Construction Inspector (Limited Duration)

State of Oregon; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 56,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Department of Transportation in Portland is seeking a Construction Inspector (Limited Duration). You will perform field inspections, enforce contract requirements, and assist in administering projects.

This role requires outdoor work, weather resilience, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds while coordinating with contractors and field crews. The position ends by June 4, 2027, with potential to become permanent.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in engineering construction inspection and/or surveying.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in civil or transportation engineering, or equivalent.
• Ability to read construction plans and interpret specifications.

Responsibilities

• Inspect moderate to highly complex construction projects.
• Enforce contractor compliance to plans and specifications.
• Prepare cost estimates and quantity summaries.
• Perform engineering calculations to determine project quantities.
• Monitor safety issues and report concerns.
• Assist in administering quality assurance and contract payments.

Skills

Construction inspection

Surveying

Reading plans

Communication

Education

Associate degree in engineering (civil or transportation-related)

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (civil or transportation-related)

Equivalent combination of experience, education, and training

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 08/20/2026 Application Deadline: 09/03/2026 Agency: Department of Transportation Salary Range: 5,008 - 7,770 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Construction Inspector (Limited Duration) Job Description: Engineering Specialist 2 – Construction Inspector (Limited Duration) Oregon Department of Transportation Delivery & Operations Division – Region 1 Construction Office Portland

The role:

Join our team in Portland as a construction inspector! In this role, you will perform field inspections and assist in administering construction projects. You will also ensure contract compliance and work collaboratively alongside contractors and field crews. This is a limited duration appointment that is expected to end on or before June 4, 2027. Limited duration appointments are benefits eligible and have a designated maximum length of service. This position has the potential to become permanent.

We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions. Before applying, visit our applicant information website to learn more about our process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workday profile.

A day in the life:

• Inspect moderate to highly complex construction projects.
• Enforce contractor compliance to plans and specifications.
• Prepare cost estimates and quantity summaries.
• Perform engineering calculations to determine project quantities.
• Monitor safety issues, resolve problems and report safety concerns.
• Assist in administering the quality assurance program on transportation construction projects.
• Assist in administering contract payments and proper documentation.

At least 50% of the work is performed outdoors and requires working in inclement weather, close to highway traffic or construction equipment and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Requires lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing ladders, moving around uneven terrain, overnight travel, working long hours, working nights and being on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays.

To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email [e-mail].

What’s in it for you:

Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more. Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer. Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying. The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%. Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!

Minimum qualifications:

• Three years of experience in the field of engineering in construction inspection and/or surveying
• An associate degree in the field of engineering (civil or transportation-related) and one year of engineering technician experience
• A bachelor’s degree in the field of engineering (civil or transportation-related)
• An equivalent combination of experience, education, and training

Note: Related experience, education, and training can include, but is not limited to construction management, forestry, geography, geology, geomatics, mathematics, physics, remote sensing and/or urban planning.

Special qualifications:

• Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid US driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered.

What we’d like to see:

If you have these attributes, let us know in your application materials! It's how we will choose whom to move forward! You do not need to have all these qualities to be eligible for this position. We may also use transferable skills, experience and education to help us decide who will move forward.

• Experience providing construction inspection on heavy civil projects.
• Experience in reading and interpreting construction contract plans and specifications.
• Experience effectively communicating both verbally and in writing to a variety of internal or external audiences.
• Preference given to those with a current ODOT General Construction Inspector certification.

Additional information:

We do not offer visa sponsorship. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US. We are not an E-Verify participating employer, and we are unable to proceed if E-Verify participation is required [e.g., STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension]. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process. We may use this recruitment to fill multiple or future vacancies. We will conduct name-based criminal background checks on final candidates, not including current ODOT employees. All applicants may be subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as driver license, LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System), and or education verification as required for the position. You will be represented by the Association of Engineering Employees of Oregon (AEE). ODOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affidavit Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices. Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding EEO/AA/ADA, contact 1-877-336-6368 (1-877-EEO-ODOT). This information can be made available in an alternative format by contacting ODOT Recruitment at 503-986-3700. Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1. #LI-ODOT #LI-DNP #LI-Onsite

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”