Construction Inspector

Job Title:

Senior Construction InspectorJob Description The Senior Construction Inspector leads the technical aspects of diverse civil and infrastructure construction projects and serves as a key liaison between field and office teams. This role oversees construction inspection, contract administration, quality control, and project documentation for projects such as roads, sidewalks, ramps, watermain and sewer systems, stormwater management, and related municipal infrastructure. The Senior Construction Inspector ensures work complies with approved plans, permits, codes, and standards while supporting efficient project delivery, strong client relationships, and a safe work environment across a variety of residential, commercial, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects. Responsibilities Manage client and contractor relationships and serve as the primary liaison between office staff and field staff on assigned projects. Assist with ensuring appropriate staffing levels on construction projects and coordinate inspection, operations, and maintenance activities. Ensure construction work meets quality standards and complies with design specifications, drawings, budgets, and schedules. Oversee materials testing and pavement evaluation programs to verify performance and quality. Provide oversight and leadership to field staff in construction supervision, including contract administration, quality control, construction monitoring, and evaluation. Support and enforce a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by promoting adherence to standards, procedures, and applicable regulations. Communicate regularly with clients, municipal officials, contractors, and subcontractors regarding all project-related matters. Coordinate with internal departments such as administrative, marketing, business development, GIS, land development, and surveying services to support project delivery. Act as a technical resource and mentor for junior staff, providing guidance on inspection practices, standards, and project execution. Recommend practical solutions to construction-related issues and challenges across various projects. Correspond with private and public agencies to support permitting, coordination, and project approvals. Prepare quantities for construction estimates and support development of accurate cost projections. Prepare bid documents for private, public, and other governmental agency projects. Develop and prepare project specifications and standard details in alignment with applicable codes and standards. Perform field inspections of existing water, sewer, road, and other infrastructure as required to assess condition and compliance. Plot, organize, and assemble project-related documents, permit applications, and cut sheets for submittals and records. Exercise sound judgment in adapting engineering alternatives while adhering to established standards and methodologies. Perform QA/QC reviews on construction drawings, technical reports, and other project-related documents to ensure accuracy and completeness. Inspect completed work and sign off on the quality of workmanship in collaboration with crew leaders and external subcontractors. Interpret construction plans, standards, and specifications and ensure they are correctly applied in the field. Coordinate work among agencies, contractors, and city departments, representing the contract owner in interactions with contractors and their representatives. Develop construction observation guides and maintain preconstruction, construction, and closeout execution plans. Assist in reviewing project drawings and specifications to fully understand project scope, client goals, expectations, and resource requirements for each phase. Identify construction approaches and risks, recommending strategies to increase efficiency and mitigate exposure. Solicit and coordinate subcontractor and supplier bids for labor, materials, and equipment. Gather field information, develop practical solutions, and adjust work sequences as needed to address changing conditions. Review contractor and supplier invoices against actual performance to validate accuracy and compliance with contract terms. Evaluate contractor and supplier change requests for compliance with contractual requirements and the validity of cost estimates. Interpret and explain plans and contract terms to staff and contractors to ensure consistent understanding and execution. Develop, update, and maintain project schedules, tracking progress, durations, and compliance with financial, operational, and scheduling requirements. Lead and facilitate daily and weekly progress meetings with owners, contractors, construction staff, site engineers, inspection staff, and external subcontractors. Prepare requests for proposals for public tender of services and develop statements of work. Contribute to the preparation and review of contracts, change orders, and material and services purchase orders for owner approval. Assess contractor requests for time extensions, additional payment claims, and contractual disputes, and provide recommendations. Review quotes, material requests, procured items, deliveries, and on-site production to validate accurate fulfillment and quality control. Certify invoices submitted by suppliers and contractors and recommend them for payment by owners. Determine and recommend labor force, materials, and equipment requirements for efficient project execution. Maintain regular estimates of cost-to-completion and time-to-completion for each task and update stakeholders accordingly. Complete computer-based weekly and/or daily reports, project logs, and documentation files to maintain accurate project records. Identify risks and opportunities in all aspects of construction management and implement mitigation measures where risks are appreciable. Coordinate with the GIS team to ensure proper collection of field data and delivery of GIS-based outputs. Conduct ongoing meetings with field staff to stay informed about project work and facilitate timely resolution of issues. Assign weekly tasks to direct reports and conduct quarterly performance evaluations to support staff development and accountability. Support a wide variety of projects, primarily for local agencies throughout Southeast Michigan, including roads, sidewalks, ramps, watermain, sewer, and related infrastructure. Essential Skills Minimum 7+ years of construction field experience leading field inspection crews in the civil engineering or construction industry. Demonstrated experience with inspection standards and community standards for construction and examination of structures such as manholes, roads, stormwater sewers, sanitary sewer systems, watermain systems, and lead service lines. Strong ability to read, understand, and interpret construction specifications, plans, and contract documents. Valid driver's license with the ability to meet motor vehicle record requirements. Advanced knowledge of applicable construction codes and standards relevant to municipal infrastructure projects. Experience in construction inspection for municipal projects, including watermain and sewer systems, roadway and pavement work, and related infrastructure. Ability to manage and coordinate multiple stakeholders, including clients, municipal officials, contractors, and internal teams. Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality control, documentation accuracy, and compliance. Exceptional written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills to effectively interact with technical and non-technical personnel. Ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams and build effective working relationships. Demonstrated ability to provide direction and leadership, emphasizing safety, cost control, efficiency, and professionalism. Proficiency in compl