Assistant Civil Engineer

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority; Chelsea (MA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) seeks a Resident Inspector to oversee construction and rehabilitation projects for Waterworks and Wastewater facilities. This hands-on role requires ensuring contractor compliance with MWRA policies, maintaining detailed project records, and assisting with cost estimates and report preparation.

The posting covers site inspections in Chelsea, MA with a standard weekday schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field is required.
• At least two years of civil engineering-related experience is preferred.
• Valid Massachusetts Class D Driver's License or equivalent is required.

Responsibilities

• Act as resident inspector on construction projects and monitor contractor compliance.
• Maintain daily diary with project data, photos, change orders and visits.
• Keep project files complete and updated per MWRA procedures.
• Assist Resident Engineer with quantity control and pay estimates; prepare reports.
• Prepare redlined drawings and sketches for record drawings.
• Compute quantities and project costs; review contractor payment requests.
• Coordinate construction with MWRA departments and public agencies.
• Review small project plans for bidability and constructability.

Skills

Construction inspection

Communication skills

Education

Bachelors in Civil Eng

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary

As a Resident Inspector, provides construction inspection and administration for construction and/or rehabilitation improvements of Waterworks and Wastewater facilities and infrastructure.

Posting Period: 10/16/2026 - 10/30/2026

Location: Chelsea, MA

Salary: $83,629.26 - $116,808.85 annually; $1608.26 - $2246.32 weekly

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm

Key Responsibilities

• Acts as a resident inspector on construction projects. Monitors and documents contractor compliance with construction documents, MWRA policies and procedures, regulatory requirements, and applicable engineering standards.
• Keeps a daily diary for each construction contract, recording contractual work related to the project, construction photographs, weather conditions, and list of visitors, change orders and claims in accordance with MWRA procedures.
• Maintains project files for the construction contract. Ensures all project documentation is complete, up-to-date, and in accordance with MWRA policies and procedures.
• Assists the Resident Engineer as needed, including maintaining a quantity control ledger, review of partial and final pay estimates and daily, weekly and monthly reports.
• Prepares accurate redlined drawings for record drawings.
• Computes quantities for completed construction, reviews and calculates project cost estimates and computes data for periodic reports and records.
• Coordinates construction with pertinent Authority departments and concerned public agencies.
• Prepares and maintains red line drawings and sketches, documenting actual construction work.
• Reviews plans of small projects for bidability and constructability.
• Performs computations or checks computations and plans made by others for accuracy; estimates materials quantities and project costs, reviews contractors' payment requests and makes recommendation for payment.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology or related field; and
• At least two (2) years technical or professional experience in civil engineering work such as construction, survey, design, hydraulics, structural, highway architecture, soils and materials; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License or equivalent from another state.
• This position is onsite, no telework allowed.

Knowledge and Abilities

• A thorough knowledge of the heavy construction industry. Technical skills and knowledge of construction methods.
• Skill in the operation of listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to effectively manage construction contract involving complex and varying technical problems.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Tools and Equipment Used

Office machines as normally associated with a professional office environment, including the use of telephones, personal computers, word processing and business and construction software, email, videoconference applications, copiers, scanners and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud in field settings and moderately quiet in an office setting. Position is not eligible for telework.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Construction Coordinator. Exercises close supervision over field employees including Staff Engineers.

Other Position Information

Division: Operations

Department: Engineering and Construction

Union/Grade: MOSES (Unit 9)/Grade 21

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.