Construction Inspector- Public Works Projects

NV5; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

NV5 is seeking a Construction Inspector to support public works and infrastructure projects in Southern California. The role involves inspecting projects such as pipelines, water facilities, and lift stations, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance with plans, specs, and codes.

You will collaborate with engineers, program managers, and environmental professionals, travel to field sites, and contribute to cost controls and schedule management while representing NV5’s commitment to excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–10 years of civil construction experience on municipal/public works projects.
• Preference for Group II construction inspection certificates or related public works certifications.

Responsibilities

• Be the problem-solver by coordinating with supervisors, contractors, and design professionals to ensure seamless project execution.
• Oversee quality and compliance by inspecting structures and systems to ensure adherence to plans and specs.
• Track costs and schedules, identify risks early, and help keep deadlines while avoiding budget overruns.
• Interpret plans and contract terms to keep all stakeholders aligned.
• Proactively manage delays, weather disruptions, and site emergencies to maintain efficiency.
• Represent NV5 and foster strong client relationships to provide optimal solutions.

Skills

Quality control

Field inspection

Plan interpretation

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma

Valid California Driver’s License

Group II Certifications

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Project

Primavera

Job description

Position Summary

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- $65.00 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

What You’ll Do:

• 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.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• 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 stations, and wastewater distribution systems, and 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 own 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 CaliforniaWORK 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.

The pay range for this California position is $55.00- $65.00 per hour; Base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the candidate.

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.