This is technical work inspecting bridge structures for maintenance and repair needs. An employee in this class inspects contractual bridge repair work for conformance to specification requirements, investigates complaints and accidents involving bridge structures, and recommends repairs as conditions require. The employee may serve as a team leader over lower level bridge safety inspectors to perform specific parts of the construction process. This class is distinguished from the next lower level class by the complexity and size of the project, the preparation of preliminary specifications necessary to provide information for contractors interested in applying for bids, and the responsibility for the accurate, detailed record keeping of the project mandated by the Federal Government.

Work entails hazardous conditions which include working from heights, out of doors, and physical effort. Interaction with private contractors in interpreting specifications and contract requirements is an essential element of the work. Work is performed under the general supervision of a technical superior.

• Patrols an assigned area and inspects bridges to determine maintenance and repair needs; inspects bridges by climbing over or through members; inspects for such things as spalled concrete, reduced steel members, broken railings, peeling paint, damaged signs, broken guard ails on bridge approaches, and damaged utility service; prepares reports recommending maintenance and repair work required.
• Acts as a team leader over lower level bridge safety inspectors during construction and inspection projects; reviews inspection reports and documentation of construction, maintenance and repair work prepared by lower level bridge safety inspectors.
• Inspects contractual bridge reconstruction work; inspects structural steel, paints, and other materials to be used in bridge reconstruction for conformance to contract standards and specifications; consults with contractors and other interested parties; explains and interprets contract standards and specifications; prepares preliminary specifications necessary to provide information for contractors interested in applying bids; obtains samples of materials for testing by City laboratory and makes recommendations concerning their acceptance; recommends approval of completed work; maintains records on work performed and computes cost of completed work.
• Investigates and reports on complaints and accidents involving bridge structures; recommends repair or change in structure or maintenance as safety conditions require.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the methods and techniques involved in the inspection of bridge structures for the purpose of determining need for general and/or structural reconstruction.
• the occupational hazards and safety precautions of bridge inspection work.
• materials, methods, and techniques involved in the maintenance and reconstruction of all types of bridge superstructures.
• the structural details of the common types of bridges.

ABILITY TO:

• determine through inspection the need for and degree of maintenance and/or repair to individual parts of bridge structures.
• keep accurate and very detailed records required for federally funded construction projects.
• supervise a small number of subordinates on construction projects.
• act as a team leader on bridge inspections.
• inspect and detect structural defects and non-conformance to contract standards and specifications in materials to be used in bridge reconstruction.
• prepare and review reports relating to bridge maintenance inspections.
• read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications pertaining to bridge reconstruction work.

• Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth school grade and nine credits of post high school courses in construction or civil engineering technology.
• And eight years of experience in one or more trades involved in bridge maintenance or construction work, two years of which have been performing technical work inspecting bridge structures for maintenance and repair needs.

  OR

• Completion of a two-year program with major course work in construction or civil engineering technology at a technical institute or two years at an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, and two years of experience performing technical work inspecting bridge structures for maintenance and repair needs.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department.

NOTE: For the first holding only, six months of additional experience inspecting bridge structures may be substituted for the nine credits of post high school courses in construction or civil engineering technology.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid Bridge Safety Inspector Certificate issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of appointment as a Bridge Safety Inspector II.
• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as Bridge Safety Inspector II.

PAY RANGE: 19
Class Established: 10/1986
Latest Spec. Revision: 1/1987

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