Senior Construction Inspector - Heavy Highway & Site Development

Senior Construction Inspector - Heavy Highway & Site Development

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess 10+ years of heavy highway and site development construction inspection experience, a strong understanding of PennDOT, Philadelphia Streets Department, and Philadelphia Water Department requirements, and the ability to oversee complex urban infrastructure projects from construction through closeout. NICET certification is strongly preferred.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Construction Inspector to support roadway, utility, and site development projects throughout South Philadelphia and the surrounding region. The successful candidate will provide construction inspection services for heavy highway, transportation, municipal infrastructure, and land development projects, ensuring work is performed in accordance with approved plans, specifications, permit requirements, and industry standards.

This role requires a seasoned professional with extensive field experience in roadway construction, utility installation, drainage improvements, traffic control, and site development projects. The Senior Construction Inspector will serve as a key liaison between contractors, project managers, public agencies, and clients while maintaining accurate project documentation and ensuring construction quality and compliance.

Essential Responsibilities

• Perform daily inspection of roadway, site development, utility, drainage, and transportation infrastructure projects.
• Verify contractor compliance with contract plans, specifications, permits, approved shop drawings, and applicable standards.
• Monitor earthwork, grading, paving, utility installation, stormwater management facilities, and roadway restoration activities.
• Review and document maintenance and protection of traffic (MPT) operations and work zone safety compliance.
• Coordinate construction activities with contractors, utility companies, municipal agencies, design teams, and project stakeholders.
• Maintain detailed daily inspection reports, field diaries, photographs, quantity measurements, and project documentation.
• Verify material deliveries, certifications, testing results, and contractor quality control documentation.
• Assist with preparation and verification of contractor payment estimates.
• Monitor project schedules and identify potential quality, safety, or constructability issues.
• Assist with review of change orders, field modifications, requests for information, and contractor claims.
• Attend project meetings and prepare inspection-related correspondence and reports as required.
• Support project closeout activities, punch list development, and final acceptance documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of construction inspection experience on heavy highway, roadway, utility, transportation, or site development projects.
• Demonstrated experience with:
• Roadway reconstruction and rehabilitation
• Utility installation and relocation
• Storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main construction
• Earthwork and grading operations
• Concrete and asphalt paving
• Traffic control and maintenance of traffic operations
• Site development and municipal infrastructure improvements
• Strong working knowledge of construction means and methods, quality assurance procedures, and materials testing requirements.
• Familiarity with PennDOT specifications, standards, and construction documentation requirements.
• Familiarity with City of Philadelphia Streets Department specifications, standard construction details, restoration requirements, and permitting procedures.
• Familiarity with Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) specifications, water and sewer construction requirements, and utility coordination procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, permits, shop drawings, and contract documents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and electronic construction documentation systems.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites throughout the Philadelphia region.

Preferred Qualifications

• NICET Highway Construction Inspection Certification (Level II, III, or IV preferred).
• Experience serving as a Lead Inspector or Senior Inspector on PennDOT, municipal, or federally funded transportation projects.
• Experience coordinating directly with PennDOT, the Philadelphia Streets Department, and the Philadelphia Water Department.
• Knowledge of:
• PennDOT Publication 408 Specifications
• PennDOT Construction Documentation and Inspection Procedures
• Philadelphia Streets Department standard construction details and roadway restoration requirements
• Philadelphia Water Department water and sewer system construction requirements
• Philadelphia right-of-way permitting and utility coordination processes
• ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Certification.
• Traffic Control Coordinator (TCC) Certification.
• OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or a related field.

Desired Skills and Attributes

• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution capabilities.
• Professional demeanor and ability to effectively communicate with contractors, clients, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and client service.

Work Environment

• Predominantly field-based construction inspection work.
• Exposure to active construction sites, traffic, weather conditions, and varying terrain.
• Occasional night and weekend work may be required to accommodate project schedules and maintenance of traffic restrictions.

Compensation

Competitive salary commensurate with experience, certifications, and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package offered.

Why Pennoni?

At Pennoni, we're not just another multi-disciplinary engineering firm; we're a vibrant team of innovators shaping the future! Founded more than five decades ago, Pennoni is an ENR Top 500 consulting engineering firm where individuality sparks innovation and growth. We’re all about helping you build your career while fostering a great workplace culture – here, you'll work with supportive, talented teammates and find pride in your contributions.  Join us to be part of a team that values your unique skills and drives excellence in every project!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled