Construction Inspector

About the role

DLZ Corporation is seeking Construction Inspectors to support the City of Detroit Water and Sewer Department. The role involves full-time field inspection, construction documentation, quantity verification, materials testing coordination, restoration monitoring, and public-safety observation on water and sewer infrastructure improvements throughout Detroit, Michigan.

Responsibilities

• Provide full-time construction inspection for sewer service lateral replacement, gravity sewer repair, watermain and utility work, excavation, trench backfill, pavement and sidewalk restoration, concrete work, asphalt paving, and related municipal infrastructure.
• Review and interpret plans, specifications, sketches, construction schedules, and approved work requirements.
• Observe excavation, trench protection, access and egress, dewatering, utility conflicts, barricading, traffic control, and public protection measures, and promptly report concerns.
• Prepare complete Daily Inspection Reports using DWSD-approved project management software, including e-Builder, Cityworks, Collector Apps, or other assigned systems.
• Document daily contractor activities, labor, equipment, weather, quantities, materials, photographs, progress, delays, and field issues.
• Verify construction materials, pipe installation, connections, dimensions, alignment, grades, backfill, compaction, concrete, asphalt, and restoration for compliance with plans and specifications.
• Coordinate field and laboratory materials testing, including density, concrete, asphalt, and other required testing, and document failed tests and corrective actions.
• Monitor contractor progress against approved schedules and support quantity verification, payment estimates, punch lists, and closeout records.
• Coordinate professionally with contractors, residents, utility representatives, suppliers, City staff, and other project stakeholders.
• Document resident access concerns, service interruptions, property impacts, restoration status, complaints, and resolution actions, and escalate unresolved issues.
• Assist with Requests for Information, change documentation, final inspections, redline records, photographs, test reports, and project closeout files.
• Perform all work safely and responsibly in accordance with DLZ policies, project requirements, and applicable health and safety plans.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree, technical coursework, or construction-related training preferred.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of construction inspection experience on municipal infrastructure, watermain, sanitary or storm sewer, utility, roadway, concrete, asphalt, excavation, backfill, or restoration projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, details, schedules, and field sketches.
• Experience preparing daily inspection reports, field measurements, quantity records, photographs, and construction documentation.
• Working knowledge of excavation, trench safety, underground utilities, pipe installation, backfill and compaction, concrete, asphalt, and site restoration.
• MDOT construction materials testing certifications or credentials for concrete and density are preferred. Candidates must be willing and able to obtain project-required credentials.
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety training and MISS DIG 811 damage-prevention training are preferred. Candidates must be willing to complete required project and safety training before field assignment.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to use a laptop or tablet, email, Microsoft Office, and web-based project management or inspection applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently while coordinating with a field team.
• Ability to work outdoors in active construction environments, travel between multiple project sites, and work overtime, weekends, or adjusted shifts when required by construction activities.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to use a personal vehicle for job-related travel, as needed.
• Ability to meet project PPE and physical field requirements.

Preferred Project Experience

• City of Detroit, DWSD, MDOT, or other Michigan municipal construction projects.
• Sewer service lateral replacement, open-cut sewer repair, water distribution, deep excavation, utility conflict coordination, and neighborhood restoration.
• Daily reporting in e