Inspector I (Field Engineering)

City of Detroit; Michigan; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Detroit seeks an Inspector I to oversee contractor construction services for water and sewer projects. You will review plans, monitor quality, and ensure safety compliance on sites with PPE requirements. The role involves coordinating with engineers, preparing reports, and supporting contract closeout.

Ideal candidates hold a high school diploma and relevant certifications; the position requires a valid Michigan driver’s license and ability to travel to DWSD facilities and job sites.

Qualifications

• Must read and interpret plans, blueprints, sketches and specs.
• Experience in quality control and materials testing on construction projects.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Review plans and specs and identify issues affecting construction projects.
• Conduct and record field or lab testing of materials and equipment.
• Prepare daily/weekly activity logs and reports for construction accounting.
• Assist engineer in refining requests and correcting non-conforming work.
• Attend construction meetings and monitor progress and payments.

Skills

Observations

Report writing

Oral communication

Teamwork

Survey tools

Quality control

Education

High School Diploma or GED

EPA Asbestos Abatement Supervisor Certification

EPA Lead Abatement Certification

MIOSHA Confined Space Certification

MDEQ Soil Erosion & Soil Control Certification

40 Hour HAZWOPER or safety training

Tools

Survey instruments

Laboratory testing equipment

Construction materials testing tools

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Job description

SUMMARY

The Inspector I is responsible for the execution of contractor construction services for major and smaller projects required for the improvement and expansion of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department System.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Review and interpret plans, blueprints, sketches and specifications, and provide detailed information of factors or issues that may affect construction projects. Maintain quality control standards by assuring inspection and field or laboratory testing of all construction materials, supplies and equipment used on construction projects. Prepare daily and weekly activity logs, reports and specialized reports required for construction accounting and historical reporting. Advise and assist the engineer in refining requests, securing corrections to defective work, errors and omissions in the design to avoid a non-compliance report. Attend construction meetings. Monitor work schedules to determine progress and prepare estimates for contract payments. Ensure safety regulations are enforced on construction sites. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE). A valid Michigan Driver’s License and the ability to drive a motor vehicle on all terrain. Follow security and safety policies and procedures in carrying out work duties. Provide on the job training.

RELATED JOB FUNCTIONS

Coordinate training classes and equipment commissioning scheduled by contractors. Compile, maintain and store records, drawings and plans related to assigned construction projects. Perform related work duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Water distribution and wastewater collection processes, equipment and systems
• Green Storm water Infrastructure
• Principles and practices of engineering and construction management
• Safety regulations such as OSHA, MIOSHA, and other applicable local and state codes, rules and policies
• Construction specifications, standards and materials testing requirements
• Basic Geographic Information Systems

SKILL TO

• Conduct and record precise observations
• Prepare clear and accurate reports
• Use survey instruments, tools and other equipment
• Use advanced technology
• Provide strong oral communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills

ABILITY TO

• Read and interpret contract drawings/specification and schematics
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Provide training and evaluation as a subject matter expert on technical topics
• Effectively utilize appropriate security and safety equipment and procedures
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Communicate frequently with team members and other units across the Department about process, equipment or potential problems
• Develop proficiency in unit specific operations and software
• Direct team activities or to work as a team member
• Review and interpret plans, blueprints, sketches and specifications, and provide detailed information of factors or issues that may affect construction projects
• Maintain quality control standards by assuring inspection and field or laboratory testing of all construction materials, supplies and equipment used on construction projects
• Review operation and maintenance manuals, work plan schedule updates and process pay applications submitted by contractors
• Attend construction meetings
• Review material test certification and documentation
• Participate in final inspections of work completed before final contract closeout and issuance of certification of completion
• Verify and report work to engineer that deviates from the requirements of the detailed specifications and contract drawings
• Advise and assist the engineer in refining requests, securing corrections to defective work, errors and omissions in the design to avoid a non-compliance report
• Coordinate warranty repairs as requested
• Take photographs on construction sites
• Monitor work schedules to determine progress and prepare estimates for contract payments
• Ensure safety regulations are enforced on construction sites
• Report MISS DIG
• Issue urban and suburban permits and equipment shutdown request
• Oversee leak repair and restoration
• Prepare daily and weekly activity logs, reports and specialized reports required for construction accounting and historical reporting
• Follow security and safety policies and procedures in carrying out work duties
• Provide on the job training
• Perform related work duties as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (position requirements at entry)

• High School Diploma or GED

• EPA Asbestos Abatement Supervisor Certification (preferred)
• EPA Lead Abatement Certification (preferred)
• MIOSHA Confined Space Certification (preferred)
• MDEQ Soil Erosion & Soil Control Certification (preferred)
• 40 Hour HAZWOPER or safety training, (preferred)

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This position requires the ability to climb, bend, twist, kneel, carry, stack, hit, push, pull and other efforts requiring considerable physical strength. This position also requires the ability to lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds, walk, stand, or work for long periods of time, demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms, detect abnormal equipment sounds, visually inspect equipment and processes at any time of t

equipment; perform scaffold, confined space, elevated and underground work. Employees will also be required to pass a bio-mechanical physical and vision test, yearly baseline physical and fit test for respirator/Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. While performing the duties of this position, employees are regularly required to use hands to handle, feel or operate equipment.

Environmental Working Requirements

Work performed at the plants or in a field environment. This position requires the ability to work in all conditions involving exposure to outside elements and seasonal weather. Work may be performed near open water, dusty areas, and systems with hazardous chemicals that are acidic, highly corrosive, heat producing and potentially explosive. Work may be performed in confined spaces, hazardous areas that require respiratory protection and personal protective equipment (PPE), and under slippery and wet conditions.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid Michigan Driver’s License

May be required to provide own vehicle for transportation on a reimbursed mileage basis

Ability to work irregular hours, commute to DWSD facilities and work sites

he day or night. Employees will be required to wear respiratory protection and personal protective