Construction Inspector (Ft. Myers)

Peoples Gas is the fastest growing natural gas utility in the Southeast, fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace where safety, innovation, and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.

About the role

The Construction Inspector will oversee, monitor, and inspect pipeline construction activities to ensure compliance with design, drawings, specifications, regulations, and industry practices in a safe, efficient, and environmentally sound manner. This role delivers quality assurance of all construction activities, serving as the principal means of assuring work and material quality during construction projects. You will work with limited supervisory involvement and exercise independent decision-making while adhering to safety guidelines, PGS Construction Standards, and industry practices.

Responsibilities

• Project Planning/Oversight:
  • Provide field oversight for contractor crews performing meter and job activities related to the construction and installation of new or replacement natural gas services and mains.
  • Determine appropriate resource requirements (labor, materials, equipment) and make responsible decisions in the field.
  • Schedule crews, coordinate material orders and deliveries, and perform project cost planning and control.
  • Attend local municipality/county pre- and post-construction meetings to coordinate jobs and review progress reports.
  • Validate contract terms, ensure timely invoice processing, and verify contractor as-built drawings, GPS information, and completed installations.
• Construction Inspection/Quality Assurance:
  • Inspect distribution construction activities on PE and steel installations to ensure compliance with design and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure project permitting requirements, FPSC, and environmental regulations are met.
  • Monitor job performance, make sound judgments on quality and safety, and stop construction if necessary.
  • Document and report inspection findings and construction activities per PGS Construction Standards and industry practices.
  • Identify problems, recommend solutions, and implement approved changes.
  • Verify contractor employees’ Operator Qualification records, including current plastic fusion and/or welding certifications.
  • Perform and record job site safety inspections.
• Miscellaneous:
  • Perform additional assignments as needed, respond to minor issues, and escalate major matters to management.
• Incident Response:
  • Fulfill assigned roles and responsibilities during incidents such as major storms, gas leaks, equipment failures, or other emergencies impacting public safety or service continuity.
  • Participate in training, mock drills, or exercises simulating emergency scenarios.

Requirements

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• 3 years of direct work experience in a field operations leadership role (e.g., Senior Utility Tech or Utility Coordinator) with responsibility for installing natural gas distribution service lines and main piping.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in oral and written communications, complex map reading, mathematical calculations, and report preparation.
• Good judgment to assess and recommend solutions in day-to-day activities and emergency situations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of natural gas distribution practices, including:
  • CFR Part 49, Section 192.461 (External Corrosion Control: Protective Coating).
  • R-65/F1 Pipe Coating qualification requirements and field application process.
  • OSHA 29 CFR, Part 1926, Subpart P – Excavations (Trench Safety).
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(G)(1) – Confined Space Entry.
  • Plastic pipe fusion processes (Butt Fusion, Socket Fusion, Saddle Fusion, Electro-Fusion).
  • Proper trenching and backfilling practices.
  • Trenchless technologies (boring, jacking, directional drilling).
  • Tapping and stopping operations.
• Within 6 months of hire, must acquire knowledge of:
  • Municipal, county, and local codes.
  • Company Construction Standards and DIMP requirements.
  • Company meter set/turn-on policies and procedures.
  • Mueller E-5, D-5, C1-36, and related tapping/stopping equipment.
  • Welding standards (CFR Title 49 Part 192, API Standard 1104, FPSC Rules FAC Chapter 25-12).
  • Electronic Holiday Detection Equipment.
  • GPS data gathering equipment.

Qualifications

What will give you a competitive edge:

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited college/university in a relevant field (e.g., Construction Management).
• 7 years of direct work experience as described in the requirements.
• At least 1 year of experience inspecting pipeline welders or pipeline welder experience using API Standard 1104 Guidelines.

Work Environment

• Perform indoor and outdoor work activities with exposure to inclement weather, heat, humidity, dust, and asphalt.
• Regularly work near moving mechanical parts; noise levels may be extreme at job sites.
• Varied schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary.
• Extended travel may be required when assisting other divisions.

Physical Demands

• Drive a vehicle to multiple geographic areas throughout Florida.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ascend/descend ladders, stairs, and narrow or slippery surfaces.
• Maintain balance while walking, standing, or crouching.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely and independently enter/exit it.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and perform repetitive motions with arms, hands, and fingers.
• Pull, push, lift, and carry objects weighing up to 35 lbs.
• Vision correctable to 20/40.
• Hearing loss no greater than 40 decibels in the better ear at frequencies of 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz (with or without a hearing aid).
• Ability to smell gas odorant in normal concentrations.
• Work outside for extended periods.

Team Collaboration

• Interact with Construction Supervisor, Design and Construction Manager, Division Manager, engineering staff, warehouse staff, and other company representatives.
• Collaborate with contractors, customers, vendors, government regulators, other utility representatives, and municipality personnel.

Benefits

• Performance Bonus: Annual incentive bonus recognizing hard work.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement Planning: 401k Retirement Savings Plan and comprehensive Pension plan.
• Ownership Opportunities: Employee Common Share Purchase Plan.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), paid company holidays, and paid Parental Leave.
• Mental, financial, and physical wellness resources.
• Growth and Development: Tuition reimbursement and training opportunities.