BRIDGE INSPECTION TRANSPORTATION WORKER 1* - 08182026-80008

Location: Jackson, TN – Department of Transportation, Madison County (4 positions in Region 4 - Field Operations Bridge Inspection Section)

Pay

$3,631.00 - $4,533.00 monthly ($43,572.00 - $54,396.00 annually). Starting salary: $3,631 monthly / $43,572 annually.

About the role

The Bridge Inspection Transportation Worker is responsible for daily inspection tasks, including the operation of equipment, to help ensure TDOT's infrastructure is safe for all users. The position assists with the inspection processes for bridges, culverts, and other structures, ensuring thorough and accurate assessments are conducted. This role involves operating heavy machinery, vehicles, power tools, and standard hand tools used to inspect bridges within the State's highway and roadway systems. The Transportation Worker accomplishes daily inspection activities in alignment with project scope, schedule, and budget, serving as a resource for equipment operations, task completion, and overall inspection activities.

This position works under the guidance of experienced team members, gaining knowledge and skills to improve operational efficiencies and contribute to innovative best practices. As expertise develops, the role takes on more responsibilities and becomes integral to the team's success.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the successful completion of inspection projects for transportation infrastructure by identifying deterioration and deficiencies; supporting the interpretation of project-specific procedures, plans, and specifications; ensuring activities align with state and federal laws; communicating findings clearly; supporting data input into the Bridge Management System; emphasizing safety; and assisting the public during emergencies.
• Gain an understanding of team roles within projects, communicate effectively with team members to learn objectives, and prioritize safety in all tasks.
• Assist in integrating quality management into inspection projects to support alignment with asset management objectives.
• Promote a safety-focused work environment by learning to recognize hazards, assess risks, and help mitigate safety issues, including understanding processes and selecting appropriate technology.
• Learn to apply TDOT Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Policies and the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to establish inspection work zones.
• Help inspect and evaluate the quality of bridge assets in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), Specification for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI), Bridge Inspectors Reference Manual (BIRM), and TDOT Bridge Inspection Manual to determine changes in conditions, value, safety, or quality, and make recommendations for repair.
• Assist in tracking data related to employee time, equipment, structural conditions, and material usage on projects.
• Assist in the proper operation and basic maintenance of TDOT equipment, including aerial lifts, Under Bridge Inspection Vehicles (UBIV), ladders, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), climbing equipment, and other required tools.
• Help track the accurate use of equipment and obtain and maintain all required certifications for equipment operation.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers, collaborating effectively with other teams, responding promptly to requests, maintaining accurate records, and communicating clearly.
• Participate in the Transportation Worker Proficiency Program by completing all required training and documentation, maintaining a Personal Advancement Log (PAL), submitting records on time, reviewing module materials, and preparing for scheduled exams and demonstrations.
• Participate in investigating complaints and emergency scenarios by assisting with inspections of bridge conditions and other duties during emergencies such as floods, tornadoes, fires, vehicle impacts, and hazardous material spills.
• Communicate effectively with the foreman, peers, and emergency management crews regarding lane closures, incident severity, emergency response status, and other relevant information.
• Help ensure proper documentation of all activities and information during roadside operations, inspections, and emergency situations related to monitoring and remediating bridge asset conditions.
• Remain current on training related to emergency operations and national best practices for NBIS, SNBI, BIRM, and inspection standards for TDOT employees, contractors, and the public.
• Collaborate with project teams, including Bridge Performance and Preservation Teams, and help document project-specific knowledge, such as notable bridge deficiencies, to maximize project success and implement best practices.
• Assist the Asset Management Division in inspecting ancillary structures and attend field meetings with maintenance or repair teams to assess bridge conditions for rehabilitation as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) diploma.
• Possess and maintain a valid Class D driver's license to operate vehicles in the State of Tennessee.
• If under age 21: Obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within eleven months at your own expense (Code O, Code K, and Code 52 restrictions allowable; Code E restriction not allowable; testing must be completed in a manual transmission vehicle). Some positions may require removal of the Code O restriction to operate a fifth wheel or trailer over 10,001 pounds.
• If age 21 or older and currently a TDOT employee with a Class A CDL: Maintain or obtain a Class A CDL with an N endorsement within three months of your 21st birthday at your own expense.
• If age 21 or older and not currently employed with TDOT: Possess and maintain, or obtain within eleven months of hire, a Class A CDL with an N endorsement at your own expense (Code L restriction not allowable; testing must be completed in a manual transmission vehicle).
• Employees will have five months from hire or promotion to obtain the applicable permits leading to eligibility for the required license.
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for commercial driver and safety impact positions. Subject to additional drug and alcohol testing during employment.
• May be required to work weekends, holidays, variable hours outside of the normal work schedule, including on-call rotation, and under exposure to inclement weather conditions.

Qualifications

Transportation Worker 1: Entry-level position with no prerequisites other than a high school education or equivalent. Eligible for promotion to Transportation Worker 2 upon satisfactory review and completion of required skills and competency elements, including obtaining the appropriate level of Commercial Driver's License based on age.

Transportation Worker 2: Intermediate level. Must have successfully completed the required skills and competency elements of the Transportation Worker 1 level. Eligible for promotion to Transportation Worker 3 upon satisfactory review and completion of required skills and competency elements at the Transportation Worker 2 level.

Transportation Worker 3: Experienced level. Must have successfully completed the required skills and competency elements at the Transportation Worker 2 level.

Each level of the Transportation Worker Series has a defined Work Element Plan detailing core and elective skills, competencies, and corresponding exam and demonstration requirements for eligibility to advance to the next level.

Skills

For Transportation Worker I, II, and III:

• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of basic mathematical fundamentals.
• Basic report and form writing skills.
• Skilled in applicable hand and power tools, equipment, and mechanical devices of the trade.
• Skilled in the use of light and heavy highway equipment.
• Ability to use computers and applicable programs, applications, and systems.
• Knowledgeable in basic vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair procedures.
• Ability to recognize and take precautions for potential hazards to the transportation work crew.

Additional for Transportation Worker II and III:

• Knowledge of the Tennessee Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
• Knowledgeable in street and highway traffic rules and regulations, and temporary signing and safety precautions while working on or near highways.
• Knowledgeable in project logistics and worksite planning.

Additional for Transportation Worker III:

• Ability to lead teams, maintaining effective work relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external.
• Ability to train teams and individuals, recognizing applicable teaching and learning methods.
• Knowledge of material estimating and procurement procedures.