BRIDGE/STRUCTURE INSPECTOR 54302

3/1/92 C

This is the first class in the Bridge and Structure Inspection series. Positions in this class conduct in-depth visual and mechanical or underwater inspections of bridges and structures within a specific geographic area, at regular intervals, in accordance with prescribed procedures. This class is distinguished from the Bridge/ Structure Inspector Senior by the latter's greater impact of actions due to signatory authority on inspection reports and the corresponding federal regulatory requirement for completion of a comprehensive training course based on the "Bridge Inspector's Training Manual."

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty involving in-depth visual and mechanical or underwater inspections of concrete, timber and steel bridges and structures, their components, and surrounding area to determine existing conditions, degree of deterioration, delamination, scour damage, corrosion, lateral shifting, and loading/clearance postings. Prepares inspection reports documenting extent of defects found and structural condition; prepares detailed sketches of conditions as well as repairs or replacement needed to ensure structural safety; and computes estimated cost of materials for repair and rehabilitation. Performs special inspections for scour critical details, fracture-critical components, fatigue-prone details, and damage from flooding, vehicular accidents, etc. Performs deck investigations on concrete bridges to determine corrosion of reinforcing steel, delamination in deck, and chloride contamination. Recommends overall condition rating of bridges and structures using a designated coding guide, and performs structural analysis of simple span structures to determine load carrying capacity based on degree of deterioration and section loss of steel members. Updates computerized Structure Inventory and Appraisal records to reflect condition, features, structural appraisal, and cost estimate. Maintains equipment and supplies. There is considerable danger in this work since positions in this class work out of doors, in all types of weather, work at great heights, in confined spaces, over water, and in close proximity to traffic. Some positions perform underwater inspections using SCUBA equipment.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: General supervision is received from a Bridge Structure Inspection Team Leader, or higher level technical or engineering position.

Scope: Positions in this class perform inspections of bridges and structures, within a specific geographic area, and recommend needed repairs or replacements.

Impact of Actions: This class has a moderate impact of actions. Errors or omissions in reports would typically be corrected by a Bridge/Structure Inspection Team Leader or Bridge/Structure Inspector Senior; however, undetected errors or omissions negatively impact the validity and reliability of structure ratings, repairs/replacements needed, and the safety of the traveling public. Inspections must be conducted within scheduled time limits to ensure the quality, integrity, and safety of the structure.

Personal Contacts: Infrequent external contact with property owners, contractor personnel, and the traveling public to provide information regarding work activities.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of bridge inspection methods and procedures; routine bridge maintenance and repair procedures; the deterioration characteristics of steel, timber, and concrete; common bridge types and bridge nomenclature; drafting techniques; and algebra, trigonometry, and geometry.

Skills: Working skill in the use of various inspection instruments.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; perform manual labor in connection with bridge inspection tasks; compute preliminary cost estimates of repairs; diagnose the causes of deterioration and damage of bridges; perform structural analysis; read and interpret road and bridge plans, sketches, manuals, and agency guidelines; prepare detailed sketches of bridges and structures; perform data entry; and work out of doors, in all types of weather, work at great heights, in confined spaces, over water, and in close proximity to traffic. Underwater inspectors must have a demonstrated ability to SCUBA dive.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Valid motor vehicle operator's license at hire.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school with course work in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and drafting.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in bridge inspection and repair methods or experience related to the job area.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class, previously titled Bridge Safety Inspector, was revised as a result of a Classification Review/Specification Update study conducted by the Department of Transportation, effective March 1992.