Job Title: Construction Observer
Job Description
Join a growing transportation team as a Construction Observer supporting roadway-focused projects in Central Iowa. You will play a key role in the construction administration phase for state Department of Transportation projects, inspecting and observing work on concrete and asphalt pavements, bridges, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer systems. This role combines field observation, materials testing, and construction documentation to help ensure projects meet design intent, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. The position offers strong growth potential, including the opportunity to progress into a senior observer or construction manager role.
Responsibilities
Oversee and manage the construction administration phase for roadway and transportation projects in Central Iowa.
Direct construction administration activities on assigned projects and monitor work for compliance with construction documents, specifications, and applicable standards.
Work closely with the project manager to establish project procedures and implement them effectively in the field.
Perform field observation of construction activities with minimal supervision, documenting progress, issues, and compliance.
Conduct materials testing for transportation projects, including testing related to concrete, asphalt, and other roadway materials, and ensure adherence to DOT requirements.
Receive, review, and distribute materials test reports to appropriate project stakeholders in a timely manner.
Prepare and maintain project documentation related to inspections, test results, and construction activities.
Develop and manage punch lists, coordinate with contractors to address outstanding items, and support project close-out procedures.
Perform post-construction services and investigations as needed, including field reviews and documentation of any issues that arise after project completion.
Provide constructive feedback and technical input during the project to support continuous improvement and quality control.
Collaborate with a small team of project managers and administrative staff to support successful delivery of transportation and roadway projects.
Participate in training and development activities, including travel to central Kansas to learn and apply company-specific standards and procedures.
Essential Skills
At least 3 years of experience in a similar construction observation, construction inspection, or construction administration role.
Demonstrated experience inspecting roadway projects, including concrete pavement, asphalt pavement, bridges, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer.
Experience with transportation and roadway projects, preferably for a state Department of Transportation.
Ability to perform construction observation and materials testing with minimal supervision.
Strong understanding of DOT inspection practices, construction document compliance, and civil/transportation construction standards.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites and training locations as required.
Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage documentation, test reports, punch lists, and close-out procedures.
Effective communication skills to work with project managers, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
ACI Field Concrete certification preferred.
Experience on Federal transportation projects is a plus.
Background in civil, transportation, or roadway construction environments.
Familiarity with project management practices related to construction administration.
Motivation to grow into senior-level roles such as senior observer, construction manager, or local project leader.
Willingness to obtain additional certifications and training related to materials testing, DOT inspection, and construction observation.
Work Environment
This role primarily takes place in the field at transportation and roadway construction projects in the Des Moines and Central Iowa area, with additional time in a local office environment alongside a small team of approximately five project managers and administrative staff. Work in the field involves being outdoors on active construction sites, observing roadway, bridge, and utility work, and performing materials testing. The position requires regular travel to project locations within the region, and initial travel to central Kansas for training on company-specific standards and procedures before the main project begins in the fall. Office work includes coordinating with the project team, managing documentation, and preparing reports in a collaborative, small-team setting. The schedule generally follows standard construction and office hours, with flexibility based on project needs and site activities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Urbandale, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $40.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Urbandale,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
