Bridge Carpenter

Application Instructions

Brown Industrial Construction is a South-East Louisiana-based heavy civil contractor. We are a family-oriented company with strong values and a high-quality culture. Our environment encourages individual growth and innovative thought. We are seeking an experienced full-time Bridge Carpenter to assist with heavy civil construction project activities with an emphasis on Pile Driving & Bridge Construction.

Position Description

The Bridge Carpenter constructs, erects, and maintains the formwork, falsework, scaffolding, and timber/composite structures required to build cast-in-place and precast concrete bridge components on Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) projects. This role works from project plans, shop drawings, and DOTD Standard Specifications to deliver structures that meet design tolerances, schedule, safety, and quality requirements.

Position Requirements

Formwork & Falsework

Lay out, fabricate, erect, plumb, brace, and strip forms for bridge components including footings, pile caps, columns, bent caps, abutments, wingwalls, diaphragms, deck slabs, barrier rails, and approach slabs.

Build and modify falsework, shoring, and temporary support systems in accordance with engineered drawings and DOTD-approved falsework plans.

Install form ties, she-bolts, chamfer strips, blockouts, bulkheads, keyways, and embedded items (anchor bolts, dowels, drains, conduit sleeves) to plan dimensions and tolerances.

Apply form release agents, inspect form surfaces for cleanliness, and verify dimensions, elevation, camber, and grade prior to concrete placement.

Strip, clean, repair, and stage forms for reuse; maintain a safe and organized form yard. Bridge Deck & Structural Work

Set screed rails, finishing machine rails (Bidwell or equivalent), and deck overhang brackets to required cross-slope and profile grade.

Install deck drains, expansion joints, bearing pads, elastomeric and disc bearings, and miscellaneous bridge hardware per plan details.

Assist with setting precast/prestressed girders, beams, deck panels, and barrier sections in coordination with crane operators and signal persons.

Construct timber trestles, work bridges, and access platforms over water and uneven terrain. Safety & Work Zone Compliance

Use fall protection (harness, lanyard, SRL, tie-off points) for all work above 6 feet and over water; inspect PPE daily before use.

Follow MUTCD-based Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) plans for work near or over live traffic; respect lane closures, buffer zones, and flagger directives.

Participate in daily pre-task safety briefings (JSA/JHA), tool-box talks, and stretch-and-flex; stop work for unsafe conditions and report near misses. Equipment & Tools

Operate carpenter hand tools and power tools: skill saws, chop saws, table saws, hammer drills, impact wrenches, nail guns, reciprocating saws, and grinders.

Rig and signal for crane lifts of forms, panels, and embedded items; use proper rigging hardware (slings, shackles, chokers) and inspect before each use.

Operate or assist with telehandlers, scissor lifts, articulating boom lifts, and small skid steers as assigned and qualified. Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Continuous standing, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting throughout 10-12 hour shifts.

Frequent work at heights up to and exceeding 30 feet on bridges, falsework, and scaffolding.

Frequent work over water (rivers, bayous, canals, swamps) from barges, work bridges, and access platforms.

Exposure to outdoor weather extremes typical of South Louisiana: high heat and humidity, sun, rain, lightning delays, and occasional cold.

Exposure to construction noise, vibration, dust, concrete, form oil, diesel fumes, and live traffic - PPE provided and required.

Night and weekend work required for traffic-sensitive operations (deck pours, beam sets, lane closures). Compensation & Benefits

Wages meet or exceed the prevailing wage rate established for the applicable Louisiana DOTD project under the contract's wage determination. Position is eligible for company benefits including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

PTO

401(k)

Per diem (when applicable)

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.