Project Inspector
Date Posted: May 22, 2026
Requisition ID: 478208
Location:
West Lafayette, IN, US, 47906
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Transportation:
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state's quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.
Role Overview:
This position will serve as the primary "eyes and ears" for INDOT on our Construction projects during. Additionally, this position will support winter operations as needed with tasks such as snow plowing.
Common tasks on construction contracts will include:
Performing testing on materials like concrete and soils
Reading plans and specifications to ensure the work is performed correctly
Reporting daily operations, material records, and item payments into computer record keeping software
Highly qualified candidates for this position should:
Be dependable and self-motivated
Willing to ask questions or speak up when you don't understand something
Be able to communicate with contractors and INDOT personnel
Candidates who have completed INDOT's Certified Technician Program are eligible to start as a Highway Technician 1 which has a minimum salary of $47,320.
Candidates who have not completed the Certified Technician Program are eligible to start as a Highway Technician 2 which has a minimum salary of $42,900. Candidates will go through the program during employment and will eventually be promoted to a Highway Technician 1.
Location:
This position is with INDOT's Crawfordsville District.
Pay Rate:
This position traditionally starts at an hourly rate of $24.26 but may be commensurate with education and work experience.
CDL Positions:
Candidates with a current CDL and endorsements required by the district will earn an additional $1 per hour. Candidates without a CDL will be given 90 days to obtain their CDL and endorsements required by the district and will then earn an additional $1 per hour. CDL training provided onsite by certified INDOT staff.
Construction Positions:
Candidates who do not have a Construction Certification through INDOT may be hired at a lower hourly rate, starting at $22.00 and will then be eligible for incremental increases as they pass the required annual exams and gain experience in the department.
A Day in the Life:
The essential elements of the job duties:
Comply with all Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) safety policies and procedures.
Operate basic highway maintenance/ traffic equipment to maintain, repair and clean highways and rights-of-way.
Ensure staff are completing work assignments as directed and report problems to the supervisors.
Communicate with contractors to ensure procedures comply with INDOT standards and specifications.
Perform winter operations duties including snow and ice removal.
Perform regular inspections and routine equipment maintenance such as: minor repairs, preventative maintenance, refueling, and pre-trip inspections.
Maintain, repair, and install traffic signs, route markers, pavement markings.
Perform emergency response activities such as clean-up, traffic control, lane closures, placement of signs and erecting barricades.
Workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function of this position.
These additional duties may be performed depending on the job assignment:
Bridge Maintenance Specialist
Provide unit crews with technical expertise, oversight, and specialized equipment to ensure work is completed and report problems to the Bridge Maintenance Supervisor.
Operate basic and intermediate highway maintenance and bridge equipment to maintain, repair and clean bridges, highways, and right-of-ways.
Testing
Sample and test construction materials according to quality assurance and specification requirements.
Visit material producers' plants, construction job sites or INDOT facilities to collect material samples for testing.
Perform various test on materials incorporated into INDOT construction or maintenance contracts.
Calculate and record the test results in the INDOT reporting system.
Construction
Involved in planning, design, construction, and rehabilitation of state-owned highways and bridges.
Perform construction inspection, which include assisting the project supervisor/engineer.
Ensure construction tests, measurements and inspections are completed and recorded in a timely manner.
Perform facility maintenance such as repairing and installing brine making and storage systems.
Geotechnical Services
Maintain qualifications for the required Soil Test procedures.
Operate and maintain geotechnical laboratory equipment to perform soil & rock testing.
Prepare and perform advance testing on soils & rock samples such as Resilient Modulus Testing (MR), strength testing (QU & Triaxial), Proctor, Sulfate, Organic Tests etc.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
Must possess a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or obtain one with the first 90 days of employment.
Pass and submit to a drug test as a condition of employment.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local highway guidelines, laws and regulations, principles, and practices for purposes of construction inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of highway.
Knowledge of drafting and surveying techniques.
Ability to independently lead and coordinate the work of a crew in the field.
Ability to read, interpret and follow technical documents.
Must be able to endure exposure to inclement weather.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
Ability to perform physical activities such as lifting, dragging, stooping, standing, and walking for long periods of time.
May need additional requirements depending on the assigned specialty:
Testing:
Ability to read, interpret and follow technical documents such as AASHTO, ASTM, INDOT specifications, and Indiana Test Methods (ITM).
Ability to pass the INDOT Certified Testing Technician program.
Construction
Ability to pass the INDOT Certified Inspector program.
Geotechnical Services
Ability to demonstrate proficiency by passing the Office's Proficiency Exams. These exams are: Classification & Atterberg Proficiency Test, Electrochemical Proficiency Test, Strength & Proctor Proficiency Test, Resilient Modulus Proficiency Test.
A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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