Chief Inspector

CHA Consulting, Inc.; Elmwood Park Historic District (SC); On-site; USD 51,660 - 68,880; Full time

Job summary

CHA Consulting, Inc. in Columbia, SC is seeking a Chief Inspector to lead construction inspection for complex infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience and ensure quality compliance through detailed oversight and client coordination.

You will mentor inspection staff and oversee project activities while managing contractor quality control. A minimum of 10 years of construction observation experience is required along with a high school diploma.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $37.50 - $50.00 per hour based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of related construction observation experience required.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and zoning ordinances.
• Proven ability to analyze complex construction issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead construction inspection activities for large, complex infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate with owners, contractors, designers, and regulatory agencies.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive inspection reports.

Skills

Construction observation

Communication

Mathematics

Leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in Engineering Science, Construction Management or related

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project, Outlook)

Job description

Join Us:

Drive Construction Quality Forward as Chief Inspector — Guide Field Execution, Uphold Standards, and Deliver with Confidence

Are you a highly experienced construction inspection leader who brings strong technical insight, decisive field leadership, and a commitment to getting the details right? Do you thrive in environments where precision, safety, and accountability are non-negotiable—and where your expertise directly shapes successful project outcomes?

CHA Consulting, Inc. is seeking a Chief Inspector to join our Construction Inspection Team in Columbia, SC. In this role, you will lead inspection efforts across complex infrastructure projects, partnering closely with clients, contractors, and project teams to ensure work is executed in alignment with design intent, regulatory requirements, and quality expectations from start to finish.

What You'll Do:

• Lead construction inspection activities for large, complex infrastructure projects, ensuring work conforms to contract documents, plans, specifications, and approved submittals
• Serve as the primary construction‑phase liaison for clients, coordinating with owners, contractors, designers, and regulatory agencies
• Monitor contractor quality control efforts and verify compliance with approved quality control plans
• Identify nonconforming work and evaluate proposed corrective actions, recommending acceptance or rejection as appropriate
• Review and verify contractor payment applications, quantities, change orders, and proposals to support accurate progress payments
• Prepare clear, comprehensive inspection reports and maintain complete project records in accordance with company, client, and regulatory requirements
• Chair construction meetings and support project administration, including schedules, documentation, and constructability reviews
• Mentor and oversee inspection staff, coordinating workloads and reinforcing accepted standards, procedures, and best practices

What You Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in Engineering Science, Construction Management, or related technical field preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of related construction observation experience required
• Strong knowledge of construction industry with the ability to interpret client contracts
• Proven ability to analyze complex construction issues and recommend effective resolutions
• Knowledge of building codes and zoning ordinances
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Strong communication and mathematics skills
• Ability to coordinate workload of inspection project staff with the willingness to train entry level staff
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project, Outlook)
• NICET Level III certification preferred
• Valid driver’s license required; extensive travel may be required

Why You'll Love It Here:

• Lead and engage in diverse fieldwork, tackling complex technical challenges and hands‑on problem‑solving across active construction sites
• Enjoy a dynamic work environment with flexibility and opportunities for local and occasional travel
• Be part of a team dedicated to strengthening transportation infrastructure—roads, bridges, railways, and more—across communities

Salary Range:

$37.50 - $50.00

Salary is based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training, and fair market evaluation based on industry standards.

Culture/EEO Statement:

We as an organization celebrate the values of inclusion and equality, and advocate for the full participation of all people in an environment free of discrimination. To support these values, we invite all qualified applicants to be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.