What does a bridge inspector do?
Bridge inspectors are civil engineer construction specialists whose job is to assess the conditions of bridges, ensuring public safety. The inspectors inspect any damage and deterioration of the bridges, culverts, waterways, and trestles. They are familiar with the analysis system of load rating. Their job involves monitoring construction-related activities to make sure that contractors will comply with design drawings, safety requirements, and specifications. Also, they function as a liaison project engineer between the project and field engineer.
Bridge inspector responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real bridge inspector resumes:
- Coordinate, manage, and conduct geotechnical engineering and engineering geology subsurface investigations.
- Create bridge rehabilitation drafts with AutoCAD, Civil3D.
- Develop computer-aid drawings using AutoCAD.
- Conduct safety-focused inspections to ensure licensee compliance with license provisions and NRC rules and regulations.
- Submit Rfi's, and permits the was need for the jobs
- Provide services for bridge construction and repair, iron work, carpentry, and structural concrete work
- Bridge crew- including but not limit to detail construction, maintenance, and replacement of bridges.
Bridge inspector skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Bridge Inspectors are proficient in DOT, Asphalt, and Construction Inspection. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Craft experience, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Bridge Inspectors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- DOT, 19%
Oversee and documented contractors progress to insure compliance with Wisconsin DOT Standard Specifications.
- Asphalt, 14%
Completed SR 700, a 14 mile Hot in Place recycled asphalt and AB 300 canal bank restoration project.
- Construction Inspection, 11%
Supervised bridge construction inspections while being a liaison between ALDOT construction and inspection personnel and private construction companies.
- ACI, 9%
Test concrete in accordance with the above criteria and ACI.
- Highway Construction, 6%
Implemented proper roadway and bridge specifications based on the Alabama Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Highway Construction.
- NCDOT, 6%
Supervised the construction of NCDOT roadway projects.
Common skills that a bridge inspector uses to do their job include "dot," "asphalt," and "construction inspection." You can find details on the most important bridge inspector responsibilities below.
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a bridge inspector to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what bridge inspectors do because "inspectors must be able to explain problems they discover and to write a report that clearly describes their findings." Additionally, a bridge inspector resume shows how bridge inspectors use communication skills: "acted as communication liaison between outside construction contractors, dwb engineering, and dwb construction management construction project inspector i. "
Detail oriented. This is an important skill for bridge inspectors to perform their duties. For an example of how bridge inspector responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "inspectors thoroughly examine many different construction activities." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a bridge inspector: "prepared final bridge inspection reports, which included detailed sketches and photographs. ".
Mechanical knowledge. For certain bridge inspector responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical knowledge." The day-to-day duties of a bridge inspector rely on this skill, as "inspectors use a variety of testing equipment to check complex systems and must therefore understand how the systems operate." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what bridge inspectors do: "general knowledge in field testing methods of concrete. "
The three companies that hire the most bridge inspectors are:
- Genesee & Wyoming34 bridge inspectors jobs
- Wsp USA Buildings Inc.14 bridge inspectors jobs
- HDR13 bridge inspectors jobs
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Compare different bridge inspectors
Bridge inspector vs. General foreman
Using their knowledge and expertise of all construction disciplines, a general foreman plans and oversees operations within a construction site to ensure that everything is running smoothly. They are typically in charge of conducting regular inspections, coordinating with engineers and architects, managing the budget and expenditures, supervising workers, and ensuring that the project moves according to the desired time frame. Furthermore, a general foreman implements all safety regulations and policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment for everyone.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a bridge inspector are more likely to require skills like "dot," "asphalt," "construction inspection," and "aci." On the other hand, a job as a general foreman requires skills like "safety procedures," "safety rules," "quality standards," and "oversight." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
General foremen really shine in the construction industry with an average salary of $54,753. Comparatively, bridge inspectors tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $62,190.general foremen tend to reach similar levels of education than bridge inspectors. In fact, general foremen are 2.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Bridge inspector vs. Construction assistant
A construction assistant performs various clerical and operational support tasks to assist construction managers and maintain smooth workflow operations. Their responsibilities usually include monitoring budgets and costs, handling calls and correspondence, purchasing construction materials according to project requirements, liaising with suppliers and construction contractors, and participating in managing the schedules and activities of the workers. A construction assistant may also perform inspections to identify problem areas and ensure that all procedures adhere to the safety codes and standards.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that bridge inspector responsibilities requires skills like "dot," "asphalt," "construction inspection," and "aci." But a construction assistant might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "safety procedures," "construction projects," "general contractors," and "drywall installation."
Construction assistants earn a lower average salary than bridge inspectors. But construction assistants earn the highest pay in the construction industry, with an average salary of $59,937. Additionally, bridge inspectors earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $62,190 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Construction assistants tend to reach similar levels of education than bridge inspectors. In fact, they're 3.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Bridge inspector vs. Construction supervisor
Construction supervisors ensure construction team members work jointly to deliver excellent work on time. They provide team-building sessions and training and monitor the construction processes. These professionals ensure the construction processes take place every time as per the safety regulations and health regulations. Besides creating budgets, project plans, reports and delivering them to the appropriate stakeholders, construction supervisors also perform routine site, material, and equipment inspections. They always remain updated about the construction advancements and construction safety codes.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a bridge inspector is likely to be skilled in "dot," "asphalt," "construction inspection," and "aci," while a typical construction supervisor is skilled in "customer service," "project management," "work ethic," and "construction management."
Construction supervisors earn the best pay in the energy industry, where they command an average salary of $77,290. Bridge inspectors earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $62,190.When it comes to education, construction supervisors tend to earn similar degree levels compared to bridge inspectors. In fact, they're 0.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Bridge inspector vs. Carpenter foreman
A Carpenter Foreman supervises the work of a group of people engaged in carpentry, locksmith, or bricklaying work. They inspect buildings or other structures reported to be in need of repair and estimate the necessary time and materials for restoring them.
Types of bridge inspector
Updated January 8, 2025
