Project Inspector

City Of Olathe; United States; On-site; USD 33,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health and dental coverage

Retirement plans

Educational reimbursement

LiveWell wellness program

Training & development

Job summary

The City of Olathe Infrastructure Department seeks a detail-oriented Project Inspector to support public infrastructure and private development projects. Roles I–III vary by qualifications and experience, with opportunities to supervise and guide junior inspectors.

Responsibilities include field inspections, documentation, and coordination with contractors. A valid driver’s license and IMSA certifications within one year are required, with competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework preferred.
• Must be able to read and interpret plans, blueprints, specs.
• Valid driver’s license; driving record favorable.
• IMSA Work Zone Safety, Erosion & Sediment Control, and Nuclear Density Gauge within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Inspect public infrastructure and private development work for compliance.
• Monitor progress, quantities, schedules, and scope; review pay estimates.
• Provide guidance to junior inspectors and prepare completion certificates.
• Support snow removal and emergency operations as needed.

Skills

Reading engineering plans

Field testing procedures

Contract compliance awareness

Communication with stakeholders

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Engineering/construction coursework preferred

Valid driver’s license

Tools

IMSA certifications: Work Zone Safety

IMSA certifications: Erosion & Sediment Control

IMSA certifications: Nuclear Density Gauge

Job description

Employment Type

Full Time

Job Summary

Project Inspector City of Olathe | Full-Time | $24.23 -- $44.22 per hour, based on qualifications

Position Overview

The City of Olathe Infrastructure Department is seeking a detail-oriented, service-focused Project Inspector to support public infrastructure and private development projects throughout the community. This position may be filled at the Project Inspector I, II, or III level, depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience, certifications, and demonstrated ability to perform the work. Project Inspector I is an entry-level role working under close guidance; Project Inspector II performs inspections with greater independence; and Project Inspector III serves as an advanced technical resource and provides guidance to junior inspectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections of public infrastructure and private development construction activities, including site grading, storm and sanitary sewers, waterlines, streets, and related improvements. Monitor construction work for compliance with approved engineering plans, contract documents, City of Olathe specifications, applicable codes, safety regulations, and local and state requirements. Identify construction deficiencies; communicate findings to contractors and project stakeholders; and collaborate on appropriate resolutions. Manage field aspects of assigned projects, including tracking construction progress, completed quantities, project schedules, and scope compliance. Evaluate quality control and verify that construction materials and workmanship meet required standards. Conduct or oversee field testing, including soil compaction, concrete strength, and nuclear density testing for subgrades and asphalt pavement. Review pay estimates; provide input on change-order items; prepare Project Completion Certificates; and coordinate with project management staff. Maintain accurate inspection records, testing documentation, reports, photographs, and other project files. Provide technical guidance and on-the-job training to less experienced inspectors, as assigned. Support snow removal operations and other emergency or operational needs as required.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college-level coursework in engineering, construction management, or a related field is preferred. Valid driver’s license and favorable driving record required. Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year of employment, International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) certifications in Work Zone Safety, Erosion and Sediment Control, and Nuclear Density Gauge required. Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications; use field-testing equipment and documentation software; and apply applicable construction, safety, and municipal standards.

Project Inspector I Experience

• At least one year of relevant experience in construction inspection or a related field. Basic knowledge of construction materials, inspection techniques, municipal codes, and safety regulations preferred.

Project Inspector II Experience

• At least three years of progressively responsible experience in construction inspection for civil engineering projects. Working knowledge of construction methods, materials, municipal codes, safety regulations, and inspection practices required.

Project Inspector III Experience

• At least six years of experience in construction inspection, public works, or a related field. Advanced knowledge of construction methods, materials, municipal codes, safety regulations, and project specifications required. Must demonstrate strong problem-solving and communication skills and the ability to work independently and provide guidance to junior inspectors. Additional relevant experience may be substituted for preferred education. Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector (CPII) certification is preferred.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver’s license and favorable driving record required. Possession of or ability to obtain International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) certifications in Work Zone Safety, Erosion and Sediment Control, and Nuclear Density Gauge within one-year of employment is required.

Environmental or Physical Demands

Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind. The position may involve exposure to dust, debris, airborne particles, fumes, traffic noise, low-light conditions, and glare from headlights. Work near moving equipment, machinery, traffic, and other potential construction-site hazards is common. The position may require lifting and carrying materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; climbing ladders, stairs, and other structures; walking on uneven terrain; and maintaining balance on slippery surfaces. Fine motor skills are necessary to operate equipment, use tools, and prepare reports.

Benefits

• competitive pay
• health and dental coverage
• retirement plans
• educational reimbursement
• Employees can take advantage of the all-encompassing LiveWell wellness program to help them be their best selves—mentally, physically, socially, and financially.
• The City of Olathe champions continuous training and development for employees at all levels.

Join the City of Olathe Team

The City of Olathe consistently ranks as one of the best places to work, live and raise a family. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because thousands of dedicated City employees work each day to make life better in our community. “Setting the standard for excellence in public service” is not just a saying in Olathe. It is what we do. Olathe’s quality of life is second to none, and we believe our employees deserve the same.

The City of Olathe values and fosters an innovative, diverse, and inclusive culture. We offer competitive pay, health and dental coverage, retirement plans, and educational reimbursement. Employees can take advantage of the all-encompassing LiveWell wellness program to help them be their best selves—mentally, physically, socially, and financially. The City of Olathe champions continuous training and development for employees at all levels. It is our belief that if our employees continue to grow and be successful, both personally and professionally, then the City will serve our residents in the best ways possible.