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Underwater Bridge Inspection Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Underwater Bridge Inspection information

See Colorado salary details

$31.5K

$73.2K

$132.5K

How much do underwater bridge inspection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwater bridge inspection in Colorado is $73,199.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,800.00 and $94,600.00 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Underwater Bridge Inspection jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Underwater Bridge Inspection jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Underwater Bridge Inspection jobs in Colorado? For Underwater Bridge Inspection jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Underwater Bridge Inspection jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Underwater Bridge Inspection jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Underwater Bridge Inspection jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Underwater Bridge Inspection job openings:
Infographic showing various Underwater Bridge Inspection job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,199 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Bridge Inspection-Team Leader (48262)

Collins Engineers, Inc

Denver, CO

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Collins is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm. We have opportunities for you.

Collins Engineers has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Bridge Inspection-Team Leader for our New Mexico and Denver, Colorado, inspection projects. This person will act as the project manager on moderately complex inspection projects with little oversight. This is a great opportunity for a team leader wanting to advance into project management! This candidate preferably will be in Albuquerque or Santa Fe, but anywhere in New Mexico will be considered.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead inspection teams and assist in successful completion of inspection/design projects.
  • Supervise above-water and underwater bridge and ancillary design, inspection, and evaluations.
  • Field work required, which could include nights and weekends.
  • Review, analyze, and provide recommendations on field and/or design issues or adaptations.
  • Assist in proposal preparation.
  • Prepare and monitor project budgets.
  • Prepare project schedules and timely completion of projects.
  • Perform moderately difficult engineering computations and estimates in designing engineering projects.
  • Prepare complete engineering plans or reports.
  • Direct and supervises the work of entry-level engineers, technicians, drafters, and administrative staff.
  • Coach field staff on the purpose and processes of inspections and inspection techniques.
  • Make independent decisions within a general framework.
  • Use computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to prepare engineering and design documents.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

*Relocation is available

 Click HERE to see the variety of benefits Collins has to offer.

Education and/or Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree and/or master’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited four-year university or a minimum of 4 to 5 years of bridge or ancillary structure inspection experience. 
  • Must have passed the NHI/FHWA Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges course #130055 and/or #130056.
  • NHI Fracture Critical Course preferred.
  • SPRAT certification a plus.
  • Experience with NDT and fracture critical inspections preferred.
  • Must have experience in AutoCAD, MicroStation, and Deltek.
  • Engineer-in-training (E.I.T.) certification required.
  • Professional engineer (P.E.) certification required.
  • NICET certification preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands: 

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb, or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • While in the field, the employee may be required to walk in rugged conditions, work in adverse weather conditions, and stand up to eight hours or more at a time.