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Underwater Bridge Inspector Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Diver - Midwest

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$34.32/hr

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 ...

Underwater Bridge Inspector information

See Wisconsin salary details

$30.3K

$70.3K

$127.2K

How much do underwater bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwater bridge inspector in Wisconsin is $70,264.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $90,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underwater bridge inspector?

Underwater bridge inspectors are professionals trained to examine the structural integrity and safety of bridges below the waterline. They use specialized diving equipment and inspection tools to assess underwater components like piers, footings, and foundations. Their work helps identify damage, corrosion, or other issues that could compromise bridge stability. These inspections are crucial for maintaining public safety and ensuring that bridges meet regulatory standards.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an underwater bridge inspector?

To thrive as an Underwater Bridge Inspector, you need strong skills in structural engineering, diving, and inspection procedures, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and commercial diving certification. Familiarity with underwater inspection equipment, non-destructive testing tools, and report-writing software is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately assessing bridge conditions and conveying findings. These skills and qualities ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and the integrity of critical infrastructure.

What are common challenges faced by underwater bridge inspectors during inspections?

Underwater bridge inspectors often encounter challenges such as limited visibility, strong currents, and the presence of debris or marine growth on structural components. Working in these conditions requires excellent diving skills and the ability to adapt to changing underwater environments. Additionally, inspectors must carefully document findings and coordinate with engineers and other team members to ensure that any structural concerns are accurately reported and addressed.

What is the difference between Underwater Bridge Inspector vs Underwater Structural Inspector?

AspectUnderwater Bridge InspectorUnderwater Structural Inspector
CertificationsStructural engineering or civil engineering certifications, diving certificationsStructural engineering certifications, diving certifications
Work EnvironmentInspecting bridges underwater, often in freshwater or saltwater environmentsInspecting various underwater structures, including bridges, dams, and tunnels
Industry UsagePrimarily in transportation and civil engineering sectorsIn civil engineering, infrastructure, and construction sectors

Underwater Bridge Inspectors focus specifically on evaluating the condition of bridges submerged in water, ensuring safety and structural integrity. Underwater Structural Inspectors have a broader scope, assessing various underwater structures. Both roles require similar certifications and diving skills, but their work environments and specific responsibilities differ based on the structure type.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Underwater Bridge Inspector job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,264 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

$34.32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 11 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 Midwest 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:
  • 5 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)
  • Dive supervisor card preferred
  • 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 Range: $34.32/hour to $61.72/hour based on union journeyman pay scale; apprentice rates start at $25.85/hour. Pay rates may vary based on negotiations, collective bargaining agreements and other factors.
  • Additional fringe benefits may also be provided as per union agreements.

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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