Senior Construction Inspector - DPW

City of Detroit; Michigan; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Detroit is seeking a Supervising Inspector to lead a team of inspectors in field construction inspections and to perform hands-on checks for compliance with plans, codes, and standards. The role involves coordinating with DOT and city agencies, reviewing plans, and ensuring safe, compliant project execution on site.

Responsibilities include documenting progress, issuing punch lists, conducting material tests, and training junior staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; two years of engineering coursework preferred.
• Two years of experience in inspection, construction and field engineering work.

Responsibilities

• Review designs and site specifications; interpret plans and blueprints.
• Ensure no damage to utilities; maintain site safety barricades.
• Prepare daily/weekly progress logs and inspectors' records.
• Issue deficiency and punch lists to contractors; monitor progress payments.
• Investigate and resolve disputes with contractors; communicate with stakeholders.
• Use test instruments to assess material quality and accuracy.
• Conduct basic tests on concrete, asphalt and granular materials.
• Transport samples to labs and obtain test certifications.
• Record construction data into databases; reflect as-built conditions.
• Supervise subordinate inspectors; train less experienced staff.
• Report violations of work rules and other disciplinary matters.

Skills

Supervisory duties

Inspection experience

Surveying instruments

Reporting / documentation

Education

Engineering coursework

Tools

Surveying tools

Computer databases

Job description

Under general supervision, supervises a group of subordinate inspectors engaged in field inspection of construction activities and/or individually performs field inspection work to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, codes and recognized standards and methods of work; is in charge of one or more construction projects.

• 1. Reviews and interprets design plans, specifications, blueprints and sketches and provides information on site peculiarities.
• 2. Ensures that site work does not damage existing utilities.
• 3. Ensures site is properly barricaded for the safety of workers and the public.
• 4. Prepares daily and weekly work progress logs and reports, Inspectors' Daily Records, and other required construction accounting, work progress and documentation logs and reports.
• 5. Prepares and issues deficiency and punch lists to contractors, as required.
• 6. Monitors work schedules to determine reasonable progress and prepares estimates for contract progress payments.
• 7. Inspects, verifies and reports to supervisors on conditions that may require changes to specifications or construction work procedures and schedules.
• 8. Investigates and assists in the resolution of disputes with contractors.
• 9. Uses a variety of test and measuring instruments and conducts tests to determine quality of materials and accuracy of work.
• 10. Conducts the simpler tests on concrete, asphalt and granular material in a materials laboratory or in the field, as required.
• 11. Transports material samples to contracted laboratory facilities and obtains test certifications and documentation.
• 12. Obtains and enters construction data into computer data bases.
• 13. Interprets plans and specifications.
• 14. Engages in or checks on construction surveyor work such as determining location, dimensions, alignment and grade of component structures by use of appropriate surveyor's instruments.
• 15. Maintains field liaison with governmental agencies awarding and regulating construction contracts, suppliers and contractors, by providing information and responding to complaints.
• 16. Drives a vehicle to work site locations.
• 17. Prepares drawings, sketches and other documentation to reflect construction work as built.
• 18. Assigns work to subordinates and monitors their field work and activities.
• 19. Trains and instructs less experienced inspection staff in all phases of site inspection work.
• 20. Reports violations of work rules and other matters requiring discipline.

• High school graduation or GED. Preferably, completion of two years of course work engineering in a college or university of recognized standing.
• Two years of experience in inspection, construction and field engineering work.

Qualifications (preferred):

• Completion of two years of course work in engineering at a college or university of recognized standing.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:

• Valid State of Michigan Operator License.
• Employees in this class may be required to provide their own automobile for transportation on a reimbursed mileage basis.
• Assignment to the Department of Public Works requires the ability to obtain MDOT required certifications, such as: Field Manager, Computerized Office Technician, Concrete Paving/Bridge Construction Inspection, Aggregate Technician, Bituminous Technician Level I, Density Certification, Hot Mix Asphalt Paving Inspection, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, Concrete Level I Certification, etc.

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Computer Based Test: 30%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: P/F
• Total of Computer Based Test, Interview & Evaluation T.E.P:100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point

LRD: 02/16/2026

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, test instrumentation and practices used in construction.
• Knowledge of construction specifications and standards, construction and hazardous materials testing requirements and documentation.
• Knowledge of current City of Detroit Standard Plans and Specifications and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Standard Specifications for Construction.
• Knowledge of OSHA and MIOSHA safety regulations.
• Knowledge of the regulations governing hazardous materials removal.
• Skill in inspection, construction and field engineering work.
• Skill in interpreting and applying City of Detroit Standard Plans and Specifications and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Standard Specifications for Construction.
• Skill in use of surveying instruments.
• Skill in use of personal computers and common office software.
• Skill in observation.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering sketches, drawing and specifications.
• Ability to supervise the work of a group of inspectors, and prepare clear and accurate reports.
• Ability to communicate with superiors, subordinates, suppliers, contractors, manufacturers, representatives, government officials and the public.
• Ability to display initiative and resourcefulness in handling difficult problems related to construction inspection.
• Ability to have willingness to acquire additional knowledge and skill through training.

Physical Demands

Must possess sufficient strength to lift and carry tools, materials and equipment.

Work Environment

Work is performed at a construction or field work site and involves exposure to heat, dust, fumes, standing water, confined spaces, raised platforms, excavations and seasonal weather conditions.

The above statements reflect the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this class. Incumbents may be required to perform job‑related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Essential duties may vary from position to position.