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Transportation Construction Inspector

💰 $ - $

TransportationConstructionInspectionCivil EngineeringDOT

🎯 Role Definition

The Transportation Construction Inspector is responsible for performing field inspection, materials testing, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and documentation for transportation infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, drainage, and traffic control). This position enforces contract specifications and applicable DOT standards, identifies and documents non-conforming work, coordinates with contractors and project teams to resolve issues, and prepares accurate records and pay quantities for contract administration. The role requires a mix of technical knowledge, construction experience, and clear communication skills to support timely, safe, and compliant project delivery.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Field Inspector / Entry-Level Construction Inspector
  • Highway Maintenance Technician / Highway Construction Laborer
  • Civil Engineering Technician or Materials Lab Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Transportation Construction Inspector
  • Resident Engineer / Field Engineer
  • Construction QA/QC Manager
  • Project Engineer or Construction Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Materials Testing Technician / Laboratory Supervisor
  • Right-of-Way or Utility Inspector
  • Environmental / Erosion Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct thorough daily field inspections of roadway, bridge, drainage, curb/gutter, sidewalk, and traffic control installations to verify that work is performed in accordance with contract plans, specifications, and applicable DOT standards, documenting findings in daily reports.
  • Observe and verify contractor compliance with project-specific Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) plans, including process controls, corrective actions, and acceptance testing to ensure materials and workmanship meet agency requirements.
  • Sample and perform on-site tests for asphalt (HMA) and concrete (slump, cylinder casting), aggregates, soils compaction, and density using standard test methods, and coordinate with the materials laboratory for additional testing and reporting.
  • Measure, verify, and record in-place quantities (lengths, widths, depths, volumes, weights) of constructed items and prepare accurate pay quantity measurements for progress estimates and payment documentation.
  • Review construction submittals, shop drawings, material certifications, and test reports for compliance with specifications and coordinate deficiencies or required clarifications with the contractor and project engineer.
  • Enforce traffic control plans and work zone safety requirements, inspect temporary traffic control devices, flagging operations, and signage placement to protect workers and the traveling public in accordance with MUTCD and agency guidelines.
  • Identify, document, and report non-conforming work, defective materials, or unsafe practices by preparing detailed non-conformance reports (NCRs), photos, and recommended corrective actions and following up until resolution.
  • Perform survey checks and staking verification for alignment, grade, and elevations using field survey instruments (GPS, total station, level) to confirm conformance to design elevations and horizontal control.
  • Maintain detailed daily diaries and photographic records of construction activities, weather conditions, site personnel, equipment on site, and any events that affect work progress or quality for contract administration and dispute mitigation.
  • Coordinate with contractors, project engineers, utilities, and permitting agencies to schedule inspections, resolve technical issues, and ensure timely submittal and approval of required documentation.
  • Verify and enforce environmental controls and permit requirements on site, including erosion and sediment control (SWPPP), stormwater BMPs, and vegetative stabilization, documenting deficiencies and required corrective actions.
  • Calibrate, maintain, and document calibration records for field testing equipment (nuclear density gauge, thermometers, scales) and ensure field instruments meet agency calibration schedules and safety protocols.
  • Interpret construction plans, standard specifications, special provisions, and contract documents to provide technical guidance and ensure consistent enforcement of contract requirements during construction.
  • Prepare and deliver clear, concise field reports, inspection logs, and technical memos summarizing findings, test results, and recommended actions for project managers and agency stakeholders.
  • Monitor contractor schedules, record project progress, address delays and potential claims, and provide input to the project team regarding possible schedule impacts related to quality or compliance issues.
  • Conduct post-construction inspections and punch-list verification to confirm completion of items, acceptance of work, and release of final payments in conjunction with the project team.
  • Participate in pre-construction, progress, and coordination meetings to outline inspection scope, quality requirements, and communication protocols with contractors and project stakeholders.
  • Review and track contractor requests for information (RFIs), change orders, and submittal status, providing timely responses or elevating technical questions to engineering staff when appropriate.
  • Ensure contractor adherence to safety policies, OSHA regulations, and site-specific safety plans, documenting incidents or near-misses and coordinating with the field safety officer as required.
  • Assist in preparing and reviewing as-built markups and final record drawings by validating construction changes and verifying location/limits of installed infrastructure.
  • Evaluate contractor proposed materials, alternative methods, or substitutions against specification requirements and coordinate necessary testing or approvals prior to acceptance.
  • Facilitate coordination with public agencies and the community when work impacts traffic, access, or utilities, communicating inspection outcomes and compliance needs in a professional manner.
  • Maintain and manage project inspection files, electronic databases, and agency e-Construction systems (electronic documentation, daily reports, and test result uploads) to ensure audit-ready records.
  • Support claims avoidance by providing objective, timely documentation and technical observations that substantiate field conditions and contract compliance.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide training and mentoring to junior inspectors and assistants on inspection techniques, testing procedures, documentation standards, and safety practices to develop consistent quality across the inspection team.
  • Support laboratory staff by delivering field samples, clarifying field conditions for testing, and coordinating retesting or additional analyses when discrepancies are identified.
  • Assist project engineers in preparing preliminary cost estimates, record keeping for material extractions, and summarizing inspection data for monthly reporting and invoicing.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to inspection processes, digital reporting workflows, and adoption of new field technologies (mobile inspection apps, GIS integration).
  • Respond to public inquiries and contractor questions regarding inspection findings, providing clear explanations of specifications, field tests, and acceptance criteria.
  • Maintain and update inspection checklists, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality manuals to reflect current agency standards and best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • In-depth knowledge of state DOT specifications, the AASHTO manual of test methods, and MUTCD traffic control standards.
  • Proficient in performing field materials testing for HMA/asphalt, concrete (slump, compression specimens), aggregate gradation, and soil compaction using standard ASTM/AASHTO methods.
  • Experience operating and calibrating field testing equipment including nuclear density gauges, moisture/density equipment, thermometers, and compression testing machines.
  • Strong ability to read and interpret civil engineering plans, profiles, cross-sections, plan sheets, and construction detail drawings.
  • Proficient with survey instruments and techniques (total station, GPS receivers, automatic levels) to verify alignment, grades, and stakeout controls.
  • Familiarity with e-Construction platforms and electronic documentation workflows for uploading daily reports, test results, and photographic records.
  • Solid experience with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel for pay quantities and tabulation, Outlook) and basic familiarity with GIS or AutoCAD for markups and as-builts.
  • Knowledge of QA/QC procedures, acceptance sampling plans, NCR processes, and corrective action documentation for construction projects.
  • Understanding of erosion and sediment controls, SWPPP requirements, and common environmental permit conditions for roadway projects.
  • Certifications or training such as NICET (Civil Inspection), ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician, DOT asphalt/concrete inspection courses, and OSHA 10/30 preferred.
  • Experience preparing and verifying pay quantities, progress pay estimates, and maintaining accurate measurement records for contract administration.
  • Ability to interpret technical specifications, special provisions, and contract language to enforce compliance and evaluate contractor submittals.

