Construction Inspector

Description
The Construction Inspector performs on-site technical construction inspection work to ensure compliance with plan and specifications. Assigned projects may include construction projects for joint and adjacent construction, WMATA facilities, and the Metrorail and Metrobus systems. The incumbent develops and maintains daily inspection records, in compliance with applicable regulations, requirements and standards, of all work and coordinates with contractors on methods and practices to be used, and plan and specification requirements to be met. The incumbent anticipates problems in assigned areas of inspection and initiates actions for their resolution, considering several factors such as impacts to on-site safety, revenue service, and project timelines. The incumbent is authorized to stop or suspend work if necessary, to prevent accident or injury. The incumbent maintains strict oversight of compliance and conformance with applicable safety regulations, requirements and best practices.

Principal Job Duties

• Achieves and maintains full familiarity with contract plans, specifications, contractor’s schedules and plans, applicable safety regulations, and current shop and working drawings relative to assigned contract duties in order to be knowledgeable about the contractor’s obligations/plans/schedule and Authority Representative’s (and Inspector’s) responsibilities with respect there to.
• Inspects all phases of construction within his/her assigned work area which typically includes, all or some civil, structural, electrical, mechanical, systems, architectural, track work, and landscaping work. Systems construction may include installation and testing of communication systems, automatic train control systems, automatic fare collection equipment, elevators, escalators, and intrusion detection and other warning devices.
• Observes contractor’s methods and use of equipment and records same on Daily Reports. Suggests improvements, whenever appropriate, to the Authority Representative. Records on Inspector Daily Reports all change order work under respective Pending Change Order (PCO) numbers daily. Monitors contractor’s actual progress against scheduled progress, and records on Daily Reports. Records contractor’s job-site equipment and manpower. Follows document quality process and procedures in accordance with WMATA's and project requirements.
• Receives specific inspection responsibilities; contacts contractor’s representative to become acquainted with work to be accomplished in area of responsibility and to inform contractor’s representative of what is expected in regard to the contractor’s work performance; observes work in assigned areas of responsibility; takes appropriate corrective steps, as necessary. Informs contractor’s supervisory staff of apparent non- compliance with contract provisions; monitors corrective action, and reports contractor’s execution of corrective actions to the Authority Representative, as necessary. Assists the field staff in preparing monthly pay estimate calculations and work-to-complete forecasts.
• Performs physical measurements and field testing which may involve the use of complex electronic or mechanical devices for non-destructive testing. Collects and compiles electronic or hardcopy data to document the quality of the work. Compares actual work against contract, shop and working drawings, and specification requirements. Assists in preparation of material samples, as required for laboratory testing and approval.
• Maintains quality control in accordance with established guidelines relating to assigned portion of the project. Verifies the implementation of the inspection and testing portions of the Contractor Quality Control Plan that pertains to the work assignment and verifies and documents quality conformance to contract standards. Assists the Authority Representative in conducting Substantial Completion Inspections (SCI) and Final Acceptance Inspections. Makes “Punch List” or “Work List” in areas of assigned responsibility prior to SCI. Monitors and records correction of construction deficiencies.
• Observes work operations for compliance with applicable safety regulations; is alert for unsafe practices, and where appropriate, requests their correction by the contractor’s representative on site. In emergency situations, stops the work involved and immediately reports the action to a supervisor; performs daily safety inspections; prepares electronic and/or hardcopy safety reports, and attends and documents contractor’s tool-box safety meetings.

Other Duties

• Maintains maintenance schedules and records of issued WMATA equipment.
• Maintains certification at WMATA Roadway Worker Protection Training Level IV. May be assigned to serve as Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC) and set up work zones within the Right-of-Way. Escorts contractor and/or WMATA teams in work areas within Bus/Rail operating facilities.

• Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Responsibilities

Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge of Principles and practices of engineering and heavy construction and demonstrated ability to inspect a broad range of contract construction work
• In-depth knowledge of construction techniques, technology and practices in at least one of the following areas: civil, mechanical, structural, electrical, electronic, automatic train control, automatic fare collection systems, communications, elevators/escalators, and railroad track work
• Familiarity with the Critical Path Method (CPM) of project scheduling

Skills

• Skills sufficient to quickly learn and effectively utilize WMATA’s construction document management systems, follow documentation procedures, and produce compliant and accurate reports pertaining to inspection
• Skills sufficient to quickly learn to effectively utilize MS Office Suite email, excel, word, and MS Teams, One Drive
• Skills sufficient to open, review, and sign Adobe PDF documents

Abilities

• Ability to inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, codes and or specification
• Ability to read, interpret and understand the terms and conditions of construction contracts, specifications, and drawings as they pertain to the performance of inspection duties
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those individuals and organizations encountered in the work
• Ability to Communicate effectively

Machine, Tools, Equipment, Software, Hardware Required

• Tools and equipment to conduct physical measurements and field testing
• Equipment and devices to conduct complex electronic or mechanical testing as required on work sites
• Electronic devices including but not limited to digital cameras, personal computers, laptops, radios, and wireless communications devices in the performance of assigned work
• MS Office suite including email; electronic construction document management systems

Supervisory Responsibility

Not responsible for supervising others.


Qualifications

Minimum Education

• High school diploma or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of six (6) years of Construction and/or technical inspection experience in areas of assigned responsibilities
• Demonstrated familiarity with the Critical Path Method (CPM) of project scheduling.

Minimum Certification/Licensure

• Roadway Worker Protection Certification at Level 2 within one month of hire and Level 4 within 18 months of hire, then maintain for the duration of time holding this job

Preferred Qualifications

• College level technical or engineering courses