Working Title: Lead Construction Inspector - Transportation Specialist
Job Class: Transportation Specialist
Agency: Transportation Dept
Job ID : 92253
Location : Detroit Lakes
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 02/26/2026
Closing Date : 03/12/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Transportation Dept / Transportation-Dist 4-AFSCME
Division/Unit : District 4 - Detroit Lakes / D-4 Construction
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $28.16 - $38.40 / hourly; $58,798 - $80,179 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME
Work Area : Construction - Detroit Lakes
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Duties: This position exists to serve as the chief inspector on projects coordinating and performing contract administration, field inspection, and field materials testing so that projects are built in accordance with plans, standards and specifications.
Examples of work for this specific vacancy include but are not limited to:
Contract Administration
Acts as Chief Inspector on complex multi-phase or multi-operational projects, reporting to and working under the general guidance of a project engineer/principal engineer to ensure successful completion of projects.
Leads inspection crew on a complex multi-phase or multi-operational project coordinating personnel and work assignments.
Directs materials testing and performs occasional sampling and material testing in the field, analyzes test results and assures materials meet MnDOT specifications to secure certification of a construction project and determine the impact of test results and make recommendations related to materials, structural integrity for roadway and/or bridge construction projects.
Performs highly complex inspection activities, monitors project progress, and assures all inspected work is accomplished in accordance with contract requirements.
Performs complex documentation to record quantity and quality of materials and completes required reports in accordance with contract requirements.
Applies enforcement procedures to the contract for the most complex projects or as referred by the Assistant Chief Inspector to ensure successful completion of projects.
Monitors traffic control and encourages safe contractor practices, ensures personal safety is protected and ensures the project is completed to applicable safety practices, rules, and programs.
Develops solutions to unforeseen construction problems and/or issues in the field, serves as the contact for field personnel and the primary focal point for contractors and project engineers, communicates relevant information and knows the "go-to" people in all areas of MnDOT for help in resolving problems in the field.
Directs, trains, or performs the measuring, completing, documenting and entering the required project documentation into AASHTOWare.
Coordinates construction inspection supplies and equipment to ensure needed supplies and equipment are available when needed.
Directs the activities of bituminous and concrete Plant Inspectors to ensure materials meet specifications and requirements.
Design
Completes computer-aided drafting and designing (CADD) functions and calculations and applies software programs used to perform technical detail designing and drafting of plans.
Computes estimated quantities and pay items for construction plans.
Assists in developing and designing elements for construction plans to ensure MnDOT, AASHTO, and FHWA standards are met.
Prepares detailed technical drawings making engineering computations, preparing special provisions and completing necessary forms for use in final construction plans.
Generates cross-sections and determines construction limits and earthwork computations
Minimum Qualifications
The level of experience to perform this job at the Transportation Specialist level can be achieved with four (4) years of experience in a combination of the following areas:
A minimum of three years of experience in performing Contract Administration (roadway and/or bridge construction) activities or related activities. AND
A minimum of one year experience in performing design activities which must include computer aided drafting and design (CADD)
Note:A Two year Civil or Construction Technology Degree or the following four year degrees: Architectural, Civil or Mechanical Engineering; Land Surveying / Geomatics; or equivalent may substitute for one year of contract administration experience. (In order for education coursework to be considered in lieu of work experience you must submit a copy of your transcripts).
Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in-person or via two-way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.
Licenses : A valid class D driver's license.
Technical Certifications: At the time of hire: Aggregate Production I, Grading and Base, Concrete Field I & II, Bituminous Street I and II, and Bridge Construction Inspection.
Additional Requirements
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS:
Successful candidate must pass past-employer reference checks and criminal history check
It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
SEMA4 Records Check
Criminal History Check
Employment Reference Check
Education/License Verification
Driver's License Check
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
