Construction Observer II

WithersRavenel; Sanford (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

WithersRavenel is seeking a Construction Observer II in North Carolina to monitor on-site horizontal construction, verify conformance with plans, and document technical data from drawings and field notes. This mid-level role supports PMs and Engineers of Record, communicates issues, and helps compile project information for decision-making.

Responsibilities include coordinating meetings, performing limited surveying checks, and preparing daily logs while ensuring safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of construction, engineering, surveying, or related work experience.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to read drawings and understand plans and specs.
• Self-motivated, able to work with limited supervision.
• Proficiency with documenting field observations and technical data.

Responsibilities

• Observe on-site construction activities to ensure alignment with plans and specs.
• Document field observations and create daily logs.
• Coordinate with PMs, Engineers of Record, and clients on project status.
• Review shop drawings and perform simple calculations as needed.
• Assist in project meetings and prepare documentation for decisions.

Skills

Construction observation

Documentation

Communication skills

Field notes

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma

Associate/Bachelors degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

The Construction Observer II is a mid-level role within our Construction Administration practice area, responsible for on-site observation of horizontal construction activities. The primary focus of this role is to ensure that construction work aligns with the approved project plans and specifications. Responsibilities include observing, documenting, and communicating construction-related information and issues, as well as compiling and analyzing technical data from drawings, field notes, and electronic sources.

Project and Client Management

• Assist PM’s, Assistant PM’s, and Engineers of Record in the project construction and Certification process
• Coordinate and attend project meetings and create subsequent documentation
• Assist in communications with Clients per direction
• Communicate with PM’s, Assistant PM’s, and/or Engineers of Record assigned to associated projects regularly and proactively about project and technical details; communicate any significant technical challenge, deviation from procedures and metrics, or incidents that occurs on projects
• Understand project scope and budget and assist in monitoring

Technical

• Understand horizontal construction and surveying for the following: utilities, drainage, drainage structures, SCMs, roadways, greenways, sidewalks, lighting, parking lots, traffic control, signing, striping, traffic calming, and landscaping
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of utility networks, including water, sewer, gas, electric, and telecommunication systems
• Understand, coordinate, and document geotechnical testing as directed
• Perform shop drawing reviews
• Read construction plans and specifications, interpret documents, and perform simple mathematical calculations
• Able to perform field revisions and obtain necessary approvals from the Engineer of Record and inform PM and/or Assistant PM
• Observe and verify that construction methods are generally in accordance with plans and specifications
• Verify that material and equipment certificates, operation and maintenance manuals, and other data required by the specifications have been provided
• Perform limited surveying/measuring to verify/confirm horizontal locations and/or vertical elevations
• Red-line construction changes on record drawing set for each project
• Review project schedules and consult with the PM and/or Engineer of Record regarding acceptability and changes. Inform client as directed
• Receive and review applications for payment and forward recommendations to the PM and/or Assistant PM
• Draft and recommend to the PM, Assistant PM, and/or Engineer of Record proposed change orders, work change directives, and field orders
• Coordinate, document, and attend substantial and final completion inspections
• Provide punch lists and subsequent follow up
• Attend project start-ups and operation and maintenance training as directed
• Document and facilitate information to supervisor, PM, Engineer of Record, and/or Client including site photos, documenting quantities, and providing daily logs
• Report discrepancies from the plans and specifications immediately to supervisor, PM, Engineer of Record, and/or Client and recommend corrective measures and/or rejection of work
• Receive contractor RFI’s and review with PM, Assistant PM, and/or Engineer of Record as necessary
• Understand technical, municipal, and State requirements for projects
• Follow technical aspects and policies of the Department and Company
• Analyze technical problems; devise new or improved techniques, approaches, and alternative solutions; and communicate those to supervisor for approval and implementation
• Use company’s current technology as much as practicable to document and communicate

Client and Business Development

• Participate in civic and community events
• Seek opportunities for cross-selling to enhance and expand our existing client relationships

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position. All employees may have other duties assigned at any time.

Why WR? WithersRavenel

We are looking for people who are passionate about collaboration, community, and client success. Your reward for sharing your talent with us? OWNERSHIP. As a 100% employee-owned company, every employee is an owner—which adds a powerful and unique dimension to our vibrant company culture and purposeful work. Our employee owners say they love a lot of things about WithersRavenel, but the things most often cited are:

• our amazing people and team-first atmosphere,
• our focus on the professional development and growth of our staff, and
• our commitment to the communities in which we work and live.

Learn more about our benefits and employee ownership!

Requirements

• 5 (+) years of construction, engineering, surveying, and/or related work experience
• High School Diploma
• Self-motivated, engaged, team-oriented, and work with limited supervision
• Handle multiple tasks under pressure and prioritize responsibilities
• Good organizational and communication skills
• Attention to detail and willingness to learn
• Willingness to take direction
• Demonstrate personal investment in your career
• Energetic, flexible, and forward thinking
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to successfully pass a MVR records check

Preferred qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree or related technical certificate
• NCDOT or other specific certifications
• Experience in Microsoft Office applications
• AutoCAD experience
• Bluebeam experience