Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Junction Inspector Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

Join our dynamic team as a Junction Inspector Assistant and play a crucial role in the successful delivery of vital transportation and infrastructure projects. In this hands-on position, you will work directly under the guidance of a senior Junction Inspector, learning the ins and outs of quality assurance and control on active construction sites. You will be our eyes and ears on the ground, responsible for monitoring construction activities, performing materials testing, and meticulously documenting project progress. This is an exceptional opportunity for a detail-oriented and motivated individual to launch a career in construction inspection, ensuring that our community's infrastructure is built safely, to specification, and to last for generations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

High School Graduate with a technical aptitude
Construction Laborer or Field Technician
Civil Engineering or Construction Management Intern/Student

Advancement To:

Junction Inspector / Construction Inspector
Senior Inspector / Lead Inspector
Quality Control (QC) Manager
Assistant Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

Materials Testing Manager
CAD Technician
Construction Estimator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist Senior Inspectors in conducting daily on-site inspections of roadway, railway, and utility junction construction to ensure work conforms to project plans, specifications, and established quality standards.
Perform detailed visual examinations of construction materials upon delivery and installation, including concrete, asphalt, reinforcing steel, and aggregates, to verify compliance.
Conduct a variety of standardized field tests on construction materials, such as soil compaction tests, concrete slump tests, and air content analysis, to ensure they meet engineering requirements.
Meticulously prepare and maintain detailed daily inspection reports (DIRs) that document contractor activities, crew sizes, equipment used, site conditions, and any observed deficiencies.
Read and interpret complex construction blueprints, shop drawings, and contract documents to verify that work is being performed according to the approved design.
Measure, verify, and document quantities of work completed by the contractor to support the validation of progress payments and change orders.
Monitor contractor operations to ensure strict adherence to all project safety protocols, traffic control plans, and environmental protection regulations.
Collect samples of construction materials (e.g., soil, concrete cylinders, asphalt cores) from the project site for comprehensive laboratory testing, ensuring proper labeling and chain of custody.
Communicate effectively and professionally with the Lead Inspector and project engineers, promptly reporting any discrepancies, non-compliant work, or potential safety hazards.
Maintain an organized and accessible digital and physical log of all project-related documentation, including test results, material certifications, daily reports, and project correspondence.
Utilize digital photography and video to thoroughly document all phases of construction, specific issues, and completed work for the project record.
Assist in the review and verification of contractor-submitted material certifications and delivery tickets to confirm compliance with project specifications before use.
Operate, maintain, and assist in the calibration of various inspection tools and testing equipment, including density gauges, levels, and other measurement devices.
Actively participate in pre-construction meetings, weekly progress meetings, and safety "toolbox talks" to stay fully informed of project schedules and upcoming work activities.
Assist in conducting final "punch list" inspections upon project completion to identify and document any outstanding items or deficiencies requiring correction by the contractor.

Secondary Functions

Support the project team by retrieving specific inspection data, field measurements, or test results as needed for analysis or reporting.
Input daily inspection data, material quantities, and test results into project management software systems (e.g., SiteManager, Procore, Fieldwire) for real-time tracking.
Assist in the investigation and documentation of inquiries or complaints from the public regarding construction activities, providing factual information to the project manager.
Help maintain project "as-built" records by marking up drawings with any field changes, deviations, or newly located utilities discovered during construction.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Blueprint & Specification Interpretation: Proven ability to read and accurately interpret civil engineering plans, construction blueprints, and detailed project specifications.
Materials Knowledge: Foundational knowledge of common construction materials, including soil, aggregates, concrete, and asphalt, and their typical uses.
Field Testing Procedures: Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn standard field testing methods (e.g., ASTM/AASHTO) for construction materials.
Technical Documentation: Proficiency in clear and concise technical writing for creating daily inspection reports and documenting field observations.
Computer Proficiency: Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for reporting, data entry, and communication.
Basic Math & Geometry: Competency in performing algebraic and geometric calculations necessary for verifying dimensions, grades, and quantities.
Safety Regulation Awareness: Basic knowledge of construction site safety standards, such as those set by OSHA, and the importance of traffic control.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Exceptional observational skills and a meticulous approach to inspection and documentation to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to clearly articulate findings to supervisors, engineers, and contractor personnel.
Problem-Solving: The ability to identify deviations from plans, recognize potential issues, and report them effectively for resolution.
Integrity and Ethics: A high degree of personal integrity and a commitment to upholding ethical standards and project requirements without compromise.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively and effectively within a team environment on a dynamic construction site.
Time Management: Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple inspection tasks and reporting duties efficiently.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a closely related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Civil Engineering Technology
Construction Management
Surveying Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a construction, materials testing, or civil engineering environment.

Preferred:

Prior internship or co-op experience on transportation, heavy civil, or infrastructure projects.
Possession of relevant industry certifications such as ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I, NICET, or state-specific Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection certifications is a significant plus.