Construction Inspector

Job Title: Sr Construction Inspector

Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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 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.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline is a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in construction inspection or related civil construction roles is preferred.
• NASSCO certification is considered a strong asset.
• Experience with municipal projects involving roadways, sidewalks, ramps, watermain, and sewer systems.
• Familiarity with IDRs, GIS analysis, project coordination, and roadway inspection.
• Comfort working in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment focused on energy, land, and community development.
• Interest in contributing to innovative solutions that support community-focused infrastructure and development projects.

Work Environment

This role is primarily field-based, working onsite at various construction and infrastructure projects throughout Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan, including local agency projects involving roads, sidewalks, ramps, watermain, sewer, and related systems. The Sr Construction Inspector typically works Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturdays as project needs require, and should expect to work approximately 45-50 hours per week. Typical start times range from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., reflecting the field-focused nature of the position. The role involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions, traveling between project sites, and interacting frequently with contractors, municipal officials, and internal teams. A work truck is provided, and once training and certifications are complete, the inspector works independently in the field while remaining closely connected to office-based staff and support services. The organization promotes a dynamic, daring, and diverse culture that values collaboration, innovation, and client-centric solutions, with a mission-driven focus on empowering people to do their best work and shaping the future of communities through infrastructure and development projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Plymouth, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $48.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Plymouth,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.