Construction Inspector- Public Works Projects

NV5; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, life insurance

401K Plan

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Job summary

NV5 is seeking a Construction Inspector in Southern California to ensure quality, safety, and compliance on public works projects such as pipelines, water systems, and lift stations. You will inspect structures, track schedules and costs, and communicate clearly with engineers, contractors, and clients on-site.

Ideal candidates have 3–10 years of civil construction inspection, familiarity with building codes, and a California driver’s license.

Qualifications

• 3–10 years of civil construction inspection experience

Responsibilities

• Tackle challenges with supervisors, contractors, and designers
• Oversee quality and compliance to plans and specs
• Track costs and schedules, identify risks, meet deadlines
• Interpret plans and contract terms for all stakeholders
• Propose solutions for delays and site emergencies
• Represent NV5 and maintain client relationships

Skills

Construction oversight

Technical inspections

Communication skills

MS Office proficiency

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Project

Excel

Job description

Position Summary

NV5, where we specialize in technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions for both public and private sector clients. Right now, we’re looking for a skilled Construction Inspector to join our team to help deliver impactful public works projects.

In this role, you’ll play a key part in ensuring quality, safety, and compliance on infrastructure projects that shape the communities we live in—think roads, bridges, water systems, and more. As part of NV5, you’ll work alongside engineers, program managers, and environmental professionals, contributing to sustainable, cost-effective projects that make a real difference.

Competitive $55.00- $70.00 per hour + Benefits

Location: Oceanside and North County San Diego, CA

Focus: Public Works Infrastructure projects (Pipeline, Waterline, Lift Stations, Sewer/Water/Wastewater facilities)

Responsibilities

• Be the Problem-Solver: Work directly with supervisors, contractors, and design professionals to tackle challenges head-on, ensuring seamless project execution.
• Oversee Quality & Compliance: Monitor contractor work, inspect structures and systems to guarantee adherence to project plans and specifications.
• Keep Projects on Track: Track costs and schedules, identify risks early, and ensure that deadlines are met while avoiding budget overruns.
• Be the Go-To Expert: Interpret plans and contract terms, ensuring all stakeholders—from administrative staff to clients—are on the same page.
• Proactively Manage Challenges: Recommend solutions for delays, weather disruptions, and site emergencies to maintain efficiency.
• Drive Project Success: Represent NV5 and our commitment to excellence by maintaining strong client relationships and assessing their needs to provide optimal solutions.

Qualifications

Requirements

• 3-10 years of experience and working knowledge of civil construction principles/practices in at least one of the following three fields:
• Municipal and Public Works projects, pipelines, water, lift station, and wastewater distribution systems, water and wastewater treatment plants.
• Preference given to Group II Construction Inspection Certificates or other Valid Construction Certificates in Public Works or Related Fields
• Lift stations, pumping stations, water treatment plants, signalized intersections, and municipal projects.
• Knowledge of building codes, including ICBO, ACI, NEC, local City ordinances, and engineering practices for public works and/or transportation projects and/or electrical SCADA and Instrumentation Projects.
• Preference will be given to those who have a minimum of one valid Group II certification.
• Competency Statement(s)
• Experience providing construction oversight of the Contractor
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, proven ability to interact with individuals at all levels of construction while coordinating multiple, complex projects
• Working knowledge of and basic proficiency with computers. Ability to create and use Construction Inspection Daily logs on a computer/tablet. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to utilize other construction-related software, including Microsoft Project and/or Primavera, a plus.
• Conflict Resolution -Effectively and constructively manage conflicts with others.
• Safety Awareness - Identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.

Education

• High School Degree or a related technical field

Certifications/Licenses

• Candidate must have a valid California Driver’s License and have their vehicle.
• While Certificates are not mandatory, the ideal candidate may have many of the following certificates:
• Safety and Basic Certificates
• Cal OSHA Safety Awareness Training
• 40-Hour HAZWOPER
• Project Inspector
• Public Works Inspector
• Group II Certifications
• AWS-CWI Welding Inspector
• Concrete Inspector
• Building/Construction Inspector
• Grading Inspector
• Reinforcing Steel
• Pre-tensioned concrete
• Post-Tensioned Concrete
• Structural Steel Welding Inspector
• Concrete Batch Plant
• Structural Masonry
• Group III
• Protective Coatings Inspector

Physical Requirements

Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Safety Glasses, Hard Hat, protective footwear, respirators, or other PPE as needed in compliance with OSHA regulations). Ability to work outdoors in inclemently hot or cold weather, sitting, standing, and walking. Most shifts are worked monitoring the Contractors' standard construction shift during the day, M- F, but you should be willing to work nights and weekends.

Ability to travel within Southern California

Work Environment

Working out of a field office/vehicle at the construction site, Construction Inspectors monitor the overall construction project. Decisions regarding daily construction activities are generally made at the job site. Construction Inspectors travel extensively when the construction site is not close to their main office or when they are responsible for activities at two or more sites.

Travel within Southern California may be required.

Benefits

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, dental, and supplemental insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company paid Life & AD&D
• Company paid Disability
• 401K Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off

Company Overview

NV5 delivers technology-enabled engineering, consulting, and geospatial solutions that help clients plan, design, and optimize infrastructure, buildings, utilities, and environmental systems. We bring together technical expertise, data, and innovative thinking to create resilient, high-performance assets. As part of TiC Solutions, alongside Acuren, we share a purpose: to shape and strengthen the physical world.

Our work starts with our people. We invest in their growth and never compromise on safety. We work as one team across disciplines and geographies, bringing diverse perspectives and a shared purpose to complex challenges.

At NV5, we take pride in high-quality work that creates lasting value for our clients. We challenge the status quo, continuously improve, and turn insight into smarter designs, plans, and solutions. Join us to contribute your expertise and collaborate with our teams to help shape the infrastructure and systems the world relies on.

All local employment laws apply. Base pay information is based on market location.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.