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Underwater Bridge Inspection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Underwater Bridge Inspection information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$68.7K

$124.3K

How much do underwater bridge inspection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwater bridge inspection in California is $68,701.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,900.00 and $88,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underwater bridge inspection?

An Underwater Bridge Inspection job involves evaluating the structural integrity and safety of bridge components located below the waterline. Inspectors, often certified commercial divers, examine piers, footings, and other submerged elements for signs of damage, corrosion, or scour. They use specialized diving equipment, sonar, and video documentation to assess conditions and report findings to engineers. This work is essential for maintaining infrastructure safety and preventing structural failures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in underwater bridge inspection?

To excel in underwater bridge inspection, you need strong skills in civil or structural engineering principles, commercial diving proficiency, and an understanding of inspection techniques, often verified by certifications such as ADCI or ADC Commercial Diver and NHI bridge inspection credentials. Experience with underwater cameras, sonar equipment, non-destructive testing tools, and reporting systems is important. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help inspectors accurately document findings and coordinate with engineering teams. These skills ensure safe, precise evaluations and maintenance of critical infrastructure in challenging underwater environments.

What are some common challenges faced by underwater bridge inspectors on the job?

Underwater bridge inspectors often work in physically demanding and unpredictable conditions, such as low visibility, strong currents, or cold water, which can make thorough inspections challenging. They must be prepared to adapt to rapidly changing environments and troubleshoot equipment issues on site. In addition to technical tasks, inspectors are responsible for meticulously documenting structural findings and communicating them clearly to engineers or project managers. Teamwork is critical, as safety procedures require close coordination with support staff both above and below water. Gaining experience in diverse waterway conditions and learning to operate specialized inspection tools can open new opportunities for career advancement in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Underwater Bridge Inspection jobs in California?

The most popular types of Underwater Bridge Inspection jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Underwater Bridge Inspection jobs in California?

For Underwater Bridge Inspection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Underwater Bridge Inspection jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Underwater Bridge Inspection jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Underwater Bridge Inspection job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,701 per year, or $33 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


J.F. Brennan rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We are hiring Divers for our West coast operations! Our Divers will work below the surface of water to inspect, repair, move, and install equipment and structures.
If you have proven experience in commercial diving for construction or related industry this is an ideal position for you.
Diver Responsibilities:
  • Take appropriate safety precautions, such as monitoring dive lengths and depths before diving expeditions begin
  • Check and maintain diving equipment, such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harnesses, and gauges
  • Perform activities related to underwater search, salvage, recovery, and cleanup operations
  • Inspect and or repair dock walls, plant intakes and outflows, underwater pipelines, cables, vessels, bridge foundations, or other structures below the water line, using underwater video system, acoustic imagining equipment, small hydraulic or pneumatic hand tools
  • Cut and weld steel, using underwater welding equipment and burning equipment.
  • Recover objects by placing rigging around sunken objects, hooking rigging to crane lines, and operating winches, derricks, or cranes to raise objects
  • Take test samples or photographs to assess the condition of vessels or structures
  • Remove obstructions from screens or marine railway or launching ways, using pneumatic or hydraulic power hand tools
  • Set or guide placement of pilings to provide support for structures such as docks, bridges, cofferdams, or platforms
  • Ability to travel 100% of the time

Diver Qualifications:
  • 1+ years of previous commercial diving experience
  • Dive school diploma required
  • ADCI compliant physical (requires MD or DO signature)
  • First Aid/CPR/AED (meets requirements of Red Cross)
  • Emergency O2 provider (meets requirements DAN)
  • Current ADCI certification card, HAZWOPER and rigging preferred
  • The ability to verbally and draw/sketch images to accurately describe your underwater findings to topside personnel while underwater
  • Strong interpersonal skills; must be a self-starter, highly organized, and creative
  • Superior time management and organizational capabilities, including the ability to accurately benchmark project length, deliver on deadlines

Who is Brennan?
J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) is a 100-year-old, family-owned company that specializes in water-based environmental remediation and marine construction headquartered in La Crosse, WI that offers our employees growth, challenging work, empowerment, and meaningful work. Brennan is known for tackling complex maritime projects, providing unique solutions through teamwork and collaboration, and maintaining a family-orientated culture.
Why choose us?
  • We are a company voted by our employees as a certified Great Place to Work®, and recognized by Fortune magazine as a Best Workplace in Construction.
  • Our culture sets us apart. We strive to make our company the best possible place to work. We work hard to continue to build a culture in which every individual is important and the key to our success.
  • Our focus on safety and quality is unmatched in the industry, and our ability to innovate has enabled us to succeed.
  • We are a family-focused company and are determined to provide a rewarding career that offers above-average compensation.
  • We offer an industry-leading benefits package. We are proud to offer our employees and their families group health, dental and vision insurance plans, 401(K) program with generous matching, annual bonus eligibility and profit-sharing program.

Compensation:
  • Pay is IAW Union CBA for each region. Non-billable shop rate (dive gear maintenance) is 60% of Journeyman pile buck scale with full fringe package, billable rate (loading/unloading diving equipment for billable projects) is full journeyman pile buck scale with fringes.

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Notice to Staffing Agencies
J.F. Brennan Company Inc. ("Brennan") and its subsidiaries will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Brennan, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Brennan mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Brennan employees, or to Brennan's resume database will be considered Brennan property. Brennan will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Brennan will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Brennan's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Brennan will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such an agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Brennan's Chief Human Resources Officer or his/her designee. No other Brennan employee is authorized to bind Brennan to any agreement regarding the placement of candidate by Agencies.
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Capital at:
Phone: 608-784-7173
Email: jobs@jfbrennan.com
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster and/or view the Pay Transparency Policy State please click here.
For more information on federal labor laws please click here.

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