Engineering Specialist I

Department of Transportation; Graham (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Graham Resident Engineer's Office seeks an Engineering Specialist I to lead project inspection on major highway construction projects. You will support engineers in day-to-day administration, monitor contractor operations, and ensure safety and quality standards are met.

Applicants should have state-level inspection experience, ability to read plans and permits, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in inspection of phased construction under heavy traffic volumes.
• Experience in inspection with complex environmental permitting.
• Thorough knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment in highway construction.
• Ability to read and explain plans, contracts, and drawings.
• Strong written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work near heavy traffic and equipment.
• Ability to withstand extreme weather and terrain.
• Must lift 50 lbs and perform physical activity.
• Must work nights and weekends as required.
• Selected applicant must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Monitor contractor's daily operations to ensure work and materials meet specs.
• Supervise and train lower-level technicians and CEI staff.
• Review test reports and ensure sampling/testing documentation is correct.
• Resolve constructability issues and ensure proper traffic control phasing.
• Ensure compliance with Sedimentation and Pollution Control Act and permits.
• Oversee utility relocations for compliance with plans.
• Monitor subcontractor and DBE compliance.
• Coordinate with contractors, utility owners, and the public.
• Work involves wide range of decision-making and judgment.

Skills

Construction inspection

Plan interpretation

Communication skills

Traffic control compliance

Safety awareness

Team supervision

Physical stamina

Night/weekend work

Environmental permits knowledge

Education

Associate's degree in engineering technology

Equivalent education/experience option

Job description

About Us

It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date.

This position is an Engineering Specialist I in the Graham Resident Engineer's Office, serving as a lead project inspector supporting engineers in the day-to-day administration of large, complex highway construction projects.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for monitoring contractor's daily operations to ensure all work and materials conform to the specifications and contractual provisions.
• Supervises and trains lower-level technicians, including Department employees as well as Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) staff, ensuring adequate inspection personnel are assigned for all phases of work.
• Performs and/or reviews test reports, including work completed by other technicians, to ensure that all material sampling and testing, and documentation is conducted correctly.
• Resolve daily constructability issues and ensure that all traffic control devices installed, and phasing utilized is in accordance to plans and standard drawings.
• Ensures compliance with the NC Sedimentation and Pollution Control Act, and that all work performed in permitted areas is done in accordance with the permits.
• Oversee utility relocations by contract or by others to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
• Monitor the Contractor's operations to ensure compliance with approved subcontracts and contract DBE requirements.
• Communicates and coordinates work with contractors, subcontractors, utility owners, and property owners.
• Work usually involves a wide range of decision-making and the use of judgment.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in inspection of construction of phased construction under heavy traffic volumes.
• Experience in inspection of construction with complex environmental permitting.
• Thorough knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment utilized in highway construction.
• Ability to read, interpret, and explain construction plans, contract provisions, construction staking, specifications, inspection procedures, environmental permits, and drawings.
• Ability to effectively communicate, establish, and maintain working relationships (both orally and in writing) with subordinates, Contractor personnel, Department personnel, other non-DOT agencies, and public.
• Ability to work near high traffic volumes and heavy construction equipment.
• Ability to withstand extreme weather and terrain conditions while performing duties.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive lines of communication between other technicians, engineers, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to effectively communicate in a clear, concise, organized, and persuasive manner.
• Ability to work safely in an outside environment with exposure to hazards on construction sites including heights, highway traffic, and traversing rough terrain in evaluating highway construction.
• Must be able to perform medium physical activity including but not limited to walking, climbing, balancing, kneeling, and standing for long periods of time.
• Must be able to perform moderate physical activity including, but not limited to, walking, climbing, balancing, kneeling, and standing.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work nights and weekends as required, to any assigned project within the Division.
• Must apply safety philosophy and program to all operations.
• Safety toe footwear is required for this position.
• Selected applicant will be expected to legally operate a motor vehicle.
• Offer of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of NCDOT post offer employment evaluation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:

Salary Grade and Salary Range

Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC13: $50,088 - $87,654

Management Preferences

• Experience analyzing and interpreting highway construction plans.
• Experience working in a team environment to complete assignments.
• Experience applying engineering concepts to solve complex problems.
• Experience planning, developing, scheduling, tracking, and completing projects independently or with limited supervision.
• Customer service experience related to resolving problems that involve explaining engineering concepts to various customer group.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.

Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Associate's degree in an applicable area of engineering technology from an appropriately accredited institution and six years of progressive technician experience; or High School or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and eight years of progressive technician experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Employer Overview

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.
To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today!

Additional Notes

All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.