What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bridge Inspector position at Arkansas Department of Transportation?
Posting closes on 9/10/2026
Under the direction of the Senior Bridge Inspector, this position is responsible for assisting in the inspection of all publicly owned bridges in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS).
Examples of Work
The following examples are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. No attempt is made to be exhaustive. Related, similar, or other logical duties are performed as assigned. The Department may require employees to perform functions beyond those contained in job descriptions. The Department may modify job descriptions based on Department needs. The Arkansas Department of Transportation is an "at will" employer.
- Assist in the planning, inspection, assigning condition ratings, completing necessary forms, and making detailed sketches, photographs, and measurements necessary for accurately reporting the existing condition of a bridge.
- Assist in entering inspection data into the bridge inspection software.
- Assist in making emergency inspection of bridges damaged by accident or natural causes.
- Assist in performing underwater inspections in the form of soundings, probing, or observations from a low water condition.
- Wade water up to chest deep or utilize a boat to perform inspections.
- Climb to heights using a ladder or by hand.
Minimum Requirements
Education and experience: The educational equivalent to a diploma from an accredited high school plus experience in bridge related assignments (construction, construction inspection, bridge maintenance, or design) is preferred.
Knowledge, skills and abilities: Familiarity with the operation of personal computers. Ability to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, and to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.
Physical requirements: Ability to climb up and down ladders, platforms, hills and grades as well as in and out of vehicles and equipment.
Working conditions: Ability to perform assigned duties in all types of weather as well as other work conditions, e. g. noise, dust and fumes. Ability to perform duties at varying heights.
Licenses, registrations and certifications: Must attend and successfully complete the required comprehensive bridge inspection training course within five years. Failure to complete the required training course within the specified time period may result in immediate demotion or termination. Valid driver’s license. Successful applicants must meet the physical and mental requirements for a commercial driver's license (CDL). Applicants for this position must obtain a Class A CDL with tanker (“N”) endorsement within 180 calendar days of hire. If CDL is not obtained within 180 calendar days, the Department will make an effort to transfer the employee to a position that does not require a CDL; however, it may necessitate a decrease in the employee’s salary. If an appropriate position is not available, the employee may be subject to termination. A pre-employment drug/alcohol test will be conducted after a contingent offer of employment or transfer has been made, and prior to the candidate performing any work for the Department in that capacity. Internal applicants who are already in a safety-sensitive position will not be subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing; however, offers to internal applicants who are not in a safety-sensitive position will be contingent upon pre-employment drug/alcohol testing. Subject to additional drug/alcohol testing according to the provisions of the ARDOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.
("Accredited" means the educational institution or program is accredited by an accrediting organization recognized either by the United States Department of Education or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.)
This position does not require theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge or a bachelor’s degree or higher in the field; thus, this position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.