Inspector

Actalent; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 86,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent in Chicago, IL is seeking a Construction Inspector to perform field inspections on water, wastewater, and infrastructure projects, ensuring work meets approved plans, specs, and quality standards across the Greater Chicagoland area.

You will observe activities, document field operations, review drawings and submittals, coordinate with contractors and clients, travel to sites, and support QA/QC programs, with a strong emphasis on Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in construction inspection, field engineering, resident engineering, or construction management.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and technical reports.
• Experience on infrastructure, heavy civil, transportation, utility, water/wastewater, or environmental projects.
• Strong documentation skills for daily reports, inspection logs, and punch lists.
• Excellent communication with contractors, engineers, project managers, and clients.
• Hands-on field experience in construction observation and inspection.
• Knowledge of water and wastewater construction practices and standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform field inspections to verify conformance with plans, specs, and quality standards.
• Observe and document construction activities, materials, and contractor performance.
• Identify deficiencies, safety concerns, and deviations; assist resolutions.
• Review drawings, specifications, submittals, and RFIs to support field operations.
• Coordinate with contractors, engineers, PMs, and clients to resolve issues.
• Prepare daily reports, inspection logs, punch lists, and project documentation.
• Verify quantities, measurements, and elevations to support payments.
• Support QA/QC and ensure compliance with codes and project standards.
• Participate in meetings, progress tracking, and project closeout.
• Assist with as-built documentation, change orders, and reporting.
• Travel to project sites in Chicagoland; mileage reimbursement provided.
• Promote safe work practices on active sites.

Skills

Read & interpret plans

Documentation skills

Communication across teams

Problem solving in field

QA/QC familiarity

Hands-on field inspection

Strong observation ability

Field safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Job description

Job Description

The Construction Inspector performs field inspections on water, wastewater, and infrastructure projects to verify that construction work meets approved plans, specifications, and quality standards. This role focuses on hands‑on construction observation across the Greater Chicagoland area, with a strong emphasis on Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) and related water infrastructure improvements. The inspector supports QA/QC efforts, documents field activities, coordinates with project stakeholders, and helps ensure that all work complies with applicable codes, regulations, and project requirements.

Job Title: Construction Inspector

Responsibilities

• Perform field inspections to verify that construction work meets approved plans, specifications, and established quality standards.
• Observe and document construction activities, materials, and contractor performance on active job sites.
• Identify and report deficiencies, safety concerns, and deviations from project requirements, and help drive timely resolution.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, submittals, and RFIs to support field operations and ensure accurate execution in the field.
• Coordinate with contractors, engineers, project managers, and clients to resolve field issues and maintain project progress.
• Prepare daily reports, inspection logs, punch lists, and other project documentation to maintain accurate records of field activities.
• Verify quantities, measurements, locations, and elevations of installed work to support payment applications and project controls.
• Support QA/QC efforts and ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and project standards.
• Participate in project meetings, progress tracking, and construction closeout activities to support successful project delivery.
• Assist with as-built documentation, change orders, and project reporting as needed.
• Travel to project sites throughout the Chicagoland area to perform construction observation and inspection services.
• Promote and support safe work practices on active construction sites, reinforcing safety expectations with field personnel.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in construction inspection, field engineering, resident engineering, or construction management.
• Proven ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and technical reports.
• Experience working on infrastructure, heavy civil, transportation, utility, water/wastewater, or environmental construction projects.
• Strong documentation skills, including the ability to prepare clear daily reports, inspection logs, and punch lists.
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with contractors, engineers, project managers, and clients.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues in the field and support practical solutions.
• Familiarity with QA/QC processes, contractor oversight, and field reporting.
• Hands‑on field experience in construction observation and inspection.
• Knowledge of water and wastewater construction practices and standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in civil engineering and construction management, with exposure to resident engineering or site inspection roles.
• Experience in water/wastewater construction, including water main, sewer main, and treatment plant projects.
• Experience with utility construction and roadway inspection on heavy civil or transportation projects.
• Ability to manage field documentation efficiently, including as‑built records and change order support.
• Comfort working with a high level of autonomy in the field while maintaining strong communication with project teams.
• Interest in long‑term career growth within consulting and engineering environments focused on water, environmental, and infrastructure projects.

Work Environment

This role is primarily field‑based, with the majority of time spent on active construction sites throughout the Greater Chicagoland area supporting a variety of water infrastructure projects. Work includes both outside‑the‑fence projects, such as Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR), water main, and sewer main improvements, and inside‑the‑fence projects at water treatment facilities. Initially, approximately 75% of project involvement will focus on LSLR programs, with the remaining 25% supporting larger water and wastewater infrastructure initiatives. The position requires regular travel between project sites using a reliable personal vehicle; mileage reimbursement is provided, along with a company‑issued mobile device or similar field‑support equipment. The environment involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions and in and around active construction operations, where adherence to safety practices and appropriate field attire and protective equipment is essential. The role offers hands‑on field experience, exposure to a diverse portfolio of projects, a high degree of autonomy, and a culture that supports professional development and long‑term career growth in water, environmental, and infrastructure work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $86000.00 - $110000.00/yr. 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 Chicago,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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.