Bridge Inspector Assistant

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

• 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.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or coursework in civil engineering technology, construction management, or