Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00017018

Description Activated On:  8/22/2025 9:50:58 AM


Position Purpose:
Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

Supervises a bridge inspection assistant within assigned Engineering District and performs bridge safety inspections on existing bridge structures in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards and department requirements.

Description of Duties:
Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Supervises a bridge inspection assistant and performs a variety of technical duties associated with the inspection of bridges and other structures in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS).

Supervises and performs bridge safety inspections on existing bridges, including all structural components such as concrete footings, abutments, wing walls, bearings, back walls, steel beams, girders, truss members, pre-stressed concrete beams, timber construction, bridge decks and wearing surfaces, expansion devices, approach slabs, relief joints, piers, bents, rivets, bolts, welds and safety features (i.e., safety parapets, guide rail, approach roadway alignment, deck geometry, vertical clearances and bridge signing). Inspect bridges for conditions such as accident damage, water scouring of footings, wear or corrosion on pins, eyebars, and other steel members, and condition of bearings.

Responsible for maintaining bridge inspection records, such as; Bridge Management System (BMS2) data, D-491 forms, photographs, and field sketches, drawings, and other bridge specific documents. Special assignments will occasionally be required to include inspecting bridges less than eight feet, photographing special bridges or bridge conditions, performing bridge damage inspections, performing scour monitoring inspections, or measuring wearing surface thickness and section loss.

Maintains knowledge of BMS2/BMS3 for inquiries, and updates and inputs correct and accurate data into the computer system.

Coordinates with County Maintenance Units and railroads as needed, both verbally and in writing and provides required equipment, permits and support staff to safely access structures.

Supervises the compilation of field data, photographs, sketches, narrative descriptions, inspection forms and comprehensive reports.

Prepares a neat, systematic, and well documented bridge inspection report. Addresses critical findings regarding the current condition and deficiencies, and the NBIS required recording elements as mentioned in Pub 238.

Performs full range of supervisory duties including: Plans, organizes, assigns work, determines work flow, and prioritizes and reviews work performance of subordinates. Prepares, discusses, and signs job descriptions and employee performance reviews (EPRs). Approves/disapproves payroll and leave requests. Follows accident and work comp procedures. Interprets rules and regulations, policies and procedures, standards and objectives of program functions, Department and Commonwealth directives to subordinates. Initiates corrective action for minor misconduct by subordinates. Works with Labor Relations Coordinator on when corrective disciplinary action is needed and when grievances or complaints are filed. Evaluates the training needs of subordinates and trains and/or requests further training for subordinates. Participates in the interview and selection process.

Plans and coordinates bridge inspection crane activities.

Utilizes a ladder, boat, aerial lift, traffic control devices, waders, personal harness, inspection crane and other equipment needed to safely access structures.

Completes assignments by established due dates, process mapping, benchmarking, and measurement updates.

Communicates expectations and concerns to internal and external customers. Communicates with other project staff to resolve problems and coordinate staffing, equipment, and information; keeps supervisor and staff informed of important project information and upcoming operations.

Responsible for maintaining bridge inspection equipment. The inspection van is to receive required preventative maintenance. Breakdowns are to be handled to reduce lost time. Cameras and other inspection equipment shall be maintained as necessary. Forms and supplies are to be obtained as needed to increase productivity. If new or additional equipment is needed, notify the supervisor of the exact type of new equipment needed with an approximate price for ordering.

Develops subordinates by planning training and development activities.

Plans, assigns, prioritizes and evaluates work of subordinates. Interviews and selects employees, evaluates employee performance, approves or disapproves leave requests, initiates disciplinary action, determines subordinate training needs, coaches and counsels' employees, and resolves problems.

Attends training as required.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Safety:
1. Assess your environment and be responsible for your safety, the safety of co-workers, and the public.
2. Attend required safety training and adhere to the requirements of all safety manuals, policies, and laws.
3. Immediately report to your supervisor any incident, unsafe practice, or near miss.
4. When in an enclosed environment (office buildings, confined spaces, flagger stations, equipment pinch points, etc.), know your evacuation process and escape route, your communication protocols, and appropriately react in the event of an incident.
Evaluate the contractor’s operations:
- Immediately stop any unsafe actions.
- Engage in an ongoing safety dialogue with the contractor’s leadership.
5. Promote a CULTURE that emphasizes SAFETY as a core value:
- Immediately stop any unsafe actions.
- Incorporate safety into all discussions, deliberations, and decisions.
- Continuously communicate the safety direction.
- Inspire employees to be a MODEL for safety.
- Encourage and support safety initiatives and programs by participating and involving your staff.
- Recognize safety daily.
- Acknowledge EXTRAORDINARY achievements.
- Learn and improve through After Action Reviews (AARs).
- Enforce accountability.

Succession Planning:
Actively engage in succession planning by assessing potential vacancies; identifying current and future critical needs and competencies; and assessing the interest, availability, and readiness of current staff and candidate pools. Work with employees to complete and maintain a Career Development Plan. Engage employees and recognize employees and their accomplishments. Establish a mechanism to identify, capture, and share explicit and tacit program/technical knowledge among staff.

Department Green Plan Policy:
Commit to following the Department’s Green Plan Policy (Pub 712) and the associated principles. Failure to comply with the Department’s Green Plan Policy shall be documented in the employee’s performance review.

Fair Labor Standards Act:
Understand your responsibilities as a supervisor under the FLSA to ensure that employees are paid appropriately for hours they work or are allowed to work – i.e. all time spent furthering the business of the Department. Ensure that your employees are performing work only within their regularly-assigned shift hours, unless overtime has been directed and approved in advance of completed work. There should be no confusion as to when work has officially started or ended. Ensure that all hours employees work are fully accounted for on payroll sheets.

Decision Making:
Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Uses independent judgment in making minor, on-site technical decisions. Work is assigned with general instructions and specific objectives by a technical supervisor who reviews work for results obtained.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

1. Valid Pennsylvania Class C Driver’s License or equivalent.

2. Meets and maintains the qualifications for a bridge inspection team leader as defined by the current NBIS.


Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1. 
  Class C Driver's License
 
2.  
OTHER
 
3.  
N/A
 
4.  

 
5.  

 
6.  


Essential Functions
: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Provide training and supervision of staff responsible for inspection of assigned projects to ensure compliance with project safety standards.
 2. Read, write, and speak clearly.
 3. Input/retrieve information utilizing electronic devices.
 4. Maneuver safely around moving traffic and equipment.
 5. React immediately to hazard warning devices, such as signs, sirens, and alarms.
 6. Use required personal protective equipment and be responsible for its care, storage, and maintenance.
 7. Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, reach, crawl, twist, and climb; lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Withstand periods of heavy exertion.
 8. Travel to sites and oversee bridge safety inspections. Overnight travel may be required.
 9. Tolerate exposure to noise, outdoors, adverse weather conditions, various plants and insects, and chemicals within Safety Data Sheet (SDS) limits.
 10. Work extended hours in excess of eight hours per shift seasonally and/or be on call beyond normal business hours.