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% of the time, including occasional overnight travel to support inspection projects throughout Virginia and the surrounding region.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, navigate uneven terrain, climb ladders or stairs, lift and carry up to 50 pounds, work outdoors in varying weather conditions, and endure exposure to construction-related hazards.

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
• 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