Field Construction Observer

Terracon Consultants, Inc.; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon Consultants, Inc. seeks a Construction Observer for full-time, on-site monitoring of construction activities to ensure conformance with plans, specs, and contract documents.

The role involves documenting progress, deficiencies, and safety observations, serving as an independent observer for the Client. The position requires daily on-site presence with travel Monday–Friday, and interaction with the Client's representatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in building science or related field, or 4–9 years' experience in facility assessment.
• Strong understanding of commercial building construction methods, sequencing, and documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, submittals and contract documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital reporting platforms.
• Strong written communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while maintaining professional interactions with project stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a daily on-site presence during active construction operations as directed by the Client.
• Observe and document construction activities for general conformance with project drawings, specifications, and contract requirements.
• Monitor installation activities across building systems including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection work.
• Prepare detailed daily field reports documenting workforce activity, progress, conditions, weather impacts, site logistics, and milestones.
• Communicate observed deficiencies or concerns to the Client's Site Superintendent and representatives in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate photographic and written records of construction progress.
• Attend required project meetings, site orientations, and safety briefings as directed.
• Coordinate daily activities through the Client's designated site representative.
• Track project progress and maintain organized documentation for reporting and historical records.
• Notify the Client of observed safety concerns while recognizing contractor responsibility for enforcement.

Skills

Written communication

Documentation

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in building science

4-9 years' related experience

Tools

MS Office

Digital reporting platforms

Job description

General Responsibilities:

The Construction Observer provides full-time, on-site observation and documentation of construction activities to assist the Client in monitoring project progress and the general conformance of the work with project plans, specifications, and contract documents. The Construction Observer serves as an independent observer and reporter, documenting construction activities, identifying apparent deficiencies, and communicating observations to the Client's designated representatives. The role does not include construction management, contractor supervision, safety management, or acceptance of the work.

The position required full-time travel Monday-Friday.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a daily on-site presence during active construction operations as directed by the Client.
• Observe and document construction activities for general conformance with project drawings, specifications, and contract requirements.
• Monitor installation activities associated with building systems and components, including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection work.
• Prepare detailed daily field reports documenting workforce activity, work progress, observed conditions, weather impacts, site logistics, and noteworthy project events.
• Communicate observed deficiencies, nonconforming work, or potential concerns to the Client's Site Superintendent and designated representatives in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate photographic and written records of construction progress and significant project milestones.
• Attend required project meetings, site orientations, and safety briefings as directed by the Client.
• Coordinate daily activities through the Client's designated site representative.
• Track project progress and maintain organized documentation to support project reporting and historical records.
• Notify the Client of observed jobsite safety concerns while recognizing that enforcement of safety requirements remains the responsibility of the Contractor.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in building science or related building field and up to 5 years' experience in facility assessment. Or, in lieu of a degree, 4-9 years' related experience.
• Strong understanding of commercial building construction methods, sequencing, and construction documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, submittals, and contract documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and digital reporting platforms.
• Strong written communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while maintaining professional interactions with project stakeholders.