Chief Inspector (construction)

ZipRecruiter; North Haven (CT); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Chief Inspector, where you'll lead field-based construction activities ensuring quality and compliance on critical infrastructure projects. This role requires a deep understanding of CTDOT standards and the ability to analyze complex engineering challenges. You'll supervise contractor activities, mentor junior inspectors, and collaborate with engineers to deliver results. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, your expertise will significantly impact the successful execution of highway and bridge construction projects. If you're ready to make a difference in civil construction, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of field inspection experience on civil or transportation projects.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience overseeing inspection teams.

Responsibilities

• Supervise contractor work to ensure compliance with project specifications.
• Prepare detailed daily inspection reports documenting site activities.
• Lead project meetings and mentor junior inspection staff.

Skills

CTDOT construction standards

Field inspection

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Engineering plan interpretation

Education

Bachelors degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

AASHTOWare

COMPASS

Job description

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionChief Inspector

Location: North Haven, CT

Country: United States

Salary: $100K - $180K

Lead the Field. Ensure Quality. Deliver Results.

We are seeking a seasoned Chief Inspector to supervise construction contractor activities and ensure compliance with all project specifications, engineering requirements, and environmental standards. This field-based role is critical to the successful execution of complex infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on CTDOT highway and bridge construction.

Position Summary

As Chief Inspector, you will be responsible for overseeing on-site construction activities, evaluating contractor performance, verifying work quantities, and ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and regulatory standards. You will provide leadership to junior inspectors, collaborate with engineers and contractors, and serve as the primary point of contact for field-related technical oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and inspect all contractor work to ensure conformance with project plans, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Identify substandard work and coordinate corrective actions with the contractor and Engineer.
• Prepare detailed daily inspection reports, including documentation of work performed, delays, weather conditions, and site activities.
• Perform field measurements and assessments; verify pay quantities for completed work.
• Analyze constructability issues and provide effective, practical solutions.
• Approve contractor-submitted materials, methods, and equipment; confirm compliance with material testing requirements.
• Lead project meetings, document discussions, track action items, and ensure timely resolution.
• Supervise and mentor junior inspection staff, ensuring consistency and quality in field reporting.
• Monitor Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (M&PT) activities and ensure adherence to traffic control and safety plans.
• Collaborate with utility companies, property owners, businesses, and the public to resolve conflicts or construction-related concerns.
• Ensure contractor compliance with environmental permits, affirmative action policies, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) plans.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep knowledge of CTDOT construction standards and procedures, including roadway, grading, drainage, paving, structural repairs, and utility coordination.
• Ability to analyze and resolve highway, traffic, and structural engineering challenges.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to lead meetings and write technical reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Ability to interpret complex engineering plans and perform advanced field-related calculations.

Minimum Qualifications

General Experience:

• Minimum 4 years of field inspection experience on civil or transportation construction projects.
• Strong understanding of construction plans and specifications.
• Proven experience documenting field activity through clear, well-written reports.

Special Experience:

• At least 2 years of supervisory experience overseeing field inspection teams.

Substitutions Allowed:

• A Bachelors degree in Engineering or Construction Management may substitute for some experience, provided the candidate has at least 4 years of relevant transportation construction experience.

Qualifications

• Prior experience serving as Chief Inspector on CTDOT projects.
• Proficiency with AASHTOWare and COMPASS for construction documentation and management.
• Industry certifications, including:
  • NICET HCI Level IV (required)
  • ACI Certification
  • NETTCP (Concrete, HMA Paving, Soils and Aggregate)
  • ATSSA Traffic Control Technician
  • OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health

Additional Requirements

• Must hold and maintain one of the following credentials: NICET HCI Level IV, CCM, PE, or EIT.
• Valid drivers license, active auto insurance, and reliable transportation are required.
• Willingness to work in the field full-time with occasional travel and extended hours as needed.

Join a firm where your expertise will make a lasting impact on critical infrastructure projects across the region. As Chief Inspector, youll be at the forefront of quality, compliance, and innovation in civil construction.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.