Construction Observer

Actalent; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Construction Observer to support roadway projects in Central Iowa from Urbandale. You will oversee the construction administration phase, inspect concrete and asphalt pavements, bridges, and utilities, and help ensure quality and compliance with DOT standards.

The role combines field observation, materials testing, and documentation, offering growth toward observer or construction manager positions. Travel to training locations and project sites is required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in construction observation/inspection or construction administration roles.
• Experience inspecting roadway projects (concrete/asphalt pavements, bridges, sewers).
• Experience on transportation projects, preferably state DOT.
• Ability to perform field observation and materials testing with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction administration phase for roadway projects in Central Iowa.
• Monitor compliance with documents, specs, and standards.
• Collaborate with project manager to set procedures and field implementation.
• Perform field observation and document progress, issues, and compliance.
• Conduct materials testing for concrete, asphalt, and related roadway materials.
• Review and distribute materials test reports to stakeholders.
• Prepare and maintain inspection and test documentation.
• Develop and manage punch lists; coordinate with contractors for close-out.
• Conduct post-construction reviews and document issues after completion.
• Provide feedback and technical input to support quality control.
• Collaborate with small team of PMs and staff to deliver projects.
• Participate in training, including travel to central Kansas for standards.

Skills

Construction observation

Roadway inspection

DOT projects

Field testing

Documentation

Travel readiness

Job description

Job Description

Join a growing transportation team as a Construction Observer supporting roadway-focused projects in Central Iowa. You will play a key role in the construction administration phase for state Department of Transportation projects, inspecting and observing work on concrete and asphalt pavements, bridges, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer systems. This role combines field observation, materials testing, and construction documentation to help ensure projects meet design intent, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. The position offers strong growth potential, including the opportunity to progress into a observer or construction manager role.

Job Title: Construction Observer

Join a growing transportation team as a Construction Observer supporting roadway-focused projects in Central Iowa. You will play a key role in the construction administration phase for state Department of Transportation projects, inspecting and observing work on concrete and asphalt pavements, bridges, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer systems. This role combines field observation, materials testing, and construction documentation to help ensure projects meet design intent, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. The position offers strong growth potential, including the opportunity to progress into a observer or construction manager role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the construction administration phase for roadway and transportation projects in Central Iowa.
• Direct construction administration activities on assigned projects and monitor work for compliance with construction documents, specifications, and applicable standards.
• Work closely with the project manager to establish project procedures and implement them effectively in the field.
• Perform field observation of construction activities with minimal supervision, documenting progress, issues, and compliance.
• Conduct materials testing for transportation projects, including testing related to concrete, asphalt, and other roadway materials, and ensure adherence to DOT requirements.
• Receive, review, and distribute materials test reports to appropriate project stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation related to inspections, test results, and construction activities.
• Develop and manage punch lists, coordinate with contractors to address outstanding items, and support project close-out procedures.
• Perform post-construction services and investigations as needed, including field reviews and documentation of any issues that arise after project completion.
• Provide constructive feedback and technical input during the project to support continuous improvement and quality control.
• Collaborate with a small team of project managers and administrative staff to support successful delivery of transportation and roadway projects.
• Participate in training and development activities, including travel to central Kansas to learn and apply company-specific standards and procedures.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience in a similar construction observation, construction inspection, or construction administration role.
• Demonstrated experience inspecting roadway projects, including concrete pavement, asphalt pavement, bridges, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer.
• Experience with transportation and roadway projects, preferably for a state Department of Transportation.
• Ability to perform construction observation and materials testing with minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding of DOT inspection practices, construction document compliance, and civil/transportation construction standards.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites and training locations as required.
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage documentation, test reports, punch lists, and close-out procedures.
• Effective communication skills to work with project managers, contractors, and other project stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• ACI Field Concrete certification preferred.
• Experience on Federal transportation projects is a plus.
• Experience in civil, transportation, or roadway construction environments.
• Familiarity with project management practices related to construction administration.
• Motivation to grow into high-level roles such as high level observer, construction manager, or local project leader.
• Willingness to obtain additional certifications and training related to materials testing, DOT inspection, and construction observation.

Work Environment

This role primarily takes place in the field at transportation and roadway construction projects in the Des Moines and Central Iowa area, with additional time in a local office environment alongside a small team of approximately five project managers and administrative staff. Work in the field involves being outdoors on active construction sites, observing roadway, bridge, and utility work, and performing materials testing. The position requires regular travel to project locations within the region, and initial travel to central Kansas for training on company-specific standards and procedures before the main project begins in the fall. Office work includes coordinating with the project team, managing documentation, and preparing reports in a collaborative, small-team setting. The schedule generally follows standard construction and office hours, with flexibility based on project needs and site activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Urbandale, IA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Urbandale,IA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.