Trainee Underwater Bridge Inspection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 882598 

Agency: Department of Transportation

Working Title: ASST UNDERWATER BRIDGE INSPECTOR TRAINEE- 55006402

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 55006402 

Salary:  46,853.71 - 60,634.22 

Posting Closing Date: 09/15/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

JOB POSTING DESCRIPTION

338 / BRIDGE INSPECTION

 OPEN COMPETITIVE

CAREER SERVICE

FULL-TIME

CONTACT PERSON: Wendy Pilcher

CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 850-330-1607

Join FDOT and be part of the team that works as one to improve safety, enhance mobility and inspire innovation in the Florida transportation system.

To ensure honesty and transparency, all applicants must provide their own work. Unless explicitly requested, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist with qualifying questions, work samples, or interviews is strictly prohibited, and any breach of this requirement will lead to the applicant being removed from consideration.

Candidates must be United States (U.S.) citizens or lawfully authorized alien workers.  Visa sponsorship is not available.

Our Mission

The mission of the Florida Department of Transportation is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida’s environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities.

Our Vision

As a OneFDOT team, we serve the people of Florida by providing a transportation network that is well planned, supports economic growth, and has the goal of being congestion and fatality free.

The Work You Will Do:

Asst Underwater Bridge Inspector Trainee

This position will assist the inspection team leader in the inspections of State-owned structures within the District, identifying and documenting structural deficiencies, preparing inspection reports, and maintaining inspection and safety equipment.

The Difference You Will Make:

Through cooperation, coordination and collaboration among the OneFDOT team, you will be contributing to a strong and empowering culture of TRREC: Trust, Relationships, Respect, Empowerment, and Communication. 

How You Will Grow:

FDOT encourages our team members to grow through engagement, empowerment, training, and professional development.  Through our agency’s learning management system, you have access to hundreds of computer-based training and instructor-led courses. 

Where You Will Work:

District 3 Headquarters

1074 Highway 90

Chipley, FL 32428

Your Specific Responsibilities:

 Assists the inspection team leader in the inspections of State-owned structures within the District in accordance with requirements specified in the Department’s Manual for Bridge and Other Structures Inspection and Reporting; and the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). Identifies physical condition of various structural components. Assists in defining and quantifying deficiencies.

Assists the Certified Bridge Inspector (CBI) in charge with the preparation of Inspection and Comprehensive Inventory Data Reports.

Conducts inspection preparation by collecting information from previous inspections including deficiencies, quantities, channel profiles, site conditions, and previous work performed. Reviews Topic F, “Field Preparation” in the Bridge Folder and assists with preparing supplies and materials required to perform field inspections.

Assists with maintaining inspection and safety equipment. Assures equipment is in working condition at all times. Reports replacement, repairs, and maintenance needs to the supervisor without delay.

The Successful Candidate will have the following required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Safe Diving Practices

Skilled in:

• Using personal computers, including applications such as word processing and spreadsheet programs
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• The use of equipment required for underwater operations

Ability to:

• Operate various equipment for inspection purposes such as launch and retrieval of boats
• Follow directions of the inspection team leader
• Climb ladders, scaffolds and bridge structures
• Work outdoors and in close quarters, in various weather conditions, terrains, and elevations
• Work from a boat or barge for extended periods to include walking, standing, crawling, stooping, wading, and swimming
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possess an Advanced Diver or Rescue Diver Certification from the Professional Association for Dive Instructors or National Association for Underwater Instructors or equivalent.

The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Health insurance (over 90% employer paid)
• $25,000 life insurance policy (100% employer paid)
• Dental, vision and supplemental insurances
• State of Florida retirement package
• 10 paid holidays a year

• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Career advancement opportunities
• Tuition waiver for public college courses
• A variety of training opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

For additional benefit information available to State of Florida employees, visit:https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number to conduct required verifications. Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Career Service, or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS), unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS.

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION VALUES THE SERVICE VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE GIVEN TO OUR COUNTRY AND SUPPORTS THE HIRING OF RETURNING SERVICE MEMBERS AND MILITARY SPOUSES.  If you are a preference-eligible applicant who receives notice of a hiring decision and believe that you were not afforded employment preference in accordance with applicable Florida law and regulation, you may file a written complaint within 60 calendar days from the date you receive the notice, requesting an investigation to the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Division of Benefits and Assistance, 9500 Bay Pines Boulevard, Room 214, St. Petersburg, Florida 33708.

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION VALUES AND SUPPORTS EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.  QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.  In accordance with Section 110.112, Florida Statutes, and the Florida Department of Transportation’s Individuals with Disabilities Affirmative Action Plan, the agency is committed to ensuring affirmative action and equal employment opportunity for qualified individuals with disabilities.  Upon request and as appropriate, reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities may be provided.  Please contact the Florida Department of Transportation’s Human Resources Office at (850) 414-5300 for assistance.  

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.