I-5 Corridor Construction Inspector (Caltrans Expert)

HDR, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking an experienced Construction Inspector to perform inspection for Roadway, Utilities, Civil and Structures on the I-5 Improvement Project in California. You will work with Caltrans and OCTA to ensure conformance with plans and specifications, and prepare daily diaries and reports.

Responsibilities include inspection of paving, structures, drainage and traffic signals, plus change orders and QA coordination. On-site, multi-shift work may be required to support project timelines.

Qualifications

• Requires review of plans and specifications and ability to identify errors or deficiencies.
• Ability to read and interpret complex construction drawings and schedules.
• Must be able to prepare reports and daily diaries per Caltrans manual.
• Strong documentation and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform and assist in construction inspection for paving, structures, electrical systems and drainage.
• Review project plans for errors and assist in change orders.
• Prepare daily diaries, calculations, records and correspondence per Caltrans manual.
• Coordinate materials sampling and testing with Caltrans or QA entities.
• Support punchlists, closeout documentation and final reports for structural work.

Skills

Interpret construction schedules

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Prolog

Primavera

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

HDR is seeking a qualified and experienced Construction Inspector to perform inspection for Roadway, Utilities, Civil and Structures construction for the Interstate 5 (I-5) Improvement Project between Yale Avenue and State Route 55 (SR-55). The project is funded through Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the Construction Contract will be administered by Caltrans. Therefore, the Construction Inspector must have Caltrans experience and shall be knowledgeable of, and comply with, all applicable local (City of Tustin and Irvine), Caltrans, and federal (FHA) regulations; cooperate and consult with Caltrans and OCTA officials during the course of the contract; and perform other duties as may be required to assure that the construction is being performed in accordance with the project plans and specifications.

The I-5 Improvement, between I-405 and SR-55 Project will add an additional general purpose (GP) lane in both directions on the freeway, reestablish auxiliary lanes on the freeway and realign on- and off-ramps throughout the corridor. The construction project will be in accordance with the Caltrans approved PS&E documents.

In the role ofConstruction InspectorII, we'll count on you to:

• Perform and assist in performing the duties of construction inspection and engineering including: HMA, JPCP, CRCP paving and subgrade inspection; structures inspection for large diameter CIDH piles, driven piles, columns, falsework, temporary shoring, CIP RCB Post Tension Bridges, Precast Girder Bridges, Bridge Deck construction and rehabilitation, CIP Retaining Walls, Ground Anchor / Soil Nail Retaining Walls; electrical inspection for temporary and permanent traffic signals, FO communication system, Inner-connect system; drainage; signing and striping inspection; landscape and irrigation; quantity calculations, checking grade and alignment, construction traffic control, and ensuring compliance with project plans, specifications to Caltrans Standards.
• Review the project plans and specifications for possible errors and deficiencies and report such findings to the RE. Identify actual and potential problems associated with the construction project and recommend sound engineering solutions to the RE. If the RE determines that changes are necessary, Construction Inspector shall assist in implementing and processing of "Change Orders" in accordance with Caltrans’ Standard Specifications.
• Adhere to all safety and health code and regulations and enforce applicable contract provisions for the protection of the public and project personnel. Prepare Assistant RE daily diaries in accordance with the Caltrans construction manual.
• Prepare calculations, records, reports, and correspondence related to project activities in accordance with the Caltrans construction manual.
• Construction Inspector to assist in the preparation of As-Built plans in accordance with the Caltrans construction manual.
• Assist in preparing / documenting actual field conditions for claims reports and be available for any claims settlements meetings.
• Assist in performing Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPP) duties in accordance with the Caltrans construction manual.
• Assist in develop 4-scale drawings, grade / elevation sheets for various elements of Bridge and Wall construction and verify the grades for various elements of the structures in the field using basic surveying principals and tools in accordance with contract documents, Caltrans Standard Specifications, and the Caltrans Bridge Construction Records and Procedures (BCRP) manual.
• Coordinate materials sampling and testing with Caltrans, METS or other QA entities.
• Communicate with the Caltrans RE, Structures Representative, contractor personnel, and agency stakeholders to resolve field issues.
• Assist with punchlists, closeout documentation, and final reports for structural work.
• Able to be flexible and workdays, nights, and/or weekends in heavy construction at elevated heights, if needed.

#LI-JF1

Keywords: Construction Inspector, Caltrans

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant Industry Certifications
• Ability to interpret construction schedules
• 10 years’ experience working in construction inspection and management
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with HDR's vehicle policy
• Experience with Prolog, Primavera, etc. desired

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• A minimum of 3 years experience
• Proficient with MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook)
• Proven problem-solving and documentation abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• This position typically requires successfully passing drug-screening procedures prior to being hired; thereafter subject to random and cause drug and alcohol testing
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

Primary Location

: United States-California-Irvine

Industry

: Construction, Project Controls & Design/Build

Schedule

Schedule

: Full-time

Employee Status

Employee Status

: Regular

BusinessClass : Field Services

Job Posting

Job Posting

: Jul 10, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.