Construction Inspector

Kennedy Jenks Consultants; Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 61,992 - 75,768; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Health savings account

401(k)

Bonus programs

Tuition reimbursement

Employee ownership

Registration support

Travel assistance

Paid time off

Holidays

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Kennedy Jenks Consultants is seeking a Construction Inspector with pipeline experience in California to support water and wastewater infrastructure projects. You will focus on underground utilities, pipeline installation, field quality observation, and construction documentation.

In this role, you will observe contractor work, document progress, support testing and commissioning, and coordinate with construction managers, resident engineers, contractors, clients, and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Education and experience: Technical school certificate or degree preferred, or equivalent experience; 3 years of water or wastewater infrastructure experience required.
• Familiarity with construction blueprints, drawings, specifications, applicable codes, Microsoft Office, inspection tools, and reporting systems.
• Work environment: Fieldwork includes exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, construction noise, traffic, equipment, and potential hazardous materials.
• Safety requirements: Strict adherence to safety protocols is required, including use of required personal protective equipment and project-specific safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Inspect field work: Inspect pipeline installation, underground utilities, trenching, backfill, and related infrastructure to confirm contractor work aligns with plans and quality standards.
• Document progress: Prepare daily reports, photo logs, and project records capturing work performed, site conditions, materials, and follow-up items.
• Support testing and reviews: Assist with material testing, special inspections, submittal review, and as-built drawing review.
• Monitor requirements: Observe work related to public, regulatory, and permitting agency requirements, including SWPPP, environmental controls, safety practices, and project procedures.
• Coordinate in the field: Support pipeline testing, flushing, commissioning, startup activities; participate in progress meetings; interact with clients; work under supervision of Construction Manager/Resident Engineer/Lead Inspector.

Skills

Pipeline knowledge

Documentation

Field coordination

Independent judgment

Education

Technical school certificate or degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Inspection tools

Job description

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Construction Inspector with pipeline experience in California to support water and wastewater infrastructure projects with a focus on underground utilities, pipeline installation, field quality observation, and construction documentation.

In this role, you'll observe contractor work, document progress, support testing and commissioning, and coordinate with construction managers, resident engineers, contractors, clients, and internal teams.

What You'll Do

As a Construction Inspector, you'll work at the intersection of construction observation, quality assurance, field documentation, and project coordination to support the successful delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

• Inspect field work: Conduct inspections of pipeline installation, underground utilities, trenching, backfill, and related infrastructure to confirm contractor work aligns with plans, specifications, and quality standards.
• Document progress: Prepare daily reports, written documentation, photo logs, and project records that capture work performed, site conditions, materials, and follow-up items.
• Support testing and reviews: Assist with material testing, special inspections, contractor submittal review, and as-built drawing review.
• Monitor requirements: Observe work related to public, regulatory, and permitting agency requirements, including SWPPP, environmental controls, safety practices, and project procedures.
• Coordinate in the field: Support pipeline testing, flushing, commissioning, and startup activities; participate in progress meetings; interact with clients; and work under the direct supervision of the Construction Manager, Resident Engineer, or Lead Inspector.

What Makes This Role Different

• Field insight that protects quality: Your documentation helps identify issues early, support timely decisions, and reduce rework, delays, or disputed field conditions.
• Direct impact on essential infrastructure: Your work supports water and wastewater systems that serve communities and protect public health.
• Bridge between plans and construction: You help project teams connect design intent, field conditions, contractor work, and client expectations.

What You Bring

• Pipeline construction knowledge: Practical understanding of pipeline materials, installation, underground utilities, trench safety, alignment, backfill, and field practices.
• Clear documentation: Ability to prepare daily reports, photo documentation, and written records that support project communication.
• Field coordination: Comfort working with contractors, clients, inspectors, testing firms, and internal project teams.
• Independent judgment: Ability to identify issues, compare work against plans and specifications, and elevate observations through the appropriate channels.

Qualifications

• Education and experience: Technical school certificate or degree preferred, or equivalent experience; 3 years of water or wastewater infrastructure experience required, with pipeline or underground utility inspection experience strongly preferred.
• Technical and software skills: Familiarity with construction blueprints, drawings, specifications, applicable codes, Microsoft Office, inspection tools, and reporting systems.
• Work environment: Fieldwork includes exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, construction noise, traffic, equipment, and potential hazardous materials.
• Safety requirements: Strict adherence to safety protocols is required, including use of required personal protective equipment and project-specific safety practices.

This role requires full-time presence on project sites and in the office as needed. KJ offers relocation support if needed.

Hourly Pay Rate for this position is anticipated to be $50.00 per hour, and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, skills, licensure/certifications, seniority and geographic location. Many of KJ's California public works projects are prevailing wage projects; therefore, KJ matches the prevailing wage requirements; many times, prevailing wage is higher than base pay rate.

Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.

Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.