Bridge Inspection Team Leader

About the Firm:

Our mission: Transforming Infrastructure with Passion and Kindness.

We provide quality, cost-effective engineering services to state and local governments and private-sector clients across New York State and Pennsylvania. Our project portfolio features experience in Bridge, Highway, and Structural Design, Condition and Safety Inspection, Civil and Site Engineering Support, Construction Inspection and Administration, Survey and Mapping, and Hydrographic Services.
Prudent Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

What you’ll be able to do:

Prudent Engineering, LLP is seeking an experienced Bridge Inspection Team Leader to support NYSDOT biennial bridge inspection assignments and related structural inspection work throughout New York State. The successful candidate will lead field inspection teams, evaluate bridge conditions, assign condition ratings, document structural deficiencies, and oversee the preparation of accurate, timely inspection reports. This position requires a New York State Professional Engineer license, completion of the applicable NHI bridge inspection training, and the qualifications necessary to receive NYSDOT approval as a Bridge Inspection Team Leader. The position offers an opportunity to perform technically challenging work on a wide variety of bridge types while contributing to the continued growth of Prudent’s Structure Condition Inspection practice.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as a Bridge Inspection Team Leader for NYSDOT biennial bridge inspection assignments.
• Plan, organize, and lead field inspections in accordance with NYSDOT requirements, applicable federal standards, project-specific procedures, and Prudent’s safety and quality practices.
• Direct and coordinate Assistant Team Leaders, inspection personnel, traffic control operations, access equipment, and other field resources.
• Perform detailed visual, hands-on, and sounding inspections of bridge components, including decks, superstructures, substructures, culverts, bearings, joints, railings, and ancillary elements.
• Evaluate structural conditions, assign appropriate condition ratings, and identify deterioration, safety concerns, and maintenance or repair needs.
• Recognize conditions requiring immediate reporting, further evaluation, load posting consideration, or prompt corrective action.
• Prepare, review, and approve inspection documentation, photographs, field notes, sketches, measurements, and electronic inspection records.
• Complete inspection reports accurately and within required project schedules.
• Enter, review, and manage inspection information using NYSDOT-required bridge inspection and asset management systems.
• Review available bridge plans, previous inspection reports, load ratings, repair records, and other background information before field inspection.
• Coordinate inspection activities with NYSDOT personnel, project managers, equipment providers, traffic control personnel, railroads, municipalities, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in inspection planning, scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Assist with preparation of inspection work plans, access plans, traffic control needs, cost estimates, scopes of work, and fee proposals.
• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job mentoring and training to Assistant Team Leaders and developing inspection staff.
• Support Prudent’s quality assurance and quality control procedures and maintain compliance with company, client, OSHA, and project-specific safety requirements.
• Support special, emergency, element-level, culvert, municipal, or private bridge inspections, as assigned.
• Assist with bridge load rating, structural evaluation, or bridge design assignments when qualified and workload permits.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• Current New York State Professional Engineer license, or the ability to obtain New York licensure through reciprocity within an agreed-upon period.
• Minimum three (3) years bridge inspection, bridge design or bridge construction experience or equivalent combination with minimum 3 months field work experience
• Familiarity with NYSDOT EAM/BDIS inspection reporting; AASHTOWare BrR load rating experience is a plus
• Successful completion of the applicable National Highway Institute bridge inspection course, including NHI Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges or its current NYSDOT-accepted equivalent.
• Experience and qualifications sufficient to receive and maintain NYSDOT approval as a Bridge Inspection Team Leader.
• Demonstrated experience performing bridge safety inspections and evaluating the condition of structural components.
• Working knowledge of bridge behavior, deterioration mechanisms, common bridge defects, and bridge maintenance and repair practices.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically accurate inspection reports and defensible condition assessments.
• Ability to interpret bridge plans, inspection reports, load rating information, repair details, and construction records.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to lead field personnel and coordinate effectively with clients, contractors, equipment operators, and agency representatives.
• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout New York State, including occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions and, with or without reasonable accommodation, access bridge components using ladders, scaffolding, aerial lifts, under-bridge inspection units, boats, and other specialized equipment.
• Ability to work at heights, over water, adjacent to traffic, and within other active transportation environments while following all required safety procedures.

What we offer:

• Hourly rate of $75-$80/hr.
• Medical, dental, vision.
• 401K with company match.
• PTO plus paid holidays.
• Unlimited opportunities to advance your career.

Actual compensation may vary based on work experience, location, market conditions, education/training, certifications, and other credentials, as well as applicable knowledge and skills.