What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Inspector position at Vanderbilt University?
The Construction Inspector (CI) is a professional of the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC)
team within the Facilities Department at Vanderbilt University (VU) who will serve as a
Construction Inspector and Construction Engineering Technician to provide engineering support
services in the field for multiple simultaneous construction contracts between VU and private
construction contractors. The types of projects may include but are not limited to new
construction, renovation, demolition, environmental remediation, equipment installation, energy,
or any combination of these. The individual is expected to perform most construction
management tasks independently while referring only difficult problems and situations (i.e.
deviations, controversial situations, policy changing issues, contractual cost or schedule
impacting issues, or unusual circumstances) to the VU project Construction Management
Engineer (CME) or VU Facilities Construction Director.
The CI provides leadership, coordination and collaboration with the CME on all aspects related
to their assigned construction projects. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive
attitude, an active, energetic mind, and a leadership style that is characterized by highly ethical
practices and a commitment to diversity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.
The CI will be responsible for coordinating and executing construction-related activities
necessary to successfully complete renovation and/or new construction projects in an organized
manner with minimal disruptions on the University campus and building occupants. Total cost
per project may range from $25K - $500M.
Reporting directly to the Director of Construction, this CI will manage multiple projects and must
possess the ability to work with minimal direction and yet in a team environment within the
department of Facilities at Vanderbilt University.
About the Work Unit:
Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) supports university faculty, staff, and students in small
construction and renovation projects and is part of the Facilities Department. PDC is responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating activities related to completing new
construction and renovation projects on behalf of Vanderbilt. PDC will coordinate the design,
bid, and management of the project in a safe, timely, and organized manner. They coordinate
current and potential projects with all university stakeholders. PDC acts as a representative of
the university to outside vendors/dealers/contractors to acquire adequate and competitive
pricing.
Facilities annual budget exceeds $100 million in operating expenses and includes over 500
employees. Facilities manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$300 million
annually and facility renewal, replacement, and large maintenance project expenditures totaling
~$20 million annually.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
• Evaluate and assure the contractor QC efforts of the construction contractor. Provide
coordination of the construction quality management program for assigned projects.
• Evaluate and assure daily contractor production on-site is in accordance with project
plans and specifications.
• Evaluate and assure the contractor’s safety program adheres to contract requirements.
• Apply technical knowledge and sound judgment to assist in the resolution of encountered
field issues, problems or conflicts.
• Support Construction Management Engineer (CME) and Project Manager (PM) in the
administration of construction contracts within VU Planning, Design and Construction.
• Walking the campus and monitoring all assigned construction projects is expected.
Communications with University Community
• Ability to clearly and concisely present construction related impacts, including impacts to
operations, access, road closures, etc. to the university campus with key university
constituents, professional consultants, and university stakeholders in both written and
verbal formats
• Coordinating activities and impacts with the GIS Manager, Mobility Office to ensure
mapping and other related materials are updated
• Assists in the presentation to the Facility Review Committee for approval of construction
related impacts on behalf of the PM and CME.
Design and Construction Administration
• Coordinate site access and impacts for external services such as topographical surveys,
abatement surveys, underground utility location and coordination, etc.
• Coordination with internal and external stakeholders related to activities such as blasting,
crane requests, drone requests, road closures, hot work/burn permits, traffic control,
utility outages, card access needs, parking, keying, banners and signage needs
• Develop and foster positive working relations with Metro Codes, Zoning, Fire Marshall
and other government agencies
• Develop and foster positive working relations with Vanderbilt contractors, vendors and
construction managers
• Participate in safety walks of construction sites and assist in communicating issues and
challenges with construction superintendents
• Ensure quality control and contract conformance in construction
• Coordinate operations start-up and acceptance
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and
functionally to the Director of Construction.
Education and Certifications
• Construction Manager certification (CCM) is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree from an ABET accredited institution is preferred.
Experience and Skills:
• At least 5 years of relevant experience is required.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience in a higher education institutional setting is preferred.
• Proven background in project or construction inspection and on-site management is
required.
• Demonstrated skills in quality management in construction-related projects are required.
• Experience with the following Software: Microsoft Office Suite, eBuilder Project
Management, AutoCAD 2018, and Adobe Acrobat Suite is recommended.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication (verbal and written) skills are
preferred.
• Ability to provide solutions in a high-volume environment, and ability to remain calm and
objective throughout stressful and difficult situations is required.
• Knowledge of the facilities, design, and construction industry is required.
• Walking, standing, bending, stooping, climbing, working from heights, and crawling into
tight spaces for long periods of time is required.
Salary : $20 - $300