Construction Inspector 26-117

Charleston Water System; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 57,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Charleston Water System in Charleston, SC seeks a Construction Inspector to implement quality control for water and wastewater projects. Under limited supervision, you will review plans, inspect construction, and ensure compliance with standards and regulations.

Responsibilities include daily field inspections, coordinating with engineers and contractors, and facilitating final takeovers. Requires an associate degree with related experience and strong writing/communication skills.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with 1 year of relevant water/wastewater design, inspection, or construction experience.
• Knowledge of construction methods, testing, and project management for water systems.
• Proficient in MS Office; ability to review closeout docs.

Responsibilities

• Review design development plans for water and wastewater systems per CWS standards.
• Schedule, manage and inspect projects per approved plans.
• Perform daily field inspections with reports and photos.
• Lead preconstruction and final inspections and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Review closeout docs for accuracy and conformance.

Skills

Proficient writing

Communication skills

Customer service

Problem solving

Education

Associate Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field

Tools

BlueBeam

ArcGIS/ArcPro

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Department: Engineering & Construction

NOTE: IF YOU PREVIOUSLY APPLIED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR (26-108) JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, YOU DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY FOR THIS POSITION.

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 27, 2026. POSITION MAY BE FILLED EARLIER IF A SUITABLE CANDIDATE IS FOUND

Applications Accepted through Sunday, September 27, 2026

$57,366.40 ($27.58/hr.) – $88,940.80 ($42.76/hr.)

$57,366.40 ($27.58/hr) - $71,718.40 ($34.48/hr)

Job Description

Construction Inspector

Job Announcement No: 26-117

Vacant Position(s): 1

Department: Engineering & Construction

NOTE: IF YOU PREVIOUSLY APPLIED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR (26-108) JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, YOU DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY FOR THIS POSITION.

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 27, 2026. POSITION MAY BE FILLED EARLIER IF A SUITABLE CANDIDATE IS FOUND

Applications Accepted through Sunday, September 27, 2026

Salary Range: $57,366.40 ($27.58/hr.) – $88,940.80 ($42.76/hr.)

Hiring Range: $57,366.40 ($27.58/hr) - $71,718.40 ($34.48/hr)

Grade: 108

Hours: 7:00 am – 3:30 pm

Position Summary Under limited supervision of the Construction Manager, the Construction Inspector is responsible for implementing quality control for construction projects to ensure the assigned projects are constructed in accordance with the requirements of all federal, state and local regulations, permits and codes as well as Charleston Water System’s Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Water and Wastewater Systems.

Essential Functions

• Performs plan review during design development for all assigned projects to ensure proposed water and wastewater design (to include gravity sewer and force main) is in accordance with CWS standards and policies.
• Schedules, manages and inspects assigned projects to ensure construction is in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
• Performs detailed daily inspections of assigned projects and documents each in a daily inspection report, including field observations; equipment, material, and personnel onsite; construction progress; record drawing updates; testing reports; photographs, etc.
• Verifies dimensions, materials, schedules, and other key aspects of a project design as construction progresses, while proactively identifying and resolving discrepancies during construction.
• Schedules, attends, and leads preconstruction, final inspection, commissioning and other related construction meetings, providing technical guidance and ensuring stakeholder alignment.
• Witnesses and validates the contractor performed testing of water and wastewater systems, performs confirmation testing as required, and makes final determinations on compliance and performance quality.
• Conducts water quality field testing for turbidity and chlorine levels and collects water quality samples for bacteriological testing in accordance with SCDES requirements and CWS standards and policies.
• Coordinates and conducts hydrostatic flow testing for new development and hydraulic modeling requests.
• Originates, maintains and completes all assigned project files and associated field observation documentation through project completion, including field notes, reports, test results, photographs, etc. and updates PLL project management database and project files.
• Coordinates and schedules construction activities with project engineers, contractors, regulatory agencies, municipalities, CWS Operations Departments and other personnel as required.
• Reviews as-built drawings, valve cards, and other project closeout documents for accuracy, completeness, and conformance with CWS Minimum Standards.
• Coordinates and leads final inspection with CWS Operations Departments and ensures that the work was installed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
• Coordinates and leads commissioning and final takeover of completed water and wastewater systems.
• Assists in the review and update of CWS Standard Operating Instructions, Minimum Standards, Technical Specifications, and construction details.
• May be required to work during emergency conditions.
• Regular attendance is required.
• Job performance must conform to all CWS policies and procedures.
• Specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System Policy and Procedures.

Additional Duties

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Physical Requirements, Activities, and Working Conditions

• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally to include; comprehension of complex oral and written instruction.
• Must be able to make visual observations in daylight and night.
• Occasionally positions self to maneuver objects up to 50 pounds. Objects greater than 50 pounds require a 2-person operation.
• Ability to remove manhole covers with puller, operate water valves, or similar types of equipment.
• Ability to traverse in adverse field conditions to include; construction work sites, unpaved streets, uneven ground, cluttered work areas, wet conditions, etc., as necessary to perform the required work.
• Ability to ascend and descend ladders or steps to evaluate or inspect equipment and facilities.
• Ability to operate and maintain a motor vehicle.
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to perform the required essential functions.

Education And/or Experience

• Associate Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field with at least one (1) year of experience in the design, inspection and/or construction of water and wastewater systems; or a combination of education and/or experience totaling four (4) years with demonstrated ability to carry out job duties.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of construction methods and techniques, testing, and project management of water and wastewater systems.
• Knowledge of CWS’s Minimum Standards preferred.
• Ability to organize, review and complete project closeout documentation.
• Proficient writing, reporting, communication and technical skills.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and efficiently use Microsoft Office software programs to include Word and Excel, and BlueBeam or similar markup software for construction drawing review and annotation.
• Ability to operate GIS platforms, such as ArcPro, as a simple user.
• Good demonstrated customer service skills.
• Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

• Valid South Carolina Driver's License required.

Training Needs

• OSHA and Departmental safety training as required.
• Skills Based Training.
• Standard Operating Instruction (SOI) per department requirements.
• ISO 1401 standards for department and company.
• See Department Competency and Training Matrix for this position.

Potential Career Path

ELIGIBILITY FOR PROMOTION TO VARIOUS POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE COMMISSION DEPENDS UPON INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS, AND NOTED JOB PROGRESSIONS ARE NO GUARANTEE OF CAREER PATH TO THESE OR ANY OTHER JOB(S) AT THE COMMISSION.

• Construction Manager