Senior Construction Inspector

The Senior Construction Inspector leads the technical aspects of diverse civil infrastructure and site development projects, serving as a key liaison between field and office teams. This role oversees construction inspection, contract administration, and quality control for projects such as roads, sidewalks, ramps, watermain and sewer systems, stormwater management, and related municipal infrastructure across Southeast Michigan. The Senior Construction Inspector ensures that work complies with approved plans, permits, and applicable codes and standards while managing client and contractor relationships and supporting junior staff development.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with clients and contractors and act as the primary liaison between office staff and field personnel.
• Assist in ensuring proper staffing levels on construction projects and coordinate inspection, operations, and maintenance activities.
• Ensure construction is performed to quality standards in compliance with design specifications, drawings, budgets, schedules, and applicable codes.
• Oversee materials testing and pavement evaluation programs to verify conformance with project requirements.
• Provide oversight and leadership for 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 following and upholding safety standards, procedures, and legal regulations.
• Correspond regularly with clients, municipal officials, contractors, and subcontractors on all project-related matters.
• Coordinate frequently with internal departments, including administrative, marketing, business development, GIS, land development, and surveying services.
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior staff, offering guidance on inspection practices and engineering solutions.
• Recommend practical solutions for construction-related issues and challenges on various projects.
• Correspond with private and public agencies to support permitting, coordination, and project execution.
• Prepare quantities for construction estimates and support cost forecasting for labor, materials, and equipment.
• Prepare bid documents for private, public, and other governmental agency projects.
• Develop and prepare project specifications and standard details for construction work.
• Perform field inspections of existing water, sewer, road, and other infrastructure as needed.
• Plot, organize, and assemble project-related documents, permit applications, and cut sheets.
• 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.
• 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 explain them clearly to project stakeholders.
• Coordinate work between agencies, contractors, and city departments while representing the contract owner in field interactions.
• 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.
• Identify construction approaches and risks to promote efficiency and mitigate exposure to schedule, cost, and quality issues.
• Solicit and coordinate subcontractor and supplier bids for labor, materials, and equipment.
• Gather field information, develop solutions, and adjust work sequences as necessary to address changing conditions.
• Review contractor and supplier invoices against actual performance and work completed.
• Evaluate the legitimacy of contractor and supplier change requests in terms of contractual requirements and cost estimate validity.
• Interpret and explain plans and contract terms to staff, contractors, and other involved parties.
• Develop, update, and maintain project schedules, tracking progress, durations, and compliance with financial, operational, and scheduling requirements.
• Administer and lead daily and weekly progress meetings with owners, contractors, construction staff, site engineers, inspection staff, and subcontractors.
• Prepare requests for proposals for public tender of services and statements of work documents.
• 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, and contractual disputes and make recommendations where appropriate.
• 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, material, and equipment requirements for assigned projects.
• Maintain regular estimates of cost-to-completion and time-to-completion for each task and project phase.
• Complete computer-based weekly and/or daily reports, project logs, and documentation files in a timely and accurate manner.
• Identify risk and opportunity in all aspects of construction management and implement mitigation measures where risks are appreciable.
• Coordinate with the GIS team to ensure proper collection and delivery of GIS-based field data.
• Conduct ongoing meetings with field staff to stay informed of project work and facilitate resolution of emerging issues.
• Assign weekly tasks to direct reports and conduct performance evaluations on a quarterly basis.

• Minimum 7 years of construction field experience in the civil engineering and construction industry, including leading field inspection crews.
• Hands-on experience with construction inspection for municipal projects such as roads, sidewalks, ramps, watermain systems, stormwater sewers, sanitary sewer systems, and lead service lines.
• Strong familiarity with inspection standards and community standards for examining and constructing structures including manholes, roads, stormwater sewers, sanitary sewers, and watermain systems.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret construction specifications, plans, and contract documents.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable construction codes, standards, and regulations relevant to municipal infrastructure projects.
• Experience coordinating with municipalities and local agencies on infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency in construction observation, QA/QC processes, and documentation of field activities.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify nonconformance and recommend corrective actions.
• Exceptional written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills for effective interaction with clients, agencies, contractors, and internal teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams that include both technical and non-technical personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to provide direction and leadership, promoting safety, cost control, efficiency, and professionalism in the field.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to meet motor vehicle record requirements for operating a company vehicle.
• Proficiency in completing computer-based daily and weekly reports, logs, and project documentation.

• Basic knowledge of web-based GIS interfaces and applications, including coordination with GIS teams for field data collection and deliverables.
• Basic understanding of the AutoCAD Civil 3D platform and related design technology.
• Experience with IDRs (Inspector Daily Reports), GIS analysis, project coordination, and roadway inspection.
• Familiarity with NASSCO standards and certification for sewer inspection (NASSCO certification is a plus).
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred.
• 10 years of construction field experience is considered a strong plus.
• Resourceful, action-oriented, creative, and analytical mindset for solving complex field and construction challenges.
• Ability to identify construction risks and opportunities and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Strong organizational skills for managing multiple projects, schedules, and documentation simultaneously.
• Comfort working with public and private sector stakeholders, including municipal officials and agency representatives.

This role is primarily field-based, working onsite at various municipal and infrastructure projects throughout Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Typical projects include roads, sidewalks, ramps, watermain and sewer installations, and other local agency improvements. The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule with an occasional Saturday as project needs require, and the workday typically begins between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. You should expect to work approximately 45–50 hours per week. The Senior Construction Inspector will be issued a work truck and, after completing training and required certifications, will work independently in the field while maintaining close communication with office staff. The environment involves regular exposure to active construction sites, outdoor conditions, and coordination with contractors, subcontractors, municipal staff, and internal technical teams. The company culture emphasizes dynamic, daring, and diverse perspectives, encourages problem-solving and innovation, and focuses on empowering people to do their best work while contributing to community-focused infrastructure and development projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Plymouth, MI.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Plymouth,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 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.

Salary : $30 - $40