BRIDGE/STRUCTURE INSPECTOR SENIOR 54303

3/1/92 C

This is the second class in the Bridge and Structure Inspection series. Positions in this class regularly and routinely sign inspection reports and conduct in-depth visual and mechanical or underwater inspections of bridges and structures. Inspections are conducted within a specific geographic area, at regular intervals, and in accordance with prescribed procedures. This class is distinguished from the Bridge/Structure Inspector by its greater impact 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." This class is distinguished from the Bridge/Structure Inspection Team Leader by the latter's responsibility for planning and scheduling bridge inspections and providing technical guidance to an inspection team.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable 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. Regularly and routinely signs 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. Assigns overall condition rating of bridges and structures using a designated coding guide. Performs structural analysis of simple span structures to determine load carrying capacity based on degree of deterioration and section loss of steel members. Performs special inspections for scour critical details, fracture-critical components, fatigue-prone details, and damage from flooding, and vehicular and other accidents. Performs deck investigations on concrete bridges to determine corrosion of reinforcing steel, delamination in deck, and chloride contamination. Performs semifinal inspection of all newly constructed bridges and structures prior to final acceptance. 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. May guide and instruct lower level technicians.

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

Scope: Positions in this class conduct inspections and complete official reports for bridges and structures within a specific geographic area, and recommend needed repairs or replacements.

Impact of Actions: This class has a serious impact of actions. The signatory authority for bridge inspection reports certifies inspection results and any structural conditions which affect the safety of the traveling public. Errors or omissions in reports negatively impact the validity and reliability of structure ratings, repairs/replacements, the safety of the traveling public, and the value of a major public investment. 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. Infrequent internal contact with residency personnel for emergency repairs, hazardous conditions and traffic control.

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

Skills: Considerable skill in the use of various bridge 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 and structures; 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 outdoors, 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. Certification based on either successful completion of the comprehensive training course that is based on the "Bridge Inspection Training Manual" which has been developed by a joint Federal and State Task Force or Level III or IV Bridge Safety Inspection certification under the National Society of Professional Engineer's National Certification of Engineering Technologies (NICET) program.

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

Level and Type of Experience: Minimum five years experience in bridge inspection assignments in a responsible capacity; or five years applicable bridge experience which meets the requirements of the NICET program for Level III or IV certification.

Because of the federal requirements regarding signatory authority on bridge safety inspection reports, no substitution for the required five years experience is applicable for this class.

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