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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Highway Inspector

💰 $55,000 - $90,000

ConstructionEngineeringGovernmentQuality Assurance

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about building the infrastructure that connects our communities? As a Highway Inspector, you are the front-line guardian of quality and safety on major transportation construction projects. You'll be our eyes and ears on the ground, meticulously monitoring every phase of construction to ensure that contractors adhere to stringent project plans, specifications, and safety standards. This role is not just about checking boxes; it's about applying technical expertise and sound judgment to solve real-world problems, ensuring that public funds are used effectively and that the final product is a safe, durable, and reliable roadway for the traveling public for decades to come.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Civil Engineering Technician
  • Construction Laborer / Foreman
  • Materials Testing Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Highway Inspector / Lead Inspector
  • Construction Manager
  • Resident Engineer / Project Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Bridge Inspector
  • Quality Control / Quality Assurance Manager
  • Public Works Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct daily on-site inspections of highway and roadway construction projects to ensure all work complies with approved plans, specifications, and contract documents.
  • Monitor all phases of construction, including earthwork, grading, drainage system installation, asphalt and concrete paving, and structural component placement.
  • Perform detailed measurements and calculations of work completed by contractors to verify quantities for accurate progress payments and final project estimates.
  • Review and interpret complex civil engineering plans, blueprints, specifications, and contract provisions to guide construction activities and resolve field discrepancies.
  • Inspect traffic control setups and Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plans to guarantee the safety of the traveling public, pedestrians, and all on-site construction personnel.
  • Collect and perform field tests on samples of construction materials like concrete, asphalt, soil, and aggregates to ensure they meet project specifications and quality standards.
  • Maintain a comprehensive and meticulously detailed daily diary or log of all construction activities, including contractor's personnel, equipment usage, weather conditions, and significant events.
  • Identify, document, and report any non-conforming work or deviations from project plans, coordinating with the project manager to issue and track corrective action notices.
  • Witness and verify field quality control tests performed by the contractor and third-party testing agencies to validate results and ensure procedural compliance.
  • Serve as the primary on-site liaison between the project owner (e.g., DOT), the resident engineer, and the prime contractor, facilitating clear communication and resolving minor field disputes.
  • Verify the proper installation, alignment, and functionality of all roadway appurtenances, including guardrails, signage, lighting, pavement markings, and drainage structures.
  • Assist in the comprehensive preparation of project closeout documentation, which includes as-built drawings, final quantity calculations, and punch list finalization.
  • Monitor environmental compliance on the job site, ensuring strict adherence to erosion and sediment control plans and other environmental permit regulations.
  • Proactively evaluate the contractor's adherence to all applicable OSHA and project-specific safety regulations, reporting any unsafe conditions or practices immediately.
  • Prepare detailed Inspector's Daily Reports (IDRs) that summarize work progress, material usage, test results, and any issues encountered during the shift.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist project engineers in reviewing contractor submittals, Requests for Information (RFIs), and proposed change orders for constructability and compliance.
  • Attend and actively participate in pre-construction meetings, weekly progress meetings, and other project-related conferences to stay informed and provide field updates.
  • Utilize project management and e-Construction software (e.g., SiteManager, ProjectWise, FieldBook) to electronically record and track project data, payments, and correspondence.
  • Provide clear photographic and video documentation of construction progress, specific installations, and any identified deficiencies for the project record.
  • Investigate and professionally respond to inquiries or complaints from the public regarding construction activities, noise, or traffic disruptions, serving as a project ambassador.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Plan Reading: High proficiency in reading and interpreting civil engineering plans, traffic control diagrams, specifications, and construction contract documents.
  • Construction Methods: Deep knowledge of highway construction means, methods, materials, and standards (e.g., state DOT, AASHTO, ASTM).
  • Materials Testing: Hands-on experience with field testing procedures for soils, aggregates, concrete (slump, air, cylinders), and hot-mix asphalt (density, temperature).
  • Surveying Principles: Familiarity with basic construction survey techniques, including the use of levels, transits, and understanding of grade and alignment stakes.
  • Documentation Software: Competency in using construction management software such as AASHTOWare Project SiteManager, FieldBook, or similar e-Construction platforms.
  • Relevant Certifications: Possession of industry certifications such as ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician, NICET in Highway Construction, or state-specific DOT certifications.
  • Mathematical Aptitude: Strong ability to perform mathematical calculations for quantities, volumes, areas, and grades.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all aspects of inspection and documentation to prevent errors and ensure quality.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for creating clear reports and effectively interacting with contractors, engineers, and the public.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and effective problem-solving skills to identify and resolve field issues quickly and diplomatically.
  • Integrity and Independence: A strong sense of personal responsibility, ethics, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a field environment.
  • Time Management: Superior organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines on a dynamic construction site.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build and maintain positive, professional working relationships with diverse teams in a sometimes-adversarial environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED combined with relevant certifications and experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Construction Management
  • Civil Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-10+ years of progressive experience in construction inspection, materials testing, or a related field.

Preferred: Direct experience as a transportation or highway inspector on projects for a state Department of Transportation (DOT), municipality, or federal agency is highly desirable. Experience with federally funded projects is a significant plus.

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