Chief Inspector

About the role

CHA Consulting, Inc. is seeking a Chief Inspector to join our Construction Inspection Team in Columbia, SC. The ideal candidate will lead inspection efforts across complex infrastructure projects, ensuring work aligns with design intent, regulatory requirements, and quality expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead construction inspection activities for large, complex infrastructure projects, ensuring work conforms to contract documents, plans, specifications, and approved submittals
• Serve as the primary construction phase liaison for clients, coordinating with owners, contractors, designers, and regulatory agencies
• Monitor contractor quality control efforts and verify compliance with approved quality control plans
• Identify nonconforming work and evaluate proposed corrective actions, recommending acceptance or rejection as appropriate
• Review and verify contractor payment applications, quantities, change orders, and proposals to support accurate progress payments
• Prepare clear, comprehensive inspection reports and maintain complete project records in accordance with company, client, and regulatory requirements
• Chair construction meetings and support project administration, including schedules, documentation, and constructability reviews
• Mentor and oversee inspection staff, coordinating workloads and reinforcing accepted standards, procedures, and best practices

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in Engineering Science, Construction Management, or related technical field preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of related construction observation experience required
• Strong knowledge of construction industry with the ability to interpret client contracts
• Prioritize analysis of complex construction issues and recommend effective resolutions
• Demonstrated knowledge of building codes and zoning ordinances
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Strong communication and mathematics skills
• Ability to coordinate workload of inspection project staff with the willingness to train entry level staff
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project, Outlook)
• NICET Level III certification preferred
• Valid driver’s license required; extensive travel may be required

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate’s degree in Engineering Science, Construction Management, or related technical field preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of related construction observation experience
• Strong knowledge of construction industry with the ability to interpret client contracts
• Prioritize analysis of complex construction issues and recommend effective resolutions
• Demonstrated knowledge of building codes and zoning ordinances
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Strong communication and mathematics skills
• Ability to coordinate workload of inspection project staff with the willingness to train entry level staff
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project, Outlook)
• NICET Level III certification preferred
• Valid driver’s license required; extensive travel may be required

Skills

• Technical insight
• Decisive field leadership
• Commitment to getting the details right
• Experience leading inspection activities for large, complex infrastructure projects
• Knowledge of construction industry and ability to interpret client contracts
• Ability to analyze complex construction issues and recommend effective resolutions
• Knowledge of building codes and zoning ordinances
• Leadership skills, able to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong communication and mathematics skills
• Ability to coordinate workload of inspection project staff and train entry level staff
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project, Outlook)

Benefits

• Dynamic work environment with flexibility and opportunities for local and occasional travel
• Part of a team dedicated to strengthening transportation infrastructure—roads, bridges, railways, and more—across communities
• Opportunities to lead and engage in diverse fieldwork, tackle complex technical challenges, and solve problems hands-on

Pay

Salary Range: $37.50 - $50.00

Salary is based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training, and fair market evaluation based on industry standards.

Schedule

Flexible schedule to accommodate project needs and travel requirements.