Construction Inspector

Construction Inspector

Salary

$70,116.80 - $113,796.80 Annually

Location

Metro Plant - 2400 Childs Rd. St. Paul MN 55106, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00344

Division

Environmental Services

Department

WW P&CD Construction Srvcs

Opening Date

09/28/2026

Closing Date

11/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

WHO WE ARE

Join an award-winning wastewater industry leader in protecting our environment! Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) operates and maintains the wastewater collection and treatment system in the Twin Cities metropolitan region. It also provides coordinated long-range water resources and supply planning, as well as air and water quality monitoring, to meet future needs. MCES treatment plants consistently earn state and national awards for complete compliance with their environmental permits. MCES received a Governor's Award as a Great Place to Work. To learn more about the Environmental Services division, click the link: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water.aspx.

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us is on our website.

We are committed to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Environmental Services Division of the Metropolitan Council has two Construction Inspector vacancies.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Construction Inspector will be responsible for inspecting and monitoring construction activities to ensure compliance with construction specifications and plans by working with contractors and subcontractors. The "home base" for these positions will be one of three water resource recovery facilities in St. Paul, Shakopee, or Eagan, from which you may be assigned to construction field offices throughout the seven-county metro area, and this assignment may change as needed.

What you would do in this job

Major responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assisting the Principal Contract Administrator in the administration of construction contracts.
• Monitoring site preparations.
• Monitoring/recording independent testing procedures and results and inspecting for compliance.
• Reviews plans, specifications, addendums, shop drawings, change orders, and other correspondence to ensure compliance with legal requirements and safety regulations.
• Prepares electronic daily progress reports, diaries, and photo documentation.
• Logs construction activities and quantity reports.
• Attends pre-construction meetings, progress meetings, staff meetings, and other related meetings as necessary.
• Reports on unsafe work practices.
• Engages with stakeholders, property owners, and city and regulatory agencies, as necessary.
• Inspects contractors work for compliance to construction specifications and safety standards using survey instruments, metering devices, tape measures, and other test equipment.
• Monitors unit price quantities, pay estimate reviews, and percentage of work completed on non-unit pricing. Reviews pay requests against item record account and communicates results to the Principal Contract Administrator for the construction project.
• Communicates situations that need resolution to the Principal Contract Administrator or the Assistant Contract Administrator. Has stop work authority in emergency situations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of completed education (degree field of study in Construction Management) and experience (in related heavy industrial construction management/inspection):

• High school diploma/GED with five years of experience
• Associate degree with three years of experience
• Bachelors degree with one year of experience

License: Must have a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience in wastewater treatment technologies and utility installations.
• Experience interpreting plans and specifications.
• Experience working with diverse populations of internal and external customers.
• Specific focus on civil/structural, mechanical, and/or electrical fields.
• Construction certifications (NASSCO, NPDES, NACE, Special Inspection, AWS Welding).
• Proficient in using Trimble Unity Construct (previous e-Builder) project management software.

What Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities you should have:

• Knowledge of construction practices, principles, methods, and regulations.
• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology as it relates to construction projects.
• Ability to read plans and construction documents.
• Ability to apply the principles of geometry, measure, add, subtract, and convert measurement units.
• Ability to use survey instruments, metering devices, tape measures, and other construction test equipment.
• Skilled in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to use a digital camera and upload pictures to the computer.
• Communicates clearly and effectively both orally and in writing to all levels of people inside and outside the organization, including possessing good grammar, voice, and diction. Skilled in writing and editing detailed reports.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to ad hoc questions from individuals and groups of customers, clients, and/or employees. Skilled in handling conflict and responding to stressful situations calmly and effectively. Able to communicate with tact, courtesy, and professionalism.
• Ability to identify problems, analyze issues, and implement resolutions.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to pay attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks concurrently, prioritizing without direct supervision, handling critical deadlines, and maintaining a high degree of accuracy.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union/Grade: AFSCME / Grade E

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

Full Salary Range: $33.71 - $54.71 hourly / $70,117 - $113,797 annually

Note:

The starting salary will be based on the selected candidates experience, skills, education, and internal salary equity, and includes a generous benefits package.

Work Environment:

The work environment changes depending on the project assignment. Work may be performed in an office environment or on a construction field with exposure to outdoor weather conditions. In the field, you would work in an industrial wastewater treatment plant or collection system environment, and your position involves working near moving equipment parts with frequent exposure to wet, humid conditions, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. There is occasional exposure to fumes or airborne particles. Work may occasionally be performed in high, precarious places or in confined spaces. Local travel by car is required to visit construction sites. The position is exposed to loud noise.

Physical Requirements: Physical requirements change depending on the project assignment. The position requires standing and walking for long periods, occasional sitting, and frequent climbing or balancing. May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, turn, twist, and bend at the waist. The position requires the use of hands and fingers to grasp, handle, or feel, and to reach with hands and arms. Must have the strength and dexterity to operate a variety of construction testing equipment. Must be able to lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds. Must be able to speak, hear, read, and write and have adequate close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. The position must have the ability to smell.

What steps does the recruitment process involve:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.

2. We rate your education and experience.

3. We conduct a structured panel interview.

4. We conduct a selection interview.

5. If selected, you will be required to take a pre-employment physical.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety-sensitive positions only) and a background check, which verifies education and employment, and covers your driving record (if applicable to the job) and any criminal record. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety-sensitive position to a safety-sensitive position) and criminal background checks if the job youre applying for is safety-sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers, or transit fare cards.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration. The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.

We believe our employees are a key to our agencys success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• parking at many job locations
• fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• extensive health and wellness programs and resources

01

Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume." Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

02

How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee Referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• Website: metrotransit.org
• Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
• Other

03

If you selected Other, please describe where you first heard about this job. If you selected Employee Referral please enter the employees first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.

04

The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify the following statement:

• I affirm that all information provided in my application including any uploaded documentation is true and accurate. I further affirm that I have personally reviewed, verified, and approved all content, including any content generated with the assistance of AI. I will provide all interview responses directly and in real-time without unauthorized assistance. I will not use AI avatars, external assistance in answering including computer-generated suggestions, or any recording and transcription tools during the interview process unless I have received prior approval from Human Resources for a disability-related reasonable accommodation.

05

Which best describes your education and experience relating to this position?

• Bachelors degree or higher, in Construction Management, or a related field, and at least one (1) year of related heavy industrial construction management/inspection experience.
• Associates degree in Construction Management, or a related field, and at least three (3) years of related heavy industrial construction management/inspection experience.
• High School Diploma or GED and at least five (5) years of heavy industrial construction management/inspection experience.
• None of the above.

06

Describe your experience in heavy industrial construction management/inspection. Be as specific as possible. If this does not apply to you, type "N/A".

07

Check the construction disciplines you have experience in. (Check all that apply.)

• Civil/structural
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Other
• None of the above

08

For the question above, describe your experience in the disciplines selected. Be as specific as possible. Indicate the name of your employer, your job title, and related duties. If this does not apply to you type "N/A".

09

Check any of the following construction certifications you currently hold.

• NASSCO
• NPDES
• NACE
• Special Inspector Certification
• Other
• None of the above

10

For the question above, if you selected other list your certifications. If this does not apply to you, type "N/A".

11

The Metropolitan Council values a workplace that is as diverse as the people we serve. Please describe your experience working and collaborating in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environment. If you do not have this experience, indicate "N/A."

12

This position requires that you must have the ability to lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds. Can you do this?

• Yes
• No

13

This position requires that you have a valid drivers license (which will be checked.) Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Metropolitan Council

Address 390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website https://metrocouncil.org