Quality Inspector

Position Overview

This role is for an experienced Civil Quality Inspector to support ongoing power delivery and infrastructure projects in the Ephrata, Washington area. The inspector will provide field-based quality oversight across multiple construction projects, with a primary focus on substations, switchyards, civil site work, foundations, structural concrete, and related power delivery infrastructure.

The position will serve as an embedded field resource supporting Engineering, Project Services, Construction, and Inspection teams. The inspector will act as an on-site representative to help ensure contractor work is completed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, work packages, quality requirements, and project standards.

Unlike a passive inspection role, this position requires an active field presence and regular coordination with contractors, foremen, project personnel, and engineering teams. The inspector will be expected to observe work as it progresses, identify potential quality concerns early, document field conditions, hold contractors accountable to project requirements, and communicate issues and project status to appropriate stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Civil Construction Inspection & Quality Assurance

• Perform field inspections of civil construction activities associated with substations, switchyards, transmission/distribution infrastructure, and related power delivery projects
• Inspect and document work involving:
• Excavation and earthwork
• Site preparation and grading
• Soil placement, backfill, and compaction
• Concrete placement and construction
• Reinforcing steel and rebar cage
• Foundations and equipment pads
• Pole foundations and associated structures
• Control house construction
• Substation and switchyard civil infrastructure
• Verify construction activities comply with approved engineering drawings, specifications, work packages, quality requirements, and applicable construction standards
• Monitor workmanship, installation practices, materials, dimensions, elevations, and other quality requirements throughout construction
• Identify deficiencies, deviations, non-conforming work, or potential quality concerns and communicate findings to contractors and project leadership
• Verify corrective work and assist with documentation and closeout of identified issues
• Support overall QA/QC objectives across multiple concurrent construction projects

Field Oversight & Contractor Coordination

• Maintain an active field presence during construction activities
• Work directly with contractors, foremen, field crews, Engineering, Project Services, and Construction personnel
• Confirm contractors understand applicable drawings, specifications, work packages, and quality expectations prior to and during execution
• Monitor contractor performance and verify work is progressing according to approved project requirements
• Provide real-time feedback when construction activities deviate from specifications or quality expectations
• Escalate significant quality, construction, or field coordination issues to appropriate project personnel
• Serve as an owner's field representative for quality-related construction activities
• Help coordinate inspection priorities across multiple projects based on construction schedules, project milestones, and field activity

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare clear, detailed daily inspection reports documenting construction progress, field observations, quality issues, and contractor activities
• Maintain accurate inspection records, field notes, photographs, test documentation, and supporting project information
• Review applicable drawings, specifications, work packages, inspection plans, and construction documentation before and during field activities
• Document deficiencies and non-conformance issues and track items through resolution
• Verify required testing, inspection, and quality documentation is completed and properly recorded
• Communicate project status, emerging risks, quality concerns, and unresolved issues to Engineering, Project Services, and project leadership
• Support completion and closeout of construction and inspection documentation

Project Coordination

• Review upcoming construction activities and project schedules to determine inspection priorities
• Participate in project coordination, construction, and field meetings as required
• Coordinate inspection activities with contractor schedules and critical construction milestones
• Support multiple projects within the power delivery portfolio based on workload and project needs
• Maintain communication between field teams, project management, Engineering, and other stakeholders
• Assist project teams in identifying potential construction or quality risks before they affect schedule, cost, or downstream work

Required Qualifications

• 5 years of civil construction inspection, construction QA/QC, field engineering, construction management, or closely related experience
• Strong hands-on experience inspecting civil construction activities such as: Concrete, Earthwork and excavation, Grading and compaction, Reinforcing steel/rebar, Foundations, Structural/site construction
• Ability to read and interpret civil and structural engineering drawings, construction specifications, work packages, and related technical documentation
• Experience working directly with contractors, foremen, and field crews in active construction environments
• Strong understanding of construction quality control and inspection practices
• Ability to recognize construction deficiencies and deviations from approved plans and specifications
• Strong written documentation and inspection reporting skills
• Ability to independently manage inspection priorities across multiple active projects
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with contractors, engineers, project managers, and field personnel
• Ability to work primarily in the field and travel between project sites in the Ephrata area as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with substation, switchyard, transmission, distribution, or utility construction
• Experience inspecting substation foundations, equipment pads, pole foundations, rebar cages, control houses, and related civil infrastructure
• Experience working as an owner's representative or embedded construction inspector
• Background supporting electric utilities, power delivery organizations, or large capital construction programs
• Familiarity with concrete testing, soil testing, compaction testing, and construction material inspection
• Knowledge of applicable civil construction codes, standards, and quality requirements
• QA/QC, construction inspection, concrete, welding, or other relevant technical certifications
• OSHA or utility-specific safety training/certifications
• Experience supporting multiple simultaneous construction projects