District 8 - Highway Construction Inspector I, II, or III

About the role

Positions in this job family are responsible for overseeing the construction of highways, roads, and related structures, ensuring construction conforms with the construction contract documents, plans and specifications. This is a full-time, regular position with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, District 8, based in Tulsa, Claremore, or Sand Springs, Oklahoma. FLSA status: Non-Exempt.

Responsibilities

• Performs sampling and field testing of materials used during construction projects, ensuring compliance with ODOT testing guidelines.
• Submits accurate test records and samples to the residency lab.
• Maintains current records in the Construction Management System and updates system data.
• Inspects contractor’s work to ensure compliance with project plans and specifications.
• Communicates with stakeholders, such as businesses and landowners affected by the project.
• Maintains required documentation of project progress, including measurements, calculations, and documentation of all work events and conditions.
• Submits progressive estimates and time and diary reports.
• Operates agency-issued vehicles and other equipment safely.
• Conducts safety reviews.
• Resolves contract disputes and specification interpretation with contractors.
• Uses agency-provided software to accurately and completely document progress and required reports such as: Daily Work Reports (DWR), Diaries, Material Testing, Estimates.
• Trains new employees.

Level descriptions

Level I (Entry): Learns techniques and methodologies for performing highway construction inspections, materials sampling and testing under close to routine supervision. Supervisors and higher-level inspectors provide training and instruction.

Level II (Career): Independently performs highway construction inspections, materials sampling, and/or testing. May provide guidance to lower-level inspectors or consultants and includes coordinating and monitoring work performed by contractors or vendors.

Level III (Specialist): Serves as subject matter expert in highway construction inspection, materials sampling, and testing. Independently performs complex technical evaluations applying engineering principles, construction specifications, and material performance standards. Provides training and guidance to lower-level inspectors and consultants, coordinates and monitors work performed by contractors and vendors. May serve as project manager for large, complex transportation projects.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Level I: High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
• Level II: Associate’s degree in STEM education (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics), construction management, or a closely related field, and one (1) year of experience in a transportation-related field, OR two (2) years of experience in a transportation-related field.
• Level III: Associate’s degree in STEM education (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics), construction management, or a closely related field, and three (3) years of experience in a transportation-related field, OR five (5) years of experience in a transportation-related field.

Skills

Level I

• Knowledge of basic construction materials and their typical uses; occupational safety practices; basic mathematics, including basic geometry and algebra, used in routine job-related calculations.
• Ability to collect, maintain, and record field data; communicate effectively with internal staff, contractors, and other external partners in both oral and written form, including preparation of inspection reports and recommendations; use computer and standard office software.
• Physical demands: moderate to considerable handling of light or medium weight objects/materials and use of medium weight tools; climbing and working from ladders or in awkward positions.
• Environmental exposure: unfavorable to considerable exposure to weather, confined, noisy, or dirty locations as a regular part of the work day.
• Hazards: dangerous to considerable conditions which are unpredictable/uncertain and result in risk of personal injury.
• Sensory attention: considerable periods of concentration and focused sensory attention (seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching) of medium intensity and longer duration.

Level II

• Knowledge of construction materials and their properties; principles of soil mechanics; surveying techniques; local, state, and federal regulations, standards, and codes governing construction practices; modern road construction methodologies and technologies; occupational safety standards and hazard mitigation strategies; geometry and algebra as they relate to engineering computations; effectively using testing methods, analytical processes, and procedural protocols to ensure compliance and structural integrity; work zone traffic control.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints; collect data; work outdoors in various weather conditions; collaborate with contractors; operate computer equipment; establish effective working relationships; prepare clear and concise reports and recommendations.
• Physical demands, environmental exposure, hazards, and sensory attention requirements same as Level I.

Level III

• Knowledge of complex and evolving local, state, and federal construction codes, environmental regulations, and industry best practices; road and infrastructure construction techniques; geometry and algebra techniques; computer skills.
• Skill in analysis and application of construction materials, geotechnical engineering principles, and surveying methodologies; leading and executing complex testing protocols, accurately interpreting technical data, and formulating recommendations to ensure regulatory compliance, structural performance, and long-term sustainability.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints; collect data; collaborate with contractors; provide consultant services; establish effective working relationships; prepare clear and concise reports and recommendations; provide training and guidance; make independent decisions; perform business calculations and negotiate resolutions; communicate and express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Physical demands, environmental exposure, hazards, and sensory attention requirements same as Level I.

Benefits

• Annual benefit allowance up to $20,538.24 for employees and their dependents to enroll in benefits.
• Comprehensive insurance plans: multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options, including Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Retirement savings plans:
  • Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan (for employees who began State employment after November 1, 2015): employer matches 6% with employee contribution of 4.5%; employer matches 7% with employee contribution of 7% or above.
  • OPERS Defined Benefit Plan (for returning employees previously enrolled in OPERS).
• Annual & sick leave (PTO):
  • 15 days accrued annually during first 1–5 years of service.
  • 18 days accrued annually for 5–10 years of service.
  • 20 days accrued annually for 10–20 years of service.
  • 25 days accrued annually for over 20 years of service.
  • Sick leave: accrued at 15 days per year.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Longevity pay: annual payments to eligible State employees with a minimum of 2 years of State service.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): cooperative effort to help employees gain access to professional services for resolving personal problems.

Pay