Underwater Bridge Inspector I, II, or III - Bridge Division

Texas Department of Transportation; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 54,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Department of Transportation is seeking Underwater Bridge Inspectors at various levels (I, II, III) to conduct thorough inspections of underwater bridge components. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong understanding of safety protocols, bridge engineering principles, and possess certifications including CPR and diving certifications. Each role requires specific experience and educational qualifications.

Qualifications

• 1 year in bridge, construction, or underwater inspection for Inspector I.
• 3 years including 2 in underwater inspections for Inspector II.
• 5 years including 3 underwater inspections for Inspector III.

Responsibilities

• Conducts underwater inspections and issues reports for compliance.
• Plans and coordinates dive operations and manages projects as Inspector II and III.
• Supervises and trains dive team members in dive operations.

Skills

Conducting underwater inspections

Identifying operational hazards

Using computer applications

Education

High School Grad or Equivalent

Job description

Underwater Bridge Inspector I:

Under a licensed Professional Engineer, conducts underwater bridge inspections according to the National Bridge Inspection Standards, including substructures and foundations, across the state of Texas. Issues reports containing observations and recommendations according to FHWA’s Bridge Inspector’s Reference Manual. Employees at this level follow standard practices that do not require frequent supervision of details.

Underwater Bridge Inspector II:

Under a licensed Professional Engineer, plans, coordinates, and/or conducts underwater bridge inspections according to the National Bridge Inspection Standards, including substructures and foundations, across the state of Texas. Issues reports containing observations and recommendations according to FHWA’s Bridge Inspector’s Reference Manual. May serve as a project lead. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments however all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Underwater Bridge Inspector III:

Under a licensed Professional Engineer, oversees, coordinates, and/or conducts underwater bridge inspections according to the National Bridge Inspection Standards, including substructures and foundations, across the state of Texas. Evaluates reports containing observations and recommendations to ensure compliance with FHWA’s Bridge Inspector’s Reference Manual. May serve as a lead worker or project lead. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments however all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Essential Duties:

Underwater Bridge Inspector I: B21 $54,278 - $87,046

• Participates in dive operations preparation by reviewing previous inspection reports and files, identifies risks and required safety measures, and plans actions to respond to bridge emergencies.
• Inspects underwater bridge components, including responding to bridge emergencies.
• Uses equipment to clean marine and aquatic material from underwater bridge components.
• Measures bridge scour.
• Documents findings and writes inspection reports including recording data, drawings, and sketches.
• Identifies deficiencies and issues recommendations for maintenance actions according to TxDOT’s bridge inspection manuals and standard operating procedures.
• Updates bridge inspection data in the bridge inspection management system.
• Cleans and sanitizes the dive station and all equipment.
• Maintains specialized dive equipment and dive locker workspace, including ordering supplies.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned such as, but not limited to, towing boat trailers and operating dive boats.

Underwater Bridge Inspector II: B22 $57,614 - $93,138

Performs all of the above duties plus:

• Plans and/or coordinates dive operations by reviewing previous inspection reports and files, identifies risks and required safety measures, and plans actions to respond to bridge emergencies.
• Participates in bridge inspection scheduling and coordination activities.
• May serve as a project lead by managing interim projects, distributes project-related work assignments, and evaluates project team members for the duration of the project.
• May supervise dive operations including directing dive team members in navigating hazardous conditions and recognizing and treating divers in distress.

Underwater Bridge Inspector III: B24 $65,104 - $106,634

Performs all of the above duties plus:

• Oversees and coordinates dive operations by reviewing previous inspection reports and files, identifies risks and required safety measures, advises team members of diving-related hazards specific to planned dive operation location, develops Emergency Action Plans, and executes responses to bridge emergencies.
• Coordinates bridge inspection schedules by conducting site surveys and contacting government entities such as the U.S. Coast Guard for navigation updates.
• May serve as a lead worker by serving as a resource for complex questions, presenting workflow and operational updates to the supervisor/manager, providing input on team members’ career conversations, and approving leave requests to ensure operations coverage.
• Serves as a project lead by managing interim projects, distributes project-related work assignments, and evaluates project team members for the duration of the project.
• Supervises dive operations including directing the dive team in navigating hazardous conditions and recognizing and treating divers in distress.
• Conducts quality checks of the cleanliness and sanitation of the dive station and all equipment.
• Evaluates the maintenance of specialized dive equipment and dive locker workspace.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general education

Experience:

Underwater Bridge Inspector I:

• 1 YEAR in bridge, construction, underwater inspection, engineering support, maintenance, or related experience.
• Underwater Bridge Inspector II:

• 3 YEARS in bridge, construction, underwater inspection, engineering support, maintenance, or related experience.
• INCLUDING two years of conducting underwater bridge inspections and meets requirements of NBIS Team Leader

Underwater Bridge Inspector III:

• 5 YEARS of underwater bridge inspection experience and meets requirements of NBIS Team Leader. (Experience can be satisfied by full-time or prorated part-time equivalent)
• INCLUDING three years of conducting underwater bridge inspections and meets requirements of NBIS Team Leader

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license at the time of application. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Cardio Resuscitation(CPR) Cert
• Military/ADCI Comm Diving Cert
• Safety Impact Certificate

Competencies:

Underwater Bridge Inspector I:

Some knowledge of:

• Bridge engineering principles, practices and methods and the application of engineering theory
• Materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance
• Regulations related to safety inspection
• Safety Impact Certificate

Some skill in:

• Conducting underwater inspections
• Performing calculations using algebra, trigonometry and geometry
• Using computer applications to generate reports and sketches
• Using applicable hand and power tools, equipment, and mechanical devices of the trade

Ability to:

• Identify operational, environmental, and diving-related hazards

Underwater Bridge Inspector I I:

Considerable knowledge of all of the above including :

• Federal laws regulating construction and inspection
• Diving physics and
• proficiency in skills mentioned above

Ability to:

• Recognize and treat divers in distress
• Identify operational, environmental, and diving-related hazards

Underwater Bridge Inspector II I:

Extensive Knowledge of all of the above including expert skill in:

• Conducting underwater inspections
• Performing calculations using algebra, trigonometry and geometry
• Using computer applications to generate reports and sketches
• Using applicable hand and power tools, equipment, and mechanical devices of the trade and

Ability to:

• Recognize and treat divers in distress
• Identify operational, environmental, and diving-related hazards

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to outside environmental conditions; no effective weather protection
• Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
• Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device
• Works frequently in confined spaces
• Lift up to 50 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs
• Climbing - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc
• Reaching-extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction
• Pushing-using upper extremities to press against object with force to move in a direction
• Pulling-using upper extremities to exert force moving objects in a sustained motion
• Lifting-raising objects from lower to higher position/horizontally to a different position
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Hearing-perceive sound at normal speaking levels;receive information by oral communication
• Close Visual Acuity-using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts
• Visual Acuity-operate machines, such as drill presses, power saws, and mills

Conditions of Employment: Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
• Must pass dive physical and be approved to perform dive operations.
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
• Must (1) have successfully completed a comprehensive training course based on FHWA’s Bridge Inspector’s Reference Manual (FHWA-NHI-Course No. 130055 – Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges, or an equivalent recognized by the FHWA) within (1) year of hire, and (2) sign an agreement to that effect as a condition of employment.
• This position may be eligible for Hazardous Duty Pay as authorized by the General Appropriations Act.