Chief Inspector – Railroad & Electrical Infrastructure

Responsibilities

• Inspect and approve contractor sitework, traction power and electrical installations, structural components, underground utilities, grounding and bonding systems, and related infrastructure to ensure conformance with contract documents and established quality standards; identify nonconforming work and ensure timely corrective action.
• Oversee construction activities occurring within railroad right-of-way, ensuring compliance with railroad safety protocols, flagging requirements, outage coordination procedures, and approved work windows.
• Prepare detailed Daily Work Reports (DWRs) documenting construction activities, workforce, equipment, deliveries, inspections, testing, safety observations, and significant project events.
• Perform field measurements and assessments of completed work; calculate and verify contractor pay quantities including concrete foundations, duct banks, grounding systems, structural elements, and installed electrical equipment.
• Collaborate with the Resident Engineer in resolving field issues, addressing substandard or nonconforming work, evaluating extra work requests, and supporting negotiation of change orders.
• Analyze and evaluate constructability challenges associated with rail operations, electrical installations, and confined work areas; provide practical and technically sound solutions to maintain schedule and compliance.
• Review, verify, and recommend approval of contractor submittals, shop drawings, electrical schematics, protection and control diagrams, materials, and installation methods to ensure compliance with contract documents and applicable codes.
• Witness and document required inspections, material testing, electrical testing, grounding resistance testing, protective relay testing, battery system testing, SCADA integration testing, and system commissioning activities.
• Prepare engineering and administrative reports with technical accuracy and clarity.
• Provide supervision, oversight, and technical guidance to junior inspectors and field technicians to ensure proper coverage, documentation, and quality control.
• Participate in progress meetings, safety briefings, and coordination meetings with CTDOT staff, railroad representatives, contractors, utility providers, and other stakeholders; prepare meeting summaries and track action items as required.
• Collaborate with public officials, property owners, and business representatives, when required, to address construction-related concerns and minimize community impacts.
• Monitor Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (M&PT) operations to ensure compliance with approved traffic control plans and protection of workers and the traveling public.
• Monitor contractor compliance with environmental permits, erosion and sedimentation control measures, safety plans, Affirmative Action (AA), and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices utilized on complex railroad and traction power construction projects, including work associated with high-voltage substations, arc-resistant switchgear, protective relay systems, SCADA/RTU integration, DC battery systems, underground concrete-encased duct banks, grounding and bonding systems, structural foundations, drainage systems, and construction within active rail right-of-way environments.
• Significant technical skill in the preparation of engineering and administrative reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills; effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations for quantity verification and pay estimates.
• Ability to interpret and enforce contract plans, specifications, shop drawings, electrical schematics, and testing/commissioning procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret civil, structural, and electrical construction drawings.
• Experience preparing detailed inspection reports and verifying pay quantities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience as a Chief Inspector on CTDOT or other public-sector rail infrastructure projects.
• Experience with commuter or intercity railroad projects, traction power systems, substations, underground utilities, duct banks, and electrical system commissioning.
• Familiarity with CTDOT Rail standards, commuter rail operating procedures, FRA regulations, and NEC/NFPA requirements.
• Relevant certifications such as: ACI Certification, NETTCP ConcreteNETTCP Soils & Aggregate, ATSSA Traffic Control Technician, OSHA 10- or 30-Hour Construction Safety.
• Experience with digital construction management systems (e.g., AASHTOWare, COMPASS, or similar).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and off-hours during scheduled rail outages or critical operations.

Physical & Working Conditions

• Ability to work year-round in active construction and railroad environments.
• Ability to safely traverse uneven terrain, access substation structures, climb ladders, and observe elevated electrical equipment.
• Exposure to active rail operations, heavy equipment, and high-voltage electrical systems.
• Combination of field and office work under varied weather and site conditions.