Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Underground Inspector

🎯 Role Definition

As an Underground Inspector you will be the field-facing quality, safety and compliance authority for subsurface infrastructure work. You will inspect trenching, excavation, pipe and conduit installation, manholes, vaults, tunneling, shoring, backfill and compaction, utility crossings and tie-ins; verify contractor compliance with plans, specifications and permits; document non‑conformances and corrective actions; coordinate testing, material sampling and commissioning; and serve as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders regarding underground asset condition and acceptance. This role requires a safety-first mindset, excellent technical judgment, strong communication skills, and proficiency with inspection tools, digital reporting and as‑built recordkeeping.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Field Technician or Utility Locator
Construction Laborer with pipe/utility experience
QA/QC Technician or Materials Testing Technician

Advancement To:

Senior Underground Inspector / Lead Inspector
Inspection Supervisor or QA/QC Manager
Project Manager or Construction Manager (Utilities)

Lateral Moves:

Safety Officer / Safety Specialist (Construction)
GIS Technician / As‑Built Coordinator
Estimator or Contract Administrator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct detailed daily field inspections of underground construction activities — including trenching, shoring, tunneling, pipe and conduit installation, manhole and vault construction, jointing, sealing, and backfill — and verify compliance with project drawings, technical specifications, permits and regulatory requirements.
Inspect and verify proper trench excavation, shoring, sloping and protective systems to ensure compliance with OSHA confined space and excavation standards, documenting any unsafe conditions and coordinating immediate corrective actions with contractors and site supervisors.
Perform material verification and acceptance checks, including reviewing mill certificates, material cut sheets, joint and welding procedures, conduit ratings and pipe class, and rejecting or flagging non‑conforming materials.
Witness and document field testing and commissioning activities such as hydrostatic pressure tests, air tests, vacuum tests, CCTV inspections, leak tests and low‑pressure trials; record test parameters, results and contractor corrective measures.
Execute written and photographic inspection reports, daily logs and non‑conformance reports (NCRs) using digital inspection software and mobile apps, ensuring reports are clear, timestamped, geolocated and suitable for audit and handover.
Monitor and validate proper backfill sequencing and compaction operations using field test results (e.g., nuclear density gauge, Proctor references, plate load results), accepting or rejecting lifts based on specified compaction criteria and laboratory correlations.
Conduct CCTV pipeline inspections and review video records for infiltration, defects, joint separation, sedimentation and other anomalies; create defect logs and recommend remediation or rehabilitation actions.
Coordinate material sampling and field/laboratory tests (soil gradation, Proctor, Atterberg limits, compaction and concrete cylinder breaks), liaise with testing laboratories and interpret results to inform acceptance decisions.
Review contractor submittals, shop drawings, installation procedures, method statements and as‑built markups for compliance and provide timely comments or approvals tied to project QA/QC processes.
Enforce confined space entry protocols, verify permits, atmospheric testing, standby rescue readiness and personnel training before any entry into manholes, vaults, tunnels or enclosed excavations.
Perform pre‑construction and pre‑installation inspections and participate in daily and weekly coordination meetings to advise on sequencing, risk mitigation and quality control priorities.
Inspect and verify installation of corrosion protection, cathodic protection test stations, coatings, linings and cathodic bond connections; document continuity checks and protective measures.
Validate proper installation and location of utility tie‑ins, crossings and encroachments with respect to as‑built plans, GPS/GIS coordinates and third‑party utility records, coordinating with utility owners to avoid service disruptions.
Identify, record and track corrective actions and punch lists to completion, following up until work is re‑inspected and accepted; maintain traceable QA/QC records for closeout and client handover.
Provide on‑site technical guidance to contractors and field crews on interpretation of plans, tolerance issues, product installation and remedial actions, escalating complex or disputed technical matters to engineers or project management.
Ensure erosion and sediment control, dewatering operations and environmental mitigation measures are in place and functioning, documenting any environmental non‑compliance and notifying environmental compliance personnel as required.
Use surveying tools, GPS/GNSS, total stations and digital mapping tools to verify horizontal and vertical alignment, cover depths, slope and invert elevations, and update as‑built documentation accordingly.
Train and mentor junior inspectors, summer interns or vendor inspectors on inspection protocols, safety procedures, reporting standards and company QA/QC expectations.
Prepare concise, defensible correspondence and technical reports for stakeholders, regulators and owners, including photographic evidence, measurement data and recommended corrective actions for permit compliance or dispute resolution.
Participate in incident investigations, root cause analysis and near‑miss reporting related to underground works, generating corrective/preventative actions and helping implement lessons learned across projects.
Maintain and calibrate field inspection equipment (gas monitors, density gauges, survey instruments, CCTV cameras), track calibration records and ensure proper operation prior to critical inspections.
Support permit applications and regulatory inspections by preparing documentation, attending field inspections with regulators (DOT, local municipalities) and ensuring that remediation is completed to agency standards.
Review and confirm contractor quality control plans, testing schedules and inspection hold points, ensuring inspections are performed at required stages and that “hold‑point” items are not covered without inspection.
Manage time and inspection schedules across multiple active sites, prioritizing high‑risk or critical path activities and communicating schedule impacts to project management promptly.

