Construction Inspector

Position:  Construction Inspector

Cole is a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary company providing Civil Engineering, Surveying, Landscape Architecture, ADA Transition Planning, and GIS services to our clients. Cole has a national presence with offices in St. Louis, St. Charles and O'Fallon, MO, Dallas, TX, and Phoenix, AZ.

While our offices and services span the US we take pride in our strong company culture. Cole is a collaborative and forward-thinking company and we believe in providing our employees with an active and fun work environment. We are multiple offices, one company!

Our robust benefits package includes competitive pay, group insurance, a retirement plan, paid vacation/paid time, flexible schedules and we support and encourage training and growth opportunities.

Under general supervision, performs field inspections of underground utility construction, including water transmission and distribution and wastewater collection and transmission construction and repair work performed by private contractors, to ensure conformance to established plans, specifications, State laws and District regulations; reviews construction plans for compliance with rules, regulations and laws; performs related work as required.

Responsibilities:

Perform duties, including, but not limited to:

Verifies and ensures that contractors adhere to construction methods, equipment, standards, workmanship, quantity and quality of materials meet Project plans and specifications.

Reports deviations from plans and specifications professionally both verbally and in writing.

Performs non structural plan checking constructability, and operational review of plans, specifications and job drawings noting errors, omissions and potential problem areas.

Assists in managing construction projects to ensure that they are on time and on budget, monitors change orders and calculate progress payments based on estimates of completion. 

Maintains accurate records regarding changes to plans and specifications to ensure the accuracy of record maps, data and other records for systems installed or modified. 

Conducts field inspections pf new water and wastewater, public water and sewer systems and private water and sewer facilities and/or repairs made by contractors, owners, and other agencies. 

Assists and/or conducts inspections and investigations of complaints and discharge violations. 

Explains requirements, answers questions and responds to complaints from property owners, contractors and others concerning sewer problems, location of laterals and repairs to assure compliance. 

Checks the grade, bedding, and compaction requirements of new pipe installations.

Reviews survey data and procedures to verify that line, grade and location have been properly established; and learns to secure samples for conducting tests of concrete, aggregates and other construction materials. 

Inspects pump and lift stations for compliance with plans and specifications.

Checks and verifies surveying including horizontal locations and vertical elevations for comparison to plans to avoid field errors.

Prepares a variety of reports, correction notices, procedures and other written materials; forwards these to the Engineering Department for routing.  

Maintains accurate records, field notes and files, including downloading from electronic equipment used in the field.

Assesses safety precautions for water and sewer construction sites or repair projects for compliance with safety standards. 

Establish and maintain an effective and cooperative working relationship with coworkers through knowledge of work, personal and professional conduct, and good judgment.   

Perform related duties as assigned or required for the ongoing operation of the Engineering Department. 

Requirements

Knowledge of:

·        Materials, methods, equipment, tools, practices and procedures used in public works construction, including streets, gutters, sidewalks, drainage, water and wastewater lines and facilities and related facilities and appurtenances. 

·        Principles and practices of underground construction include dewatering and chlorine disinfection and sampling and low threat and limited threat dewatering and discharge permits.

·        Codes, laws, regulations, specifications, ordinances and enforcement procedures. 

·        Operation, materials and methods of wastewater collection, water and wastewater treatment, water distribution and construction. 

·        Basic principles and practices of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Safety hazards and appropriate precautions applicable to work assignments; use of personal protective equipment and identification of job hazards (e.g. electrical, confined space, sheeting/shoring excavations, traffic, etc.).

·        Drafting, technical drawings and mathematics as it relates to construction work. 

·        Computer applications related to the work, including use of digital camera equipment.

·        Techniques for dealing with the engineers, developers, contractors, and representatives of other agencies in an effective manner. 

·        Arithmetic and basic mathematical calculations, including percentages and decimals. 

·        Principles and practices of effective customer service. 

·        Microsoft Office Suite programs for word processing and spreadsheets.

·        Standard business practices such as letter writing, report writing, preparing informational materials in visual formats.    

·        English language usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation and clear, concise writing.

·        Environmental laws, regulations and permits directly related to construction.

·        Highway and road encroachment permits and traffic controls.

Ability to:   

Evaluate compliance on construction projects. 

Use surveying instruments tape measures, laser levels and other field units to check construction elevations, dimensions and positions. 

Read and interpret construction plans and specifications. 

Accurately observing situations and reporting observations in writing. 

Apply testing procedures related to equipment.

Deal tactfully with contractors and property owners.

Assist in preparing as-builts drawings of water and wastewater system construction projects.

Conduct work safely, use appropriate protective equipment, and recognize and deal with safety hazards encountered in the course of work.   

Make accurate arithmetical computations.

Represent the department effectively in meetings with other departments, public and private organizations and individuals.    

Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems. 

Plan, coordinate, and organize work to meet deadlines with accuracy, thoroughness, and attention to detail. 

Work independently and prioritize multiple tasks often under time constraints and with limited supervision. 

Read, understand and carry out written and oral directions in a clear, concise, and consistent manner. 

Operate a variety of automated office machines typical of a work environment such as a multi-function printer/copier/scanner machine, and fax machine. 

Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing with department staff, coworkers, consultants and the public in once-to-one and group settings. 

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent

Minimum of 5 years experience

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk long distances, stand, sit; exert considerable physical effort involving stooping/kneeling, pushing/pulling, climbing/balancing, lifting/carrying, bending, and performing other similar actions during the course of the workday.  This position requires sufficient mobility to work in a field setting with exposure to a variety of weather conditions, slippery and uneven surfaces.  While performing the job duties the employee is required to operate hand tools and equipment and transport materials and supplies weighing up to 95 pound; use fine and gross motor coordination in using numerous maintenance, power maned hand tools, and equipment and machinery; reach with hands and arms; travel regularly by vehicle for related duties; use standard office equipment such as computers, copiers, and fax machines; hearing and vision within normal ranges with or without correction.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work Environment

Work both indoors (generally in a typical office or warehouse setting) and outdoors are required.  While performing the duties of this job outdoors, the working conditions are of a varying degree, from snow to extreme heat.  Additionally, employees in this position may have exposure to clearing supplies, solvents, dusts, and other outdoor environmental elements.  Construction projects may require safety training for work and inspections inside shored excavations, electrical building/enclosures, tanks, vaults, concrete structures, and confined spaces (non-permitted and permitted).  While performing the duties of this job indoors, the working conditions are those of a typical office environment, with temperatures occasionally too warm or too cold, moderate noise levels and under lighting conditions typical of an office.  Travel between facilities and projects will be necessary via Company vehicle for related duties and activities. 

Additional Requirements

18 years of age.

Eligible to work in the United States.

Must be eligible for regular weekly on-call, emergency standby, and to be called back and work emergency overtime as required.

It is the policy of Cole & Associates, Inc. a Missouri Corporation d.b.a Cole Design Group, Inc. in Texas & Arizona, herein referred to as "Cole" not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or because he or she is a protected veteran.