Lead-Bridge Inspector

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Boston, Massachusetts
Full Time

Email Address

Apply Now

Salary

$65.86 Hourly

Location

Arlington Avenue

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

25-21091

Department

MBTA - Office of Stations

Area

319-Bridges & Structures Maintenance

Opening Date

06/30/2025

Closing Date

7/14/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Licenses / Certifications

A valid Driver's License is required.

Union Affiliation

ALL Alliance

On-Call or 24/7

No; this position is not classified as on-call or 24/7.

Safety Sensitive

Yes; this is a Safety Sensitive position. Employees in this role will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

Essential Classification (Emergency Staff)

Yes; this position is classified as essential. Employees in this role are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by supervisory personnel during declared States of Emergency.

Description
Benefits
Questions

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA's Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Lead Bridge Inspector will be responsible for leading a team in planning and executing routine inspections of bridges and structures as a critical component of the MBTA Condition Assessment Program. The Lead Bridge Inspector will direct, plan and assist work crews under their jurisdiction to ensure that Authority bridges and structures related to MBTA operations are inspected and maintained in a timely, efficient, effective, and safe manner.

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide leadership, guidance and supervision to assigned team members, ensuring each has the appropriate training to inspire professional growth.
Inspect structural assets to detect damage or wear, including but not limited to rail bridges, concrete structures, tunnels, steel fixtures, fencing and facility structural systems; repair deficiencies as required.
Develop the schedule of inspections in accordance with program requirements
Provide program status reports to senior management for all ongoing inspections as required
Ensure the proper and timely submission of any/all deficiencies identified into the Authority's computerized tracking system.
Ensure assignments are completed safely and according to established schedules and operating standards.
Reinspect as necessary to ensure quality completion of cleaning, maintenance, and repair of structural assets; close out work orders as appropriate.
Enforce Authority safety standards to ensure the safety of workers and customers.
Assist with ordering, scheduling, and expediting all equipment necessary for project completion in their area.
Ensure all inventory levels, equipment, and facilities under their control are protected in a safe operating condition.
Document, maintain, and prepare required maintenance and personnel records on computerized tracking systems.
Ensure budgetary goals are met and that all work is performed in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Develop and deliver technical instruction and on-the-job training to junior inspectors ensuring Authority standards are achieved and maintained.
Maintain a high level of professionalism, always treating others with dignity and respect
Remain current with the MBTA's Safety Management System (SMS) Plan as well as the position's outline responsibilities.
Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed
Available to work, as directed, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week for severe weather conditions, emergencies or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service
Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and/or transport crews or equipment as needed.
Ability to climb stairs or ladders or to ride lifts, at height, to complete required inspections.
With assistance, ability to lift and carry ladders or other equipment, as required to complete inspections.

Supervision

Will supervise small crews.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) with the ability to comprehend, communicate and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
Four (4) years of experience inspecting structural assets to include but not limited to rail and pedestrian bridges, concrete structures, tunnels, or structural steel assets.
Successful completion of the FHWA/NHI 130055 Inspection of In-Service Bridges course.
Successful completion of the FHWA/NHI 130078 Bridge Inspection Techniques for NSTMs course.
Effective organizational and analytical skills
The ability to use Word, Excel, or Database applications.
Have excellent customer service skills.
Have a valid driver's license

Preferred Experience and Skills

A technical degree with a related field of study
Related training from a technical institute or related technical certificates.
Commercial Driver's License or Hi-rail driving experience
Part 107 Drone Pilot's License
Experience with concrete or structural steel

Substitutions Include

One (1) year of experience as a MBTA Bridge Inspector I and a recommendation from the team's Lead Bridge Inspector may substitute for the four (4) years of inspection experience.

Job Conditions:

Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
Application Completion: It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA, but a valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number are required prior to starting work. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at ... or ....
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.
Intern / Co-Op / Fellow Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship, co-op, or fellowship at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on city from which the employee commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns, co-ops, or fellows.

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages to full-time employees. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), and Long-Term Disability
Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, and Holidays
Retirement: Pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
Complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail)
Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
Commuter Choice Parking Program: Pre-tax benefits for parking
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
Shopping discounts via GovX.com
Verizon and AT&T service discounts
And more...

Internships:

Internship positions are not eligible for most MBTA Benefits. However, paid sick time may be incurred. Each intern also receives a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail) to use throughout the duration of their internship. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email ... for more information.

Disclaimer:

The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA, which may or may not apply to a specific position. This summary is not a contract and is not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policies and does not establish a binding practice. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email ... for more information.

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

Did not obtain a High School diploma or GED
High School diploma or GED
Associates Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree or higher
Vocational or Technical School

Do you have four (4) years of experience inspecting structural assets to include but not limited to rail and pedestrian bridges, concrete structures, tunnels, or structural steel assets?

Have you successfully completed the FHWA/NHI 130055 Inspection of In-Service Bridges course?

Have you successfully completed the FHWA/NHI 130078 Bridge Inspection Techniques for NSTMs course?

Do you have a valid driver's license?

PREFERRED - Do you have a technical degree with a related field of study?

If your answer to the above Question 6 is Yes, what is your field of study?

PREFERRED - Do you have related training from a technical institute or related technical certificates?

If your answer to the above Question 8 is yes, please explain.

PREFERRED - Do you have a Commercial Driver's License or Hi-rail driving experience?

PREFERRED - Do you possess Part 107 Drone Pilot's License?

PREFERRED - Do you have experience with concrete or structural steel?

Required Question

Job ID: 483533911