Seal Coat Specialist IV or V (Construction Inspector) - Houston District Headquarters

This position serves as the primary technical/engineering resource lead and subject matter expert for seal coats, overseeing the District Seal Coat Program, including both contracted and in-house operations. Frequent visits to job sites and maintenance offices for training, planning, and inspections are required.

About the role

Oversees inspection of construction methods and workmanship to ensure contractors build roadways, bridges, traffic signals, airports, and related structures in accordance with plans and specifications. Acts as a consultant regarding work progress and problem resolution. Provides statewide technical assistance and training in support of implementation, oversight, and review of Site Manager activities. Trains others and may lead the work of professional and technical employees. Responsible to a licensed professional engineer who has full authority for final approval of all engineering-related work. May perform material tests and manufacturing process inspections at fabrication sites. Work requires contact with other governmental agencies and private entities, including contractors. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.

Responsibilities

• Performs engineering-related planning, design, data collection, inspections, assessments, analysis, and review activities for plan development.
• Trains and makes training-related recommendations to staff on new operations.
• Analyzes procedures to identify deficiencies and recommends improvements to management.
• Attends pre-construction meetings and answers questions from contractors and other attendees.
• Ensures adequate levels of equipment and materials are assigned to projects; ensures material tests are performed and materials meet required standards.
• May assist in planning and coordinating office operations.
• May serve as a lead worker or project leader.
• Documents work progress and issues arising throughout the scope of the project.
• Mentors and develops technical employees in test and inspection procedures and material specifications.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license (position requires driving a state vehicle).
• Extensive knowledge of applicable plans, specifications, and estimates preparation, review, processing, and compliance requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of applicable inspection methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of applicable testing methods, processes, and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of traffic management and control procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of persuasion and negotiation of critical issues.
• Considerable knowledge of overseeing and coordinating projects and program activities.
• Proficient skill in training in a classroom, office, or field environment.
• Proficient skill in coordinating labor, materials, and equipment.
• Proficient skill in instructing others.
• Proficient skill in maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others.
• For Seal Coat Specialist V: Considerable knowledge of leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent in general high school studies.
• Seal Coat Specialist IV: 3 years of experience in construction, construction inspection, engineering support, maintenance and repairs, materials or process inspection, or transportation engineering support-related experience. Related college education or relevant technical training may substitute for experience on a year-per-year basis.
• Seal Coat Specialist V: 4 years of experience in construction, construction inspection, engineering support, maintenance and repairs, materials or process inspection, or transportation engineering support-related experience. Related college education or relevant technical training may substitute for experience on a year-per-year basis.

Working Conditions

• Subject to environmental conditions; protection from weather but not temperature changes.
• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Subject to hazards: moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals.
• Required to wear protective gear: respirator, hard hat, or other devices.
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.
• Standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words.
• Close visual acuity: work includes data/figures, viewing a computer screen, and extensive reading.
• Visual acuity: determine work quality/make general observations of facilities/structures.

This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical. Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.

Benefits

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites.

For a complete list of the total compensation package, visit the TxDOT website. To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees, visit Benefits at a Glance.

Schedule

Full-time