Lead Construction Inspector

WSP; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is looking for a Lead Construction Inspector to oversee inspection activities for construction projects in Cincinnati. The candidate will act as a Resident Engineer, ensuring compliance with construction standards, codes, and client specifications throughout the construction process.

With a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience and a High School Diploma required, this position encompasses technical, managerial, and communication responsibilities, making it key to our projects’ success. The role may also involve traveling and requires adherence to safety policies.

Qualifications

• 11+ years of related experience in transportation or construction.
• Knowledgeable of client construction specifications and contract management.
• Expert knowledge of relevant construction codes and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Act as Resident Engineer on construction projects.
• Perform inspections and ensure conformance with codes and permits.
• Develop inspection plans and coordinate with project teams.

Skills

Construction inspection principles

Interpersonal and communication skills

Technical writing

Project management

Education

High School Diploma

BS in Civil Engineering

Job description

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Construction Inspector for our Cincinnati office. Be involved in projects with our PM/CMTeam and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.

Your Impact

• Act as a Resident Engineer on a large construction project or as a Resident Engineer on a smaller midsized highway and/or bridge reconstruction/rehabilitation projects for our clients. May direct a highly complex and specialized construction engineering, administration, and inspection program.
• Determine well‑defined methods for collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, structural plans, blueprints, schematics, data, technical drawings, flow diagrams, material sampling, computer‑generated reports, and other matrices for multi‑phase or multi‑site field inspection activities.
• Perform inspections on projects of increased complexity and/or scope, including proposed and existing site conditions, equipment, construction, materials, controls, resources, layout, alignment, and elevation to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, codes, and construction or operating permits.
• Develop inspection plans, identify specifications, and engage in contact with client and contractor personnel to schedule and coordinate project inspection.
• Follow standard practices to provide technical assistance and guidance that accounts for the proper inspection, construction, and functioning of buildings, highways, roads, bridges, materials, structures, infrastructure, equipment, and/or mechanical systems according to design standard specifications.
• Act as consultant regarding work progress and problem resolution; may serve as the only inspector on a construction project or assist in overseeing construction inspection activities for projects of a large scope and complexity within a district.
• Act as a point of contact between the client, project team and contractors.
• Oversee and perform an initial check during the first phase of construction and follow‑up inspections throughout the construction project; at completion, ensures a final, comprehensive inspection occurs and is formally documented.
• Verify load calculations, change orders, interpretation of contract plans and specifications; resolving differences in interpretation of plans and specifications.
• Monitor project phasing plans and contractors' work to ensure quality control and contract compliance; documenting work progress and issues arising throughout scope of project.
• Work as an individual or as part of a cross‑functional team to execute project inspection work on multiple concurrent projects; frequently leading tasks and inspection staff for technical or field assignments on project work.
• Manage the construction management team, including sub‑consultants.
• Review and make recommendations for contractors' project schedules and non‑conforming work.
• Analyze and negotiate contract change orders.
• Attend pre‑construction meetings and answer questions from contractors and other attendees.
• Calculate payments due to contractors for work completed.
• Coordinate inspection field/site work, reviewing staffing, and equipment utilization data and time/cost estimates.
• Provide guidance, training, and supervision to assigned inspection staff.
• Engage in contact with client and contractor personnel to schedule and coordinate project inspection.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain inspection findings, and recommendations to navigate, improve, prevent, control, restore, or address design, construction, and/or environmental issues or opportunities.
• Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of data obtained during site assessments and inspections, offering input with developing action plans for moderate‑to‑high‑level risk environmental, construction, installation, equipment operations, and/or mitigation activities.
• Interact with any applicable regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
• Remain current in latest inspection and construction knowledge, techniques, and practices.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals, scientists, engineers, inspectors, project control, and technicians on developing business development opportunities and cross‑selling of additional WSP services.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• Minimum of 11 years of related experience (or equivalent working knowledge/experience) on transportation or construction related projects.
• Essential professional licensure/certification(s).
• Must be knowledgeable of various client construction specifications and contract management.
• Expert knowledge of construction inspection principles, field inspection practices, process, methods and techniques.
• Expert knowledge of relevant construction codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping requirements.
• Ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of construction inspection principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate standards or regulations.
• Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and installation of equipment, materials, and systems.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non‑technical audience.
• Highly capable self‑leadership with attention to detail, multi‑tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Advanced proficiency with technical writing, office automation, discipline‑specific design software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Well‑developed critical thinking and problem‑solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from inspection and testing results, data collation, load calculations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
• Ability to assertively direct others in the field such as subcontractors and junior through mid‑level staff to consistently complete tasks safely, efficiently, and accurately according to specifications.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project‑specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
• Must successfully complete and pass WSP’s Motor Vehicle screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS in Civil Engineering
• Professional Engineering License.

This role is subject to a client‑mandated drug/alcohol testing policy. As such, employee may be subject to random drug/alcohol tests. A copy of this policy will be provided during employee onboarding and is available upon applicant request.

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.