Job Title: Utility InspectorJob Description
The Utility Inspector will support large-scale water infrastructure projects by inspecting lead service lines and related utilities, ensuring they are replaced with compliant copper lines and meet all safety and regulatory standards. This role involves daily fieldwork, close interaction with homeowners, supervision of subcontractors, and detailed construction documentation across multiple project sites in Central and Coastal Northern New Jersey.
Responsibilities
Inspect water mains, service lines, and other structures such as roads, dams, and bridges to verify structural soundness, safety, and compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
Inspect existing lead service lines and verify proper replacement with copper lines, documenting conditions before, during, and after construction activities.
Document inspection results thoroughly, including deterioration, structural conditions, discrepancies between design and construction, and any deficiencies requiring corrective action.
Monitor construction progress and contribute to construction reports and project status reports, providing accurate daily reporting and construction documentation.
Supervise and coordinate subcontractors on site, ensuring work quality, adherence to safety standards, and compliance with project specifications.
Conduct on-site investigations and review relevant data such as maps, reports, tests, drawings, and other technical documents as required for each project.
Comply with all guidelines, permits, and safety regulations, including OSHA standards, and prepare or maintain technical files and other required technical documentation.
Canvass and survey assigned neighborhoods, interacting with homeowners on their property to explain project activities and access requirements.
Use a mobile application on a tablet or similar device to follow communication scripts, capture field data, and record inspection findings.
Inspect pipes and related infrastructure in the field and take clear, accurate photos to support documentation and reporting.
Demonstrate strong communication skills when speaking with homeowners, project team members, and subcontractors to ensure clear expectations and smooth project execution.
Maintain strong organizational practices to balance multiple tasks, prioritize site visits, and meet project deadlines.
Utilize computers, tablets, and phones to complete electronic forms, update records, and communicate with the project team.
Apply technical proficiency and design application knowledge to identify issues in the field and escalate or recommend solutions as appropriate.
Support construction activities on large commercial, municipal, or federal projects by providing timely inspection feedback and participating in coordination efforts.
Essential Skills
At least 2 years of construction inspection or engineering inspection experience.
OSHA 10 certification.
Ability to supervise subcontractors on site and oversee daily construction activities.
Proven experience with daily reporting and construction documentation.
High school diploma.
Approximately 5 years of relevant construction experience, particularly in utility or civil construction environments.
Demonstrated technical proficiency and design application knowledge related to civil or utility construction.
Understanding of the construction process for large commercial, municipal, or federal projects.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to speak clearly and confidently with homeowners and project stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and sites.
Excellent attention to detail in inspections, documentation, and reporting.
Comfort and familiarity using computers, tablets, and phones for field data entry and communication.
Good interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, customers, and partners.
Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle for travel between project sites.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Background in civil engineering, utility construction, or construction management.
Experience with surveying and site development activities.
Hands-on experience with excavation and utility construction inspection.
Experience working on projects involving water utilities or the broader utility industry.
Strong customer-facing personality and the ability to build trust with homeowners during property visits.
Ability to pass a federal Background check, if required by specific projects.
Interest in professional development within the environmental and construction engineering industry.
Eligibility to participate in benefits such as 401(k), medical, dental, vision insurance, and employee discount programs, subject to employer policies.
Work Environment
This is a field-based role supporting large water infrastructure and utility projects in Central New Jersey and Coastal Northern New Jersey, including areas such as Scotch Plains and Middlesex. The Utility Inspector spends most of the day on project sites, canvassing and surveying neighborhoods, inspecting pipes and water mains, and visiting residential properties. The typical schedule runs from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with opportunities for overtime based on project needs. The position requires regular driving between sites, and the use of a personal vehicle is expected, with mileage reimbursement provided according to company policy. The role involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions and around active construction areas, following strict safety procedures and OSHA guidelines. Inspectors use tablets or similar mobile devices with dedicated applications that provide scripts for homeowner communication, as well as tools for capturing photos and recording inspection data. The work environment emphasizes safety, professionalism, and collaboration, with access to benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan, employee discount programs, and opportunities to grow within a leading environmental and construction engineering organization.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Cranford, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/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 Cranford,NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 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.
