Construction and Testing Inspector - CareerLadder Group

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions and job-related requirements, including physical and cognitive demands, are described below.  This job description outlines the general scope of duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned. 

MAJOR FUNCTION

Performs a full range of inspection services, quality assurance and contract document compliance oversight across the full spectrum of County Road and bridge construction projects. 

Inspection and monitoring of construction activities include but are not limited to: Roadway construction & maintenance; stormwater system construction & maintenance; erosion control inspections; utility permit inspections; Local Agency Program (LAP) projects; bridge rehabilitation, construction and maintenance; cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining; drainage structure maintenance and rehabilitation; pavement preservation initiatives including micro paving and asphalt rejuvenation; asphalt milling and resurfacing; intersection and lighting improvements; sidewalk maintenance and construction; verifies installation of roadway striping and signage; and capital improvement (CIP) projects, ensuring compliance with all applicable codes and standards. 

Higher-level inspectors may lead complex projects and mentor or train lower-level staff.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Construction Inspection and Testing (All Levels)

• Interpret and apply engineering design plans, technical specifications, contract documents, approved permits and regulatory requirements to ensure project compliance. 
• Observe, inspect and evaluate construction activities, workmanship, methods, materials and installation practices for quality assurance / verification, safety constructability and compliance with approved plans and specifications. 

• Perform inspections on all facets of various public infrastructure projects, including final inspections.

• Inspect and ensure compliance of the approved permit for the installation of various underground utilities within the public Right of Way and oversee restoration efforts. 
• Oversee and/or perform soil density testing, verify testing methodologies and monitor contractor quality control personnel to ensure specification compliance. 
• Conduct erosion control inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans, FDEP erosion control requirements and proper stormwater protection measures. 
• Verify material types, quantities, and installations for contract compliance, specification adherence and payment validation. 
• Sample road surface (asphalt) mixture for field and laboratory testing.  
• Perform soil sampling for laboratory testing. 
• Perform concrete sampling and testing. 
• Inspect sidewalks for ADA compliance and participate in gathering data for sidewalk repair estimates.
• Inspect storm drainage systems, surface water management facilities, and roadway grading.
• Inspect reinforcing steel and concrete forms for various drainage facilities and related structures.

• Support supervisor and management objectives for the success of the Inspection & Testing Section

Project Coordination, Communication and Documentation (All Levels)

• Ability to document inspection findings clearly, accurately and defensibility for operational, contractual and regulatory purposes. 
• Maintain daily reports, inspection logs, testing documentation, photographic records, and project records detailing construction activities, compliance status, material tracking and field observations. 
• Monitor and track project material quantities, installed materials, and field progress to ensure alignment with bid schedules, approved plans and contract documents. 
• Coordinate and communicate clearly with Inspection & Testing Supervisor, contractors, project managers, engineers, utility representatives, consultants, and county personnel to resolve field issues.

• Review and verify contractor pay requests in preparation for supervisor approval.

• Attend project meetings, pre-construction meetings as requested.

• Respond to citizen inquiries and/or concerns; support complaint resolution through technical assessment and professional communication. Ability to identify when citizen concerns or inquiries must be escalated to the Inspection & Testing Supervisor.

• Identify construction deficiencies or non-compliance issues and prepare detailed written and verbal reports for escalation to the Inspection & Testing Supervisor.

• Confer with team members and Supervisor to identify construction-related problems.

• Perform additional duties as required to support efficient section operations. 

Technology and Tools (All Levels)

• Must be proficient with laptop computers, managing computer files and smartphone operation.

• Must be proficient in the use of professional software, office systems, digital documentation platforms necessary for daily operations, including but not limited to: 

  • Microsoft Windows

    • Digital file management systems 

    • Microsoft Office 365 Suite: 

      • Word, Excel and Outlook for documentation, reporting, and professional communications. 

    • Adobe Acrobat

      • Document management

      • Daily reports and compliance documentation

      • Signing timesheets & invoices

• Safely operate county-owned motor vehicles in varying terrain as found on construction sites and utilize inspection-related tools & equipment.

Higher-Level Duties (Inspector II and III)

• Supports team success by sharing senior-level knowledge and participating in training lower-level inspectors.

• May lead assigned projects.

• May participate in pre-bid, utility coordination, and internal departmental meetings.

• May assist with or perform construction estimates for asphalt paving, sidewalk and, roadway / materials.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS (All Levels)

Regulatory and Technical Knowledge

• Knowledge public agency inspection practices.
• Knowledge of roadway, bridge, drainage, stormwater, utility and public infrastructure systems and construction methodologies. 
• Knowledge of FDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction
• Knowledge of FDOT Standard Plans for Road and Bridge Construction. 
• Knowledge of traffic safety and Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) standards.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, techniques, and instruments used in soil testing and road construction inspection.
• Ability to interpret civil engineering plans, specifications, maps, and surveys.
• Skill in clearly documenting detailed inspection findings and communicating with Contractors and Supervisor.

• Perform basic mathematical calculations using calculator, or digital tools.

• Identify, document and address construction deficiencies or non-compliance.

Physical and Operational Capabilities

• Must be comfortable working outdoors in variable weather, active construction zones and at times, challenging field environments. 

• Must be physically capable of walking, bending, stooping, sitting, standing, crouching, kneeling, and lifting or carrying equipment up to 45 pounds.

• Must be capable of extended vehicle operation, sustained field presence, and visual accuracy sufficient for detailed inspections and safety assessments.

Leadership and Organization 

• Ability to demonstrate strong planning, coordination, and workload management.

• Promote efficiency, professionalism, accountability and technical expertise in field operations. 

• Maintain productive and professional relationships with supervisor, contractors, staff, management, regulatory agencies and the public. 

• Support supervisory and management objectives; higher level inspection staff may lead assigned projects, mentor and train lower-level inspection staff 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (All Levels)

Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma; and meet the special requirements noted below. 

Construction & Testing Inspector I

Have a minimum of zero (0) to two (2) years of roadway, site development construction and/or inspection experience.

Must obtain the following certifications within six (6) months of employment:

• Advanced Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) certification 

• Troxler Nuclear Gauge Operator Safety Training and Troxler Hazmat Certification

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) - Qualified Storm Water Management Inspector

Construction & Testing Inspector II

All requirements listed for Inspector I; and

Have a minimum of two (2) to four (4) years of roadway, site development construction and/or inspection experience.

• Must possess a current OSHA-10 or OSHA-30 certification

• Must possess the following Certifications:

  • CTQP – Earthworks Construction Inspection – Level 1 

  • CTQP – Asphalt Paving – Level 1 

Construction & Testing Inspector III

All requirements listed for Inspector I, II; and

Have a minimum of five (5) years of roadway, site development construction and/or inspection experience.

• Must possess the following Certifications:

  • CTQP – Earthworks Construction Inspection – Level 2

  • ACI – Concrete Field-Testing Technician – Level 1

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.