Job Title: Senior Construction InspectorJob Description
The Senior Construction Inspector leads the technical aspects of diverse civil and infrastructure construction projects and serves as a key liaison between field and office teams. This role oversees construction inspection, contract administration, quality control, and project documentation for projects such as roads, sidewalks, ramps, watermain and sewer systems, stormwater management, and related municipal infrastructure. The Senior Construction Inspector ensures work complies with approved plans, permits, codes, and standards while supporting efficient project delivery, strong client relationships, and a safe work environment across a variety of residential, commercial, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects.
Responsibilities
Manage client and contractor relationships and serve as the primary liaison between office staff and field staff on assigned projects.
Assist with ensuring appropriate staffing levels on construction projects and coordinate inspection, operations, and maintenance activities.
Ensure construction work meets quality standards and complies with design specifications, drawings, budgets, and schedules.
Oversee materials testing and pavement evaluation programs to verify performance and quality.
Provide oversight and leadership to field staff in construction supervision, including contract administration, quality control, construction monitoring, and evaluation.
Support and enforce a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by promoting adherence to standards, procedures, and applicable regulations.
Communicate regularly with clients, municipal officials, contractors, and subcontractors regarding all project-related matters.
Coordinate with internal departments such as administrative, marketing, business development, GIS, land development, and surveying services to support project delivery.
Act as a technical resource and mentor for junior staff, providing guidance on inspection practices, standards, and project execution.
Recommend practical solutions to construction-related issues and challenges across various projects.
Correspond with private and public agencies to support permitting, coordination, and project approvals.
Prepare quantities for construction estimates and support development of accurate cost projections.
Prepare bid documents for private, public, and other governmental agency projects.
Develop and prepare project specifications and standard details in alignment with applicable codes and standards.
Perform field inspections of existing water, sewer, road, and other infrastructure as required to assess condition and compliance.
Plot, organize, and assemble project-related documents, permit applications, and cut sheets for submittals and records.
Exercise sound judgment in adapting engineering alternatives while adhering to established standards and methodologies.
Perform QA/QC reviews on construction drawings, technical reports, and other project-related documents to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Inspect completed work and sign off on the quality of workmanship in collaboration with crew leaders and external subcontractors.
Interpret construction plans, standards, and specifications and ensure they are correctly applied in the field.
Coordinate work among agencies, contractors, and city departments, representing the contract owner in interactions with contractors and their representatives.
Develop construction observation guides and maintain preconstruction, construction, and closeout execution plans.
Assist in reviewing project drawings and specifications to fully understand project scope, client goals, expectations, and resource requirements for each phase.
Identify construction approaches and risks, recommending strategies to increase efficiency and mitigate exposure.
Solicit and coordinate subcontractor and supplier bids for labor, materials, and equipment.
Gather field information, develop practical solutions, and adjust work sequences as needed to address changing conditions.
Review contractor and supplier invoices against actual performance to validate accuracy and compliance with contract terms.
Evaluate contractor and supplier change requests for compliance with contractual requirements and the validity of cost estimates.
Interpret and explain plans and contract terms to staff and contractors to ensure consistent understanding and execution.
Develop, update, and maintain project schedules, tracking progress, durations, and compliance with financial, operational, and scheduling requirements.
Lead and facilitate daily and weekly progress meetings with owners, contractors, construction staff, site engineers, inspection staff, and external subcontractors.
Prepare requests for proposals for public tender of services and develop statements of work.
Contribute to the preparation and review of contracts, change orders, and material and services purchase orders for owner approval.
Assess contractor requests for time extensions, additional payment claims, and contractual disputes, and provide recommendations.
Review quotes, material requests, procured items, deliveries, and on-site production to validate accurate fulfillment and quality control.
Certify invoices submitted by suppliers and contractors and recommend them for payment by owners.
Determine and recommend labor force, materials, and equipment requirements for efficient project execution.
Maintain regular estimates of cost-to-completion and time-to-completion for each task and update stakeholders accordingly.
Complete computer-based weekly and/or daily reports, project logs, and documentation files to maintain accurate project records.
Identify risks and opportunities in all aspects of construction management and implement mitigation measures where risks are appreciable.
Coordinate with the GIS team to ensure proper collection of field data and delivery of GIS-based outputs.
Conduct ongoing meetings with field staff to stay informed about project work and facilitate timely resolution of issues.
Assign weekly tasks to direct reports and conduct quarterly performance evaluations to support staff development and accountability.
Support a wide variety of projects, primarily for local agencies throughout Southeast Michigan, including roads, sidewalks, ramps, watermain, sewer, and related infrastructure.
Essential Skills
Minimum 7+ years of construction field experience leading field inspection crews in the civil engineering or construction industry.
Demonstrated experience with inspection standards and community standards for construction and examination of structures such as manholes, roads, stormwater sewers, sanitary sewer systems, watermain systems, and lead service lines.
Strong ability to read, understand, and interpret construction specifications, plans, and contract documents.
Valid driver's license with the ability to meet motor vehicle record requirements.
Advanced knowledge of applicable construction codes and standards relevant to municipal infrastructure projects.
Experience in construction inspection for municipal projects, including watermain and sewer systems, roadway and pavement work, and related infrastructure.
Ability to manage and coordinate multiple stakeholders, including clients, municipal officials, contractors, and internal teams.
Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality control, documentation accuracy, and compliance.
Exceptional written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills to effectively interact with technical and non-technical personnel.
Ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams and build effective working relationships.
Demonstrated ability to provide direction and leadership, emphasizing safety, cost control, efficiency, and professionalism.
Proficiency in completing computer-based reports, logs, and documentation for construction projects.
Capability to develop and maintain project schedules and monitor progress against financial and operational requirements.
Experience reviewing contractor invoices, change requests, and claims for compliance with contracts and project budgets.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Basic knowledge of web-based GIS interfaces and applications.
Basic understanding of the AutoCAD Civil 3D platform and related technology.
Resourceful, action-oriented, creative, and analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
Experience coordinating with GIS, land development, and surveying teams on infrastructure projects.
Experience overseeing materials testing and pavement evaluation programs.
Experience preparing bid documents, project specifications, and standard details for public and private projects.
Ability to identify construction risks and opportunities and implement effective mitigation strategies.
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a similar discipline (bonus).
10+ years of experience in construction inspection or construction management (bonus).
NASSCO certification (bonus).
Work Environment
This role is primarily field-based, working onsite at various projects throughout the Metro Detroit area, with a strong focus on local agency projects across Southeast Michigan. Typical work includes inspection and oversight of roads, sidewalks, ramps, watermain, sewer, and related municipal infrastructure. The Senior Construction Inspector can expect to work approximately 45-50 hours per week, generally Monday through Friday, with an occasional Saturday as project needs require. Typical start times range from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. The position involves working independently in the field once training and required certifications are complete and includes the use of a company-issued work truck for project-related travel. The work environment combines on-site field conditions, where safety and adherence to standards are critical, with regular coordination and communication with office-based teams using digital tools, GIS systems, and project management software. The organization emphasizes a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative culture focused on client-centric solutions, community improvement, and empowering people to do their best work every day.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Plymouth, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $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 Plymouth,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 22, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.