1

Bridge Inspector Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Are you a proven leader in bridge inspection with a passion for delivering safe, reliable infrastructure? Garver is seeking a National Bridge Inspection Practice Leader to lead and grow our bridge ...

Transportation Intern - Bridge

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

This intern will be mentored by our dynamic team and exposed to many aspects of bridge design, bridge rehabilitation and replacement, and inspection for a variety of projects. Internship Description:

next page

Showing results 1-20

Bridge Inspector information

See Arkansas salary details

$24.8K

$57.6K

$104.2K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in Arkansas is $57,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,800.00 and $74,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a bridge inspector do?

A Bridge Inspector is responsible for examining and evaluating the structural integrity and safety of bridges. They conduct regular inspections to identify any signs of wear, damage, or potential hazards, and document their findings in detailed reports. Bridge Inspectors often use specialized equipment and may work in challenging conditions to ensure that bridges meet safety standards and regulations. Their work is critical in preventing accidents and ensuring public safety on transportation infrastructure.

What does a bridge inspector do?

As a bridge inspector, your duties include monitoring construction sites, performing surveys and inspections, issuing violation notices or stop-work orders, creating written documentation, and reviewing plans to ensure compliance with ordinances, regulations, and building codes. Your responsibilities include ensuring a bridge (or another building) is safe from the design phase through to testing after construction. Being a bridge inspector requires you have some formal qualifications and education, typically at least a bachelor’s degree with a focus on building inspection and ideally further certification in building or bridge inspection. However, each state requires different training and skills from its inspectors, so be certain to check with your local regulatory agencies for particulars.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bridge inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bridge Inspector, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, structural analysis, and inspection procedures, often supported by a degree in civil engineering or a related field and relevant certifications. Experience with inspection tools, nondestructive testing equipment, and familiarity with reporting software like AASHTOWare are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help inspectors identify issues and clearly convey findings. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure public safety, maintain infrastructure integrity, and comply with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by bridge inspectors during fieldwork?

Bridge inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, accessing hard-to-reach structural elements, and ensuring safety while operating near traffic or over water. Field inspections may require specialized equipment and coordination with other engineers or traffic authorities. Adaptability, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are essential to overcome these challenges and ensure thorough, accurate inspections.

What is the difference between Bridge Inspector vs Structural Engineer?

AspectBridge InspectorStructural Engineer
CertificationsTypically requires state-specific inspector certifications and safety trainingRequires a Professional Engineer (PE) license and engineering degree
Work EnvironmentOn-site inspections of bridges, often outdoors and in various weather conditionsDesign, analysis, and planning in offices or on-site for larger projects
Employer & Industry UsagePublic agencies, transportation departments, construction firmsEngineering consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies

Bridge Inspectors focus on evaluating the safety and condition of existing bridges through on-site inspections, while Structural Engineers design and analyze new or existing structures, including bridges. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their responsibilities and certifications differ significantly.

How much do bridge inspectors make?

Bridge inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $65,000 to $75,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level inspectors may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn over $90,000 annually.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bridge Inspector jobs in Arkansas?

The most popular types of Bridge Inspector jobs in Arkansas are:

What are popular job titles related to Bridge Inspector jobs in Arkansas?

For Bridge Inspector jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bridge Inspector jobs in Arkansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Bridge Inspector jobs in Arkansas are:

What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Bridge Inspector jobs?

Cities in Arkansas with the most Bridge Inspector job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Bridge Inspector jobs in AR?

For Bridge Inspector jobs in AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,563 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

National Bridge Inspection Practice Leader

Garver

AR

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Garver rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Are you a proven leader in bridge inspection with a passion for delivering safe, reliable infrastructure? Garver is seeking a National Bridge Inspection Practice Leader to lead and grow our bridge inspection practice. This role combines technical expertise with strategic leadership, offering the opportunity to lead and build a dynamic team, manage key client relationships, and oversee a portfolio of profitable inspection projects.
As the Bridge Inspection Practice Leader, you will set the operational and strategic direction for our inspection practice, ensuring excellence in project delivery while driving business development and team growth. You’ll have the autonomy to run a business within a business, supported by Garver’s resources and collaborative culture.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute a strategic plan for bridge inspection services.
  • Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing inspection team.
  • Foster collaboration across design, inspection, and specialized service teams.
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships with DOTs and municipalities.
  • Lead proposal development, interviews, and presentations.
  • Identify and pursue new opportunities for inspection and related services.
  • Oversee and manage bridge inspection projects to SNBI and state-specific standards.
  • Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
  • Coordinate field operations, including scheduling and resource allocation.
  • Serve as a technical advisor for inspections, load ratings, and rehabilitation projects.
  • Provide guidance on inspection methodologies, reporting, and data management.
  • Support integration of advanced tools and technologies in inspection workflows.
Experience Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Completion of NHI Course No. 130055 (Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges). And refresher course 130053
  • 10+ years of experience in bridge inspection, with at least 5 years in a leadership or project management role. Qualify as a Bridge Inspection program Manager
  • Strong knowledge of SNBI standards, AASHTO guidelines, and DOT processes.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a proven ability to develop and manage teams.
  • Experience preparing scopes, budgets, and schedules for inspection projects.
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • NHI Courses: 130078 (Bridge Inspection Techniques for Nonredundant Steel Tension Members (NSTM)), 130091 (Underwater Bridge Inspection).
  • Experience with InspectX, AssetWise, AASHTOWare Bridge Management (BrM), and MicroStation.
  • Familiarity with asset management software and 3D modeling tools.
  • Previous experience leading inspection programs for DOTs or large municipalities.
  • Perform load ratings and rehabilitation design using modern engineering tools and best practices.
Grow With Us
Garver offers its employees programs such as company-paid professional memberships, company support for industry licenses and continuing education opportunities that foster a progressive atmosphere. Garver provides the tools, resources, and environment to develop leaders, stimulate ideas, and accomplish projects. By offering highly competitive salary packages, attractive benefits, and a comprehensive wellness program; Garver walks the talk when it comes to work-life balance.
Founded in 1919, Garver is an employee-owned engineering, planning, and environmental services firm focused on aviation, transportation, buildings, federal, water and wastewater services; surveying; advisory services; and construction engineering and inspection. In the top 100 of Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms list, with more than 1,400 employees, Garver provides an exceptional level of client service that reflects our people-first culture, which has achieved Zweig Group Best Firm to Work For Legacy Status. Learn how Garver invests in people and places they call home at GarverUSA.com.
Garver is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Our employment practices are based upon an individual's capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by law.
#LI-SM1

What Garver employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom