Construction Observer

WHKS & Co; Eagan (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

WHKS & Co. is seeking a Construction Observer to support municipal, transportation, and infrastructure projects in central and southeastern Minnesota. The role blends field observations with office drafting and plan set preparation.

Ideal candidates have 0–5 years in civil engineering, a valid driver’s license, and strong communication and computer skills. The position emphasizes safety, accuracy, and collaboration across project teams.

Qualifications

• 0–5 years of experience in Civil Engineering field.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Excellent computer and communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents, plans and specifications.
• Physically capable of moving materials up to 50 pounds.
• Work in varying outdoor weather conditions or environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform construction observation to verify contractor work quality and compliance with plans.
• Conduct field-required material testing and document results.
• Prepare and review material reports, test results and material sources.
• Maintain daily logs of inspections and resolve discrepancies with stakeholders.
• Prepare and review pay applications.
• Assist office staff with drawings, plan sets, and deliverables.
• Provide design and CAD drafting support to project engineers during planning, design, and construction.

Skills

Communication

Computer skills

Driver's license

Education

BS Civil Engineering

AS Civil Engineering Technology

Tools

Civil 3D

Bentley OpenRoads

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Job description

WHKS has a great opportunity available for a Construction Observer interested in working with a wide variety of challenging engineering projects in both the field and office. The candidate will use their knowledge and expertise in the construction of municipal, transportation, and other infrastructure type projects.

This position is primarily on the construction site with locations in central and southeastern Minnesota.

WHKS provides a flexible, supportive, and collaborative workplace where individuals can utilize and develop their strengths and pursue their interests in Civil Engineering. WHKS offers excellent compensation and benefits, as well as work schedule flexibility.

Responsibilities include:

• Performing construction observation which may include:
  • Verifying the quality of the contractor’s work and compliance with the plans and specifications.
  • Conducting field-required material testing.
  • Preparing and documenting material reports, test results and material sources.
  • Maintaining daily logs of inspections and reviewing any discrepancies with the appropriate parties.
  • Preparing and reviewing pay applications.
• Assisting the office staff with preparation of drawings, plan sets and other deliverables.
• Providing design and/or CADD drafting support to project engineers during the planning, design, and construction of transportation and municipal related projects.

Qualifications:

Required

• 0 – 5 years of experience in Civil Engineering field
• A valid driver’s license
• Excellent computer and communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Ability to:
  • Read and interpret construction documents, plans and specifications.
  • Perform physical tasks that may involve moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Operate equipment and tools safely and effectively.
  • Remain in a stationary position and/or move about the work site, including standing, walking, bending, and climbing, for extended periods.
  • Work in varying outdoor weather conditions or environments.

Preferred

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or Construction or Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or a related field
• Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) construction inspection certifications
• Ability to use basic survey equipment
• Experience with Civil 3D, Bentley CONNECT OpenRoads Designer, Microsoft Office products, and Bluebeam.