Secondary Functions

Assist with preparation and maintenance of as‑built record drawings and GIS layer updates following field verification.
Support development and continuous improvement of inspection checklists, digital templates and standardized reporting language to improve consistency and LLM‑readability of records.
Participate in periodic QA audits of field inspection records, ensuring completeness and alignment with company QA/QC processes and contract requirements.
Help evaluate new inspection technology, mobile apps and remote sensing tools (CCTV, UAVs, acoustic leak detection) and recommend pilot programs that increase inspection coverage or efficiency.
Provide supplemental technical input to project closeout packages, warranty records and maintenance recommendations based on observed field conditions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

In‑depth knowledge of underground utility construction methods (trenching, tunneling, pipe laying, manhole/vault construction) and associated acceptance criteria.
Able to read and interpret construction plans, detail drawings, specifications, shop drawings and permit documents with precision.
Proficient with inspection/testing equipment: nuclear density gauges, total stations/GPS, CCTV pipeline systems, gas monitors, concrete test equipment and field logging tools.
Familiarity with industry codes and standards including OSHA excavation/confined space requirements, DOT specifications, AASHTO, ASTM test methods and local municipal utility standards.
Experience performing or witnessing hydrostatic, air and vacuum tests, and documenting test procedures and results in accordance with project specifications.
Competent in material verification procedures, including reviewing mill/test certificates, pipe and fitting certifications, welding qualifications and coating/lining specifications.
Skilled in basic geotechnical/soil testing interpretation (Proctor, gradation, Atterberg, compaction) and understanding how results impact backfill acceptance.
Proficient in CCTV inspection, pipeline defect classification, and generation of defect logs and rehabilitation recommendations.
Working knowledge of cathodic protection, corrosion control measures and continuity testing for metallic utilities.
Proficient with digital inspection/reporting software, mobile field apps, Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word), and GIS/GNSS tools for location verification and as‑built updates.
Experience preparing NCRs, punch lists, detailed field reports, and structured documentation suitable for audits, claims and regulatory review.
Understanding of environmental controls related to dewatering, erosion control, and sediment management on underground projects.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and observational skills to detect subtle installation defects and tolerance deviations.
Strong oral and written communication skills to produce clear, professional reports and to coordinate with contractors, owners and regulators.
Sound judgment and decision‑making in high‑risk field situations, with the ability to stop unsafe work and follow escalation protocols.
Effective time management and organizational skills to prioritize inspections across multiple sites and maintain complete documentation.
Collaborative team player who can work with engineers, project managers, safety teams and contractor superintendents to resolve issues.
Problem solving and analytical thinking to interpret test data, evaluate contractor corrective actions and propose practical remediation.
Professional demeanor and conflict‑management skills to handle disputes about workmanship and acceptance criteria.
Coaching and mentoring ability to develop less experienced inspectors and promote consistent QA/QC practices.
Adaptability to varying jobsite conditions, weather, and schedule pressures while maintaining inspection standards.
Customer service orientation and ability to represent the owner’s interests while maintaining constructive contractor relationships.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with relevant construction/utility field experience and industry certifications.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Science or equivalent technical discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Civil Engineering
Construction Management
Geotechnical Engineering
Environmental Science / Engineering
Utility Engineering / Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3 — 7 years of progressive experience in underground utility inspection, pipe and conduit installation, or related construction QA/QC roles.

Preferred:

5+ years inspecting underground infrastructure projects (water, sewer, storm, gas, telecom, tunnels) with documented experience in testing, NCRs and as‑built verification.
Certifications such as OSHA 10/30, Confined Space Entry/Attendant, First Aid/CPR, NICET (grading/inspection), ASNT/Level I/II for NDT where applicable, and/or local agency inspector certifications are strongly preferred.
Experience with municipal/state DOT projects, utility owner specifications and permit compliance.