Lead Tunnel Construction Inspector

Jacobs; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 84,033 - 132,249; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Lead Construction Inspector for the San Francisco Bay Area to oversee complex water, wastewater, and tunneling projects, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. You will apply expertise in heavy civil construction to inspect shafts, TBMs, tunnel lining, and pipelines while supporting project delivery from construction through completion.

Under the Resident Engineer, you will perform QA inspections, monitor activities, prepare progress estimates, and coordinate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management or engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years of water/wastewater and tunneling inspection and construction management on large projects (>$100M).
• Proficient with Word and Excel; valid California driver’s license.
• Knowledge of construction practices, materials, and inspection methods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to traverse job sites.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain, ladders, and scaffolding.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality assurance inspections for conformance with plans and specs.
• Monitor and document construction activities with daily reports and records.
• Prepare quantity calculations and progress payment estimates.
• Conduct labor compliance interviews.
• Assist with contract change orders analysis and preparation.
• Support CPM schedule reviews and updates.
• Assist enforcing SWPPP requirements.
• Promote a safe work environment across all project activities.
• Coordinate effectively with Resident Engineers, Project Managers, contractors, and field staff.

Skills

Reading drawings

Quality inspections

Documentation & reporting

Project coordination

Contract changes

CPM scheduling

Safety & SWPPP enforcement

Physical stamina

Word & Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management or engineering

Tools

Construction management software

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we push the limits of what’s possible to make the world smarter and more connected.

As a Lead Construction Inspector in the San Francisco Bay Area, you will provide field oversight for complex water, wastewater, and tunneling projects, ensuring construction activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with contract plans, specifications, and regulatory requirements. You will apply your expertise in heavy civil and underground construction to inspect work involving shafts, Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), segmental tunnel lining, and pipeline installation while supporting successful project delivery from construction through completion.

Working under the direction of the Resident Engineer, you will

• Perform quality assurance inspections to verify compliance with contract plans and specifications.
• Monitor and document construction activities, maintaining accurate daily reports and project records.
• Prepare quantity calculations and measurements for progress payment estimates.
• Conduct labor compliance interviews.
• Assist with the preparation, analysis, and review of contract change orders.
• Support review and analysis of Critical Path Method (CPM) schedules.
• Assist with enforcement of Water Pollution Control Program (SWPPP) requirements.
• Promote and maintain a safe work environment across all project activities.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with Resident Engineers, Project Managers, Assistant Resident Engineers, contractors, field personnel, public outreach teams, and construction administration staff to address field and project-related issues.

Here’s what you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management or engineering OR relevant project experience in lieu of education
• 10+ years of water/wastewater and tunneling inspection and construction management experience on large ($100M+) construction projects Must have a strong understanding and ability to read design drawings
• Proficient in the use of computer application programs Word and Excel
• Valid California Driver’s License and good driving history
• Knowledge of construction practices, physical characteristics and properties of drainage and utility systems construction materials, and the approved methods and equipment used in making physical tests of construction materials
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to walk construction site, including walking up and down slopes, climbing ladders, and walking on scaffolding and other temporary structures

Ideally you will have

• Tunneling certifications necessary to perform inspections in accordance with best industry practices for tunnel construction.
• Five years of experience using construction management software systems.

#WestPMCM

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off (allocated plans start date 17 days per calendar year), seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount as well as legally mandated benefits.

The base salary range for this position is $61.00 to $96.00; though will be paid hourly based on hours worked. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job posted on July 21, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.