Lead Underwater Bridge Inspector

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Underwater Bridge Inspector to support our robust and growing Bridge Inspection Practice in the Southeast Region!

This position will be located in Mooresville, NC

Position Summary

The Underwater Bridge Inspection Team Manager is responsible for leading, planning, and executing underwater inspections of bridges and other water-crossing structures in accordance with FHWA, state DOT, and industry dive-safety standards and making independent decisions. This role oversees all field operations, ensures dive-team safety, manages project schedules and budgets, provides technical guidance, and delivers high-quality inspection reports. The position requires a combination of engineering knowledge, commercial diving expertise, and strong leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Oversight

• Lead and supervise underwater bridge inspection teams, including commercial divers, engineers, and support personnel.
• Coordinate team assignments, staffing, and scheduling for multiple concurrent projects.
• Ensure adherence to dive-safety protocols, OSHA commercial diving regulations, and company safety procedures.
• Mentor and train junior inspectors and dive team members.

Project & Field Management

• Plan, organize, and execute underwater bridge inspections, scour evaluations, structure condition assessments, and related field activities.
• Develop dive plans, safety checklists, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and site-specific health and safety plans.
• Manage on-site operations to ensure inspections are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable standards.
• Communicate with project managers, clients, and regulatory agencies regarding field schedules, site access, and deliverables.

Technical Duties

• Perform underwater structural inspections using tactile and visual examination techniques.
• Evaluate deterioration, scour, material loss, and structural deficiencies.
• Interpret underwater findings to assess structural capacity, risk, and maintenance needs.
• Review and prepare detailed inspection reports, condition ratings, sketches, and photo/video documentation.
• Assist in the development of repair recommendations or scopes of work.

Administrative & Client Management

• Track project budgets, dive logs, equipment inventory, and inspection documentation.
• Ensure compliance with FHWA NBIS, state DOT requirements, and industry standards.
• Support proposals, cost estimates, and scheduling for upcoming underwater inspection projects.
• Serve as primary client contact for underwater inspection matters.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• Minimum of 11 years of relevant post education experience in discipline with prior construction inspection experience.
• Essential professional licensure/certification(s).
• Valid state driver’s license.
• Advanced knowledge of construction inspection principles, field inspection practices, process, methods and techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of relevant construction codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of construction inspection principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate standards or regulations.
• Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and installation of equipment, materials, and systems.
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Effective self-leadership with attention to detail, results orientation, and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.
• Advanced proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from inspection and testing results, data collation, load calculations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
• Ability to assertively direct others in the field such as subcontractors and junior-level staff to consistently complete tasks safely, efficiently, and accurately according to specifications.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

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