
• Assist with maintenance of traffic and field safety.
• Use drones/UAS, 3D modeling tools, and nondestructive testing methods for inspections.
• Prepare field notes, inspection reports, photographs, sketches, and supporting documentation.
• Enter and verify inspection data in bridge management systems.

Skills

Bridge inspection experience

Attention to detail

Field observations

Team collaboration

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree coursework in civil engineering technology

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 excellentpotentialforcareer advancementand 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)
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs and employee resource groups
• 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.

Pay Range

Pay Range $33.00 - $45.00 / hour

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this position is provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation may vary based on qualifications, experience, skills, location, and other job-related factors.

RK&K is an Equal Opportunity Employer

RK&K ensures equal employment opportunity in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities, you may contact Human Resources at 410-728-2900. Persons with hearing-and speech-impairments can contact RK&K by using the Virginia Relay Service, a toll-free telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD.) Call 711 for TTY/TDD or use the website at www.varelay.org.

If you need more information or special assistance regarding limited English proficiency, contact your RK&K office receptionist and they will be able to direct you to: 1) an individual within our company that speaks your language; 2) an outside service that can assist you in communicating with RK&K; or 3) you may also contact Human Resources at 410-728-2900.