Soft Skills

  • Strong written communication skills for detailed daily reports, technical memos, and NCR documentation.
  • Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills for coordinating with contractors, engineers, inspectors, and the public.
  • High attention to detail and strong observational skills to identify non-conformances and subtle quality issues in the field.
  • Sound judgment and problem-solving ability to propose practical corrective actions and escalate issues appropriately.
  • Time management and organizational skills to balance multiple inspection sites, tests, and reporting deadlines.
  • Professional demeanor and conflict-resolution skills to handle contractor disagreements while ensuring contract compliance.
  • Team-oriented mindset with the ability to mentor junior staff and collaborate effectively across disciplines.
  • Adaptability and resilience to work in varied weather conditions and changing field environments.
  • Commitment to safety and an ability to enforce safety requirements consistently on site.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED; vocational training or certificate in construction inspection or materials testing preferred.

Preferred Education:

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

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Civil Engineering / Civil Engineering Technology
  • Construction Management
  • Materials Science / Construction Materials Testing
  • Surveying / Geomatics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2–7 years of progressively responsible experience in transportation or heavy civil construction inspection, including field testing and DOT project experience.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of roadway and bridge inspection experience with demonstrated knowledge of state DOT procedures and certification(s) such as NICET, ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician, DOT inspector training, and OSHA 10/30.
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