Construction Inspector - Transportation Generalist Senior

Minnesota Department of Transportation; Rochester (MN); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

MnDOT in Rochester, MN is seeking a Construction Inspector (Transportation Generalist Senior) to lead complex inspections, verify material quality, and ensure compliance with plans and specs on highway projects.

The role requires a valid Class D license and within 6 months a Class B CDL with Tanker Endorsement; primary duties are day shift with field inspection, and telework may be arranged per policy.

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid Class D driver’s license or an equivalent license and obtain a valid Class B CDL with no Air Brake Restriction and Tanker Endorsement within 6 months of placement.
• Incumbent will be subject to drug and alcohol testing; pre-placement drug test for marijuana/cocaine/opiates/PCP/MDMA/6‑AM.
• Two years of experience performing contract administration (roadway/bridge construction) or related activities, or an equivalent substitution as listed.
• Two-year Civil/Construction Technology degree or four-year degree in related fields may substitute for one year of experience.
• Required certifications include Aggregate Production, Concrete Tester, Grading & Base Tester, Bituminous Street Inspector.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chief Inspector on complex projects by completing inspection activities.
• Serve as Chief Inspector on less complex projects to ensure completion of projects.
• Perform routine field testing of materials (grading/base, bituminous, concrete) and verify quality against MnDOT specs.
• Conduct construction inspections to verify dimensions/tolerances per plans.
• Document contract work, prepare pay items and reports from letting to finalization.
• Monitor safety practices and provide direction to assistants or student workers.

Job description

Working Title: Construction Inspector

Job Class: Transportation Generalist Senior

Agency: Transportation Department

• This was previously announced and is being re-posted for additional candidates and one remaining vacancy. If you previously applied, you do not need to re-apply.
• Job ID: 95769
• Telework Eligible: Yes, this position is located in Rochester, MN and has the flexibility to telework, work a hybrid schedule, or work in the office. The incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to work in the office as determined by policy and discussion with their supervisor.
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/11/2026
• Closing Date: 10/12/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / Transportation-Dist 6-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: District 6C- ADE Program Dlvry / Construction Rochester
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 7 AM - 3:30 PM, Contractor's hours, or Snow & Ice
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $27.14 - $35.09 / hourly; $56,668 - $73,267 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation does not sponsor applicants for work visas or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. at the start of employment.

NOTE: This posting will be used to fill one remaining vacancy.

• Assists the Chief Inspector on a significant portion of complex projects by completing complex inspection activities to ensure successful completion of projects.
• Serves as the Chief Inspector on less complex construction projects to ensure successful completion of projects.
• Performs and/or directs frequent/routine field testing of construction materials (for example. grading and base, bituminous, and concrete), analyzes test results, and verifies material quality and determines if construction materials meet MnDOT specifications.
• Performs construction inspections and verifies the dimensions and tolerances of constructed roadway features to ensure conformance to plans and specifications.
• Performs required complex inspection activities of grading and base or bridge projects, and bituminous and concrete paving operations to ensure successful completion of projects.
• Reports known deficiencies to Chief Inspector and verifies corrections of known deficiencies to ensure the project complies with project documents.
• Performs routine documentation to record location, quantity and quality of contract work and completes required reports and administrative documentation (such as pay items, force account summaries, test reports, usage reports, etc.) within MnDOT requirements from letting to finalization to ensure records of work and materials used are accurate and timely.
• Applies enforcement procedures to the contract for less complex construction projects or recommends the application of enforcement procedures to the Chief Inspector when working on the most complex projects to ensure successful completion of projects.
• Monitors contractor and traffic control safety practices, ensures personal safety is protected, and ensures the project is completed using applicable safety practices, rules, and programs.
• Provides work direction to assistant inspectors and/or student workers in gaining required technical skills through MnDOT’s technical certification program.
• Measures, computes, documents, and enters pay items into AASHTOWare and determines amount of payment to contractor.
• Interprets plans and specifications to ensure contractor compliance.
• Monitors concrete and bituminous plants to ensure materials meet specifications and requirements.
• Assists with final reviews on construction projects to ensure contractors have the appropriate certification.
• Performs snow and ice duties maintaining roadways, preparing and inspecting winter equipment.
• The incumbent is required to be immediately accessible to a phone and be able to report to work within one (1) hour of being called.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a valid Class D driver’s license or an equivalent license from another state and obtain a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with no Air Brake Restriction and Tanker Endorsement within 6-months of initial placement into the position and maintain them as a condition of employment.

NOTE: The incumbent will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. New employees must pass a pre-placement drug test for evidence of use of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines (MDMA, MDA and MDEA) and acetyl morphine (6‑AM).

EXAM PART 1

The level of experience to perform this job at the Transportation Generalist Senior (TGS) level can be achieved with:

• Two years of experience performing contract administration (roadway and/or bridge construction) activities or related activities; OR
• A combination of one year of experience in any of the following areas may substitute for one year of performing contract administration (roadway and/or bridge construction) activities: bridge maintenance, bridge safety inspection, contract administration (roadway and/or bridge construction), design, hydraulics, materials, soils, permits, planning, predesign, right of way, road surface/roadside maintenance, signs, surveys, snow/ice, and/or traffic engineering; OR

Educational Substitution

A two-year Civil or Construction Technology Degree, or a four-year degree in Architectural, Civil or Mechanical Engineering; Land Surveying / Geomatics; or equivalent may substitute for one year of experience. (In order for education coursework to be considered in lieu of work experience you must submit a copy of your transcripts).

Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in-person or via two-way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.

Required Certifications

• Aggregate Production
• Concrete Tester
• Grading & Base Tester
• Bituminous Street Inspector

Ability to obtain and maintain Certifications when available

• Concrete Field Inspector
• Concrete Plant Inspector
• Grading & Base Inspector
• Bridge Construction Inspection
• Erosion/sediment Control Inspector/Installer

EXAM PART 2

Applicants made a contingent job offer will be invited to take a computerized Math and Reading Assessment Test. The required passing score for the Math portion is a level 5 or higher and the Reading portion is a level 5 or higher. (Acceptance of the offer is contingent on passing a math and reading assessment test.) If you’ve previously taken and passed the math and reading assessments, you may be exempt from retesting. Please check with your district HR office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bituminous Plant Tester Certification (BPTC)
• Signal & Lighting
• Erosion/Sediment Control Site Management

Additional Requirements

All candidates must submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may include one or all of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Education/License Verification
• Driver's License Check

This position is contingent upon the selected job candidate having a valid Commercial Driver’s License, must submit to a Federal Department of Transportation pre-employment drug test (with negative test results) and is subject to future random drug and alcohol testing registered in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Tracey Braaten at [e-mail] or 507-316-8588.

Working together to improve the state we love.

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

Based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations for their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages participation in all its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom applicant has contact in the processing of their employment application to request accommodation. Applicants may also contact the MnDOT Aff

The MnDOT Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/hr/hr009.html.