The Sr 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 compliance with local, state, and federal requirements for projects such as roads, sidewalks, ramps, watermains, sewer systems, stormwater facilities, and other public and private infrastructure. The Sr Construction Inspector ensures that work complies with approved plans, permits, specifications, and budgets while providing leadership to inspection staff and maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, and municipal agencies across Southeast Michigan.
Manage relationships with clients and contractors while serving as the primary liaison between office and field staff.
Assist in 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 compliance and performance.
Provide oversight and leadership for staff performing 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.
Correspond regularly with clients, municipal officials, contractors, and subcontractors on all project-related matters.
Coordinate frequently with internal departments such as administrative, marketing, business development, GIS, land development, and surveying services.
Act as a technical resource and mentor for junior staff, providing guidance on inspection and construction issues.
Recommend practical solutions for construction-related issues across various projects.
Communicate and coordinate with private and public agencies involved in project delivery.
Prepare quantities for construction estimates and support cost planning and budgeting.
Prepare bid documents for private, public, and governmental agency projects.
Develop project specifications and standard details to guide construction activities.
Perform field inspections of existing water, sewer, road, and other infrastructure as needed.
Plot, organize, and assemble project-related documents, permit applications, and cut sheets.
Exercise sound judgment when adapting engineering alternatives while adhering to established standards and methodologies.
Perform QA/QC reviews of construction drawings, technical reports, and other project documents.
Inspect completed work and sign off on quality of workmanship in coordination with crew leaders and external subcontractors.
Interpret construction plans, standards, and specifications and communicate requirements clearly to project teams.
Coordinate work among agencies, contractors, and city departments while representing the interests of the project owner.
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, and resource requirements for each phase.
Identify construction approaches and potential risks to improve efficiency and mitigate exposure.
Solicit and coordinate subcontractor and supplier bids for labor, materials, and equipment.
Gather information, develop solutions, and adjust work sequences to address changing site conditions or project needs.
Review contractor and supplier invoices and compare them against actual performance and progress.
Evaluate the legitimacy of contractor and supplier change requests based on contractual requirements and cost estimates.
Interpret and explain plans and contract terms to internal staff and contractors to ensure shared understanding.
Develop, update, and maintain project schedules, tracking progress, durations, and compliance with financial, operational, and scheduling requirements.
Administer, organize, and lead 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 statements of work.
Contribute to the preparation and review of contracts, change orders, and purchase orders for materials and services, and make recommendations on contractor requests for time extensions, additional payments, and contractual disputes.
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 assigned projects.
Maintain regular estimates of cost-to-completion and time-to-completion for each task and project.
Complete computer-based daily and weekly reports, project logs, and documentation files.
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 of project status and resolve emerging issues.
Assign weekly tasks to direct reports and conduct quarterly performance evaluations to support staff development.
Work independently in the field after training and certification while supporting a wide variety of local agency projects, including roads, sidewalks, ramps, watermains, and sewer systems.
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 examining and constructing structures such as manholes, roads, stormwater sewers, sanitary sewer systems, watermain systems, and lead service lines.
Strong ability to read, understand, and interpret construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
Valid driver's license with the ability to meet Motor Vehicle Record requirements.
Advanced knowledge of applicable construction codes and standards.
Basic knowledge of web-based GIS interfaces and applications.
Basic understanding of the AutoCAD Civil 3D platform and related technology.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality control.
Exceptional written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams that include both technical and non-technical personnel.
Resourceful, action-oriented, creative, and analytical approach to problem-solving.
Proven ability to provide direction and leadership with a strong emphasis on safety, cost control, efficiency, and professionalism.
