Railroad Bridge inspector job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Railroad Bridge inspector in details. A complete job description concludes Railroad Bridge inspector key duties/responsibilities, Railroad Bridge inspector job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Railroad Bridge inspector duties:

1.      Assists others in analyzing information and data to perform routine design tasks.

2.      May be asked to participate in non-design engineering activities such as construction inspection and materials testing, surveying, CADD production, and field data collection.

3.      Receives instructions from Project Manager or Senior Project Engineers as to the general results expected.

4.      Research design options and document findings for Senior Project Engineer.

5.      Maintains project database by writing computer programs; entering and backing up data.

6.      Researches code requirements.

7.      Prepares environmental impact and other administrative reports required for project permits.

8.      Keeps Senior Project Manager informed of workload and any changes in project schedule or scope or additional services.

9.      Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

10.  Assist or participate in preparation of business proposals.

11.  Attend Project Manager training to begin to develop project management skills.

II. List of Railroad Bridge inspector qualifications

1.      Minimum of 2 years experience as a Bridge Foreman, or proven maintenance experience with bridges and associated components.

2.      High school diploma or GED.

3.      Valid CDL license with air brake endorsement, or ability to obtain within one-year.

4.      Ability to visually identify defects in structural steel, concrete and timber super and substructures.

5.      CN USOR and OTS certified.

6.      Good computer skills; working knowledge of MS Office, Adobe Acrobat, and ability to learn data entry into EPI and BCS bridge inspection databases.

7.      Must be disciplined and self-motivated to succeed.

8.      5+years experience as a Railroad Bridge Inspector, or proven railroad bridges and associated components.

9.      Construction Technology, Associates and/or Bachelors degree.

10.  Experienced in EPI, BCS and SAP.

III. Tips to write job description

1. Too-long job description:

Looking at a too-long job description can frighten the candidates off and drive the away. A job description, no matter how important the job is, should not be included in more than 3 pages. If one focuses on too many things at a time, he shall definitely lose focus on the main items and get overwhelmed by the remaining; So, keep it concisely.

2. Too-short job description:

While too-long can be a problem, too-short is more a problem. It will ruin the meaning of the job description. A too-short one means it lacks necessary details and therefore, the candidate will not be able to understand while reading it.

3. Listing unnecessary functions or job duties:

Just classifying these into the “others” category will save you a lot of effort and space. On the other hand, the job description will become more dilute and easy to be neglected.

4. Key functions

Not listing key functions as required for the job can be a fatal mistake to a job description.

5. Grammar and spelling

Poor grammar and having spelling errors can ruin the job description, too. Never think that as you are the employer, you may have the right to make grammar or spelling errors while requires other not to. A job description with such errors is easily to be mistaken as a fake or ghost ads; as a result, the candidate will turn away from it.

6. Not specific enough:

Be specific and concise; if you don’t address the specific, then what the job description is for. It is for the candidate to understand just exactly what he needs to do or needs to have. Lacking details can confuse the candidates very well.

7. Not having the job description reviewed by others:

This is also a common mistake. One may be subject to bias, but more than one, especially with the help of those external advisor, the job description can be more perfect.

8. Using buzzwords or abbreviations:

In fact, it is not necessary at all to use such in a job description.

9. Using slang or legal words:

Just use common wording to communicate with others and don’t do anything extraordinarily.

10. Not updating the job description:

The same job may require different duties and responsibilities in different times, so, you cannot use the same job description for 2 different times.