Construction Inspector I

Texas Department of Transportation; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement Plans

Flexible work schedules

Paid leave and holidays

Health premiums paid for full-time

On-the-job training

Tuition assistance

Wellness program with leave incentives

Career development opportunities

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) West Harris Area Office is seeking a Construction Inspector I. The role inspects roadway, bridge, and related infrastructure construction to ensure compliance with plans, specifications and safety standards while coordinating with engineers, contractors and project stakeholders to serve the traveling public.

The position requires a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and pre-employment physicals.

Qualifications

• High School Grad or Equivalent required.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive state vehicle.
• Pre-employment physical required; drug test required for safety positions.

Responsibilities

• Inspect ongoing construction work to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
• Monitor traffic control and airport closure plans for safety standards.
• Prepare monthly and final estimates and maintain project documentation.
• Resolve differences in interpretation of plans and specifications.
• Communicate with engineers, contractors and stakeholders to ensure project progress.

Skills

Construction inspections

Safety standards

Problem resolution

Plan interpretation

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Computers

Job description

Inspects construction methods and workmanship to ensure contractors build roadways, bridges, traffic signals, airports and related structures in accordance with plans and specifications; acts as consultant regarding work progress and problem resolution; may serve as the only inspector on a construction project or assist in overseeing construction inspection activities for very large and complex projects within a district or conduct statewide construction inspection activities for ongoing airport improvement projects. Responsible to a licensed professional engineer who has full authority for approval of all work. Work requires contact with contractors. May perform materials tests and manufacturing process inspections at fabrication sites. Employees at this level follow standard practices that do not require frequent supervision of details.

Essential Duties

• Calculates payments due contractors for work completed.
• Ensures contractors build roadways, bridges and related highway structures and/or airport improvements in accordance with plans and specifications.
• Monitors project phasing and traffic control plans or airport closure plans and ensures compliance with approved safety standards; inspects barricades; as required moves traffic control devices and barricades.
• Observes and inspects ongoing construction work.
• Oversees construction record-keeping activities; recommends payments to contractors; recommends change orders, extra work orders/supplemental agreements; reviews proposed change orders submitted by consultants; prepares reports.
• Prepares monthly and final estimates.
• Assists in engineering-related data collection, inspections, assessments, analysis, and review activities for plan development by others.
• Resolves differences in interpretation of plans and specifications.
• Documents work progress and issues arising throughout scope of project.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.

Experience

No experience required. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related college education or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications

Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Competencies

Considerable knowledge of

• Applicable plans, specifications and estimates preparation, review, processing and compliance requirements
• Construction engineering policies and procedures
• Applicable inspection methods, procedures and techniques
• Applicable testing methods, processes and procedures
• The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Some knowledge of

• Application of engineering fundamentals
• Reading and interpreting applicable plans, schematics, blueprints and maps
• Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others

Some Skill in

• The use of computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems
• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Subject to outside environmental conditions; no effective weather protection
• Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour
• Subject to noise
• Subject to hazards - moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
• Required to wear protective gear - respirator, hard hat, or other devices
• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs. at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools

Conditions of Employment

Please read the standard conditions of employment: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions.

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
    

Position Information

Join the TxDOT West Harris Area Office team as a Construction Inspector I and play a vital role in delivering safe, high-quality transportation projects. This position performs construction inspections for roadway, bridge, and related infrastructure projects to ensure work is completed in accordance with plans, specifications, and safety standards while collaborating with engineers, contractors, and project stakeholders to serve the traveling public.

Benefits And Perks

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Job

Engineering/Engr Support

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Level

Non-Management

Job Posting

Oct 30, 2026, 1:56:11 PM

State Job Title/s

Engineering Specialist I

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

Click on the appropriate occupational category to view the MOS codes .

Applicant Information

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Additional Applicant Information for applicants