OPT Bridge Inspector Jobs
Bridge Inspector jobs on OPT require field-based structural assessment work, making them a strong fit for civil engineering graduates. Most roles fall under STEM OPT extension eligibility, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Federal and state transportation agencies are among the most active hirers.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Summary
Incumbents of positions in this series conduct inspections and maintain and administer the Divisions’ inspection program for MassDOT and municipally owned bridges in accordance with the requirements of the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, 23 CFR Part 650 Subpart C. They also inspect bridges that do not meet the NBIS definition of a bridge and can be assigned to inspect other ancillary and appurtenant highway structures and perform other inspection related engineering duties on an as needed basis.
The primary purpose of this work is to perform the inspection of bridges and ancillary structures in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to ensure that they are safe for traveling public to use.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Acts as a Bridge Inspection Team Member by assisting the Bridge Inspection Team Leader with bridge inspections.
- Inspects bridges consistent with the requirements of NBIS and Department Policies and Procedures.
- Conducts all field work or inspections safely and in conformance with Standards for Traffic Protection adopted by MassDOT.
- Performs calculations related to estimating structural section loss and traffic counts by using calculators, computers, and other instruments.
- Performs related duties such as collecting and compiling bridge data and reviewing plans and reports needed to prepare for a bridge inspection; operating inspection equipment and tools that are used as a normal part of bridge inspection.
- Coordinates police details necessary to perform the work in a safe manner.
- Acts as a Resident Engineer for contracts as necessary to support inspection related activities.
This position is eligible for a five-thousand dollar ($5,000) signing bonus (“Signing Bonus”) if you are newly hired at MassDOT. Current MassDOT employees are not eligible for the Signing Bonus. The Signing Bonus will be paid in two parts: 1) $3,000 (less applicable taxes) included in the employee's first paycheck. 2) $2,000 (less applicable taxes) after the successful completion of the employee’s probationary period.
About MassDOT
The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) take great pride in connecting the Commonwealth’s residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT’s culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.
MassDOT’s divisions include Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.
Qualifications
Minimum Entrance Requirements
This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Current MassDOT employees should use their internal MassCareers account to apply.
All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.
Please provide a complete, accurate and current resume / application for MassDOT to review in order to determine if your submitted materials meet the minimum entrance requirements for the position.
Applicants must have at least (A) two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical, or professional experience in civil engineering work in such areas as bridge inspection, construction, survey, design, transportation, hydraulics, structural, sanitary, drafting, environmental, highway, architectural, airport, soils and materials or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions
I. An Associate's degree with a major in civil engineering or civil engineering technology may be substituted for a maximum of one (1) year of the required experience.
II. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in civil engineering or civil engineering technology may be substituted for a maximum of two (2) years of the required experience.
The terms civil engineering and civil engineering technology include related engineering disciplines such as construction, survey, design, transportation, hydraulics, structural, sanitary, drafting, environmental, highway, architectural, mining, airport, soils and materials.
Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis for the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license is required.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
For questions regarding the job posting, please email MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisition@dot.state.ma.us.
For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at 857-368-4722.
For a disability-related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call the ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at 857‐274‐1935.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Primary Location
: United States-Massachusetts-Lenox-270 Main Street
Job
: Equipment, Facilities & Services
Agency
: Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Schedule
: Full-time
Shift
: Day
Job Posting
: Sep 11, 2026, 2:21:12 PM
Number of Openings
: 1
Salary
: 86,115.99 - 120,809.52 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Derrick Mann - 8573688541
Bargaining Unit: DOT
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes
Position Summary
Incumbents of positions in this series conduct inspections and maintain and administer the Divisions’ inspection program for MassDOT and municipally owned bridges in accordance with the requirements of the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, 23 CFR Part 650 Subpart C. They also inspect bridges that do not meet the NBIS definition of a bridge and can be assigned to inspect other ancillary and appurtenant highway structures and perform other inspection related engineering duties on an as needed basis.
The primary purpose of this work is to perform the inspection of bridges and ancillary structures in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to ensure that they are safe for traveling public to use.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Acts as a Bridge Inspection Team Member by assisting the Bridge Inspection Team Leader with bridge inspections.
- Inspects bridges consistent with the requirements of NBIS and Department Policies and Procedures.
- Conducts all field work or inspections safely and in conformance with Standards for Traffic Protection adopted by MassDOT.
- Performs calculations related to estimating structural section loss and traffic counts by using calculators, computers, and other instruments.
- Performs related duties such as collecting and compiling bridge data and reviewing plans and reports needed to prepare for a bridge inspection; operating inspection equipment and tools that are used as a normal part of bridge inspection.
- Coordinates police details necessary to perform the work in a safe manner.
- Acts as a Resident Engineer for contracts as necessary to support inspection related activities.
This position is eligible for a five-thousand dollar ($5,000) signing bonus (“Signing Bonus”) if you are newly hired at MassDOT. Current MassDOT employees are not eligible for the Signing Bonus. The Signing Bonus will be paid in two parts: 1) $3,000 (less applicable taxes) included in the employee's first paycheck. 2) $2,000 (less applicable taxes) after the successful completion of the employee’s probationary period.
About MassDOT
The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) take great pride in connecting the Commonwealth’s residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT’s culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.
MassDOT’s divisions include Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.
Qualifications
Minimum Entrance Requirements
This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Current MassDOT employees should use their internal MassCareers account to apply.
All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.
Please provide a complete, accurate and current resume / application for MassDOT to review in order to determine if your submitted materials meet the minimum entrance requirements for the position.
Applicants must have at least (A) two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical, or professional experience in civil engineering work in such areas as bridge inspection, construction, survey, design, transportation, hydraulics, structural, sanitary, drafting, environmental, highway, architectural, airport, soils and materials or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions
I. An Associate's degree with a major in civil engineering or civil engineering technology may be substituted for a maximum of one (1) year of the required experience.
II. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in civil engineering or civil engineering technology may be substituted for a maximum of two (2) years of the required experience.
The terms civil engineering and civil engineering technology include related engineering disciplines such as construction, survey, design, transportation, hydraulics, structural, sanitary, drafting, environmental, highway, architectural, mining, airport, soils and materials.
Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis for the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license is required.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
For questions regarding the job posting, please email MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisition@dot.state.ma.us.
For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at 857-368-4722.
For a disability-related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call the ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at 857‐274‐1935.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Primary Location
: United States-Massachusetts-Lenox-270 Main Street
Job
: Equipment, Facilities & Services
Agency
: Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Schedule
: Full-time
Shift
: Day
Job Posting
: Sep 11, 2026, 2:21:12 PM
Number of Openings
: 1
Salary
: 86,115.99 - 120,809.52 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Derrick Mann - 8573688541
Bargaining Unit: DOT
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes
See all OPT Bridge Inspector Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Bridge Inspector
Confirm your role qualifies as STEM OPT
Bridge Inspector positions typically fall under civil or structural engineering CIP codes, making them STEM OPT eligible. Verify your specific job title matches your degree field before accepting an offer to protect your 36-month extension.
Target state DOT and federal agency employers
State Departments of Transportation and federal agencies like FHWA regularly hire bridge inspectors and have established processes for employing OPT students. Government contractors working on infrastructure projects are also strong targets for sponsorship-friendly roles.
Get your certifications early
Many bridge inspector roles require FHWA safety inspection training or state-specific certifications. Completing these before you apply signals job readiness and removes a common employer hesitation about hiring candidates still building their credentials on OPT.
Address OPT proactively with employers
Frame your OPT timeline clearly when you reach the offer stage. Employers in infrastructure often plan projects years out, so explaining your 36-month STEM extension timeline helps them see you as a viable long-term hire worth sponsoring.
Emphasize your engineering degree match
Bridge inspection is a specialty occupation under immigration law, requiring a directly related engineering degree. Highlight your civil, structural, or transportation engineering coursework explicitly on your resume to make the degree-to-role connection obvious for employers and immigration reviewers.
Look for employers with existing H-1B sponsorship history
Engineering firms and infrastructure contractors that have sponsored H-1B visas before are far more likely to continue after your OPT expires. Prioritize companies with a demonstrated track record of retaining international engineers beyond their initial work authorization period.
Bridge Inspector OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bridge Inspector jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, most bridge inspector roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree is in civil, structural, or transportation engineering. Your employer also needs to be E-Verify enrolled and sign a formal training plan (Form I-983). Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying.
Is bridge inspection considered a specialty occupation for visa purposes?
Bridge inspection generally qualifies as a specialty occupation because it requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related engineering field. Roles that require only a certification or general construction background without a specific degree requirement may not meet the threshold, so reviewing the job description carefully matters.
How do I find Bridge Inspector jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended way to find bridge inspector roles filtered for OPT and visa sponsorship compatibility. Many infrastructure employers post through Migrate Mate specifically because they understand the needs of F-1 students on work authorization, saving you from applying to roles that will reject you at the offer stage.
Can I work for a state agency as an F-1 OPT student?
Yes, state agencies can hire F-1 OPT students because OPT is employer-authorized, not employer-sponsored at that stage. However, some states have restrictions on hiring non-citizens for certain government positions, particularly roles with security clearance requirements. Check the specific agency's eligibility rules before applying.
What happens to my bridge inspector job if my OPT expires before my H-1B is approved?
If you file an H-1B petition before your OPT expires and receive a timely filing receipt, you can continue working for the same employer while the petition is pending. This cap-gap protection covers you through September 30 of that year. Coordinate timing carefully with your DSO and employer's immigration attorney.