Civil Construction Inspector Senior

HDR; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR in Missouri is seeking a Senior Civil Construction Inspector to lead field activities on civil infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and water facilities. You will observe, document, mentor staff, and coordinate with project managers to ensure quality and safety.

The role requires extensive experience in construction inspection, strong communication skills, and the ability to interpret drawings, schedules, and specifications. Travel to remote sites and overtime may be necessary.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent; substitutions allowed with 8 years of relevant inspection experience.
• Minimum 5 years of construction inspection experience.
• Proficient with MS Office; strong written communication; ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and document observations of construction for civil infrastructure projects.
• Mentor junior field staff and provide supervision as needed.
• Collaborate with project managers and other field representatives.
• Read and interpret construction drawings and specs; identify discrepancies.
• Serve as senior inspector on projects when needed.

Skills

Construction inspection

Reading construction drawings

Mentoring junior staff

Written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical school or Associate degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe construction services are more than project delivery, they're about safeguarding quality, safety, and trust at every step. As part of HDR’s Field Services team, you’ll be on the front lines of infrastructure development, making sure that what’s designed is built to the highest standards. From highways and bridges to water treatment plants, transit systems, and power facilities, your work ensures that our clients’ visions become reality, with precision, integrity, and excellence. Our construction professionals; Construction Managers, Inspectors, Resident Engineers, and field specialists bring deep technical knowledge, hands‑on experience, and a commitment to quality that sets industry benchmarks. Your contributions are critical to delivering successful, resilient infrastructure. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead in the field, uphold the highest standards, and leave a legacy of quality that communities can rely on for generations. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.

Senior Civil Construction Inspector

In this role, we’ll count on you to:

• Conduct and document observations of construction as it progresses for civil projects related to civil infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, water/wastewater facilities, pump stations and pipelines.
• Mentor junior field staff and provide supervision as needed.
• Collaborate with other field representatives or project managers.
• Read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and identify discrepancies or conflicts within the documents.
• Serve as the most senior inspector on projects as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical school or Associate degree.
• 10+ years of experience in construction and/or construction inspection of heavy civil infrastructure that may include: highways, bridges, buildings, or railroads.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications and identify discrepancies or conflicts within the documents
• Ability to communicate proficiently through verbal and written correspondence.
• Ability to check layout and dimensions of work by utilizing basic tape measures, rules and other instruments.
• Ability to perform measurements and calculations necessary to determine quantity of work performed and materials required.
• Skills to perform basic mathematical calculations in geometry and algebra.
• Ability to compose reports with a daily log of construction activities, personnel assigned, equipment used, weather conditions, test performed/witnessed, and other information pertinent to the progress of the work utilizing computer programs, applications, or client preferred reporting software.
• Ability to navigate through outdoor construction sites by walking, navigating slopes, hills and other rough terrain or obstacles to facilitate completion of assigned tasks in all seasons and environmental conditions.
• Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, and navigate structures of varying heights.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment necessary for performance of inspections and testing.
• Ability to Perform/Witness field materials sampling and testing that includes tests for: concrete slump and air content, concrete compressive specimens, compaction, moisture, and aggregate gradation.
• Ability to travel to remote work sites outside of the assigned work location of either St. Louis or Kansas City metropolitan area.
• Ability to work overtime, including nights and weekends to meet project schedules. (Expect discussions with assigned supervisor to maintain work life balance.)
• Licensed to operate motor vehicles in accordance with applicable state law.
• The ability to exercise deductive reasoning and independently resolve problems.
• Experience using survey equipment to check and confirm construction.
• Experience working on state or municipal transportation construction projects.
• Department of Transportation (MoDOT and/or KDOT) technician testing certifications. Or, certifications through other technical organizations such as: the American Concrete Institute (ACI) or the American Traffic Safety Services Administration (ATSSA).
• Relevant Industry Certifications
• Ability to interpret construction schedules.
• OSHA 10 Hr Certification

Required Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent. (Candidates with 8 years of relevant construction inspection experience may substitute experience for a high school diploma)
• A minimum of 5 years experience
• Proficient with MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook)
• Strong written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must
• HDR's Drug and Alcohol Policy supports our commitment to employee safety and exceeding client requirements. The Drug and Alcohol Policy prohibits the use of drugs or alcohol while on HDR or client premises, or while otherwise engaged in HDR business. This position may require a successful drug‑screen prior to hire and thereafter, based on client requirements and applicable country, state and/or provincial laws and regulations.
• Sponsorship (visa) for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

United States-Missouri-Kansas City

Industry

Construction, Project Controls & Design/Build

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Business Class

Field Services

Job Posting

Sep 2, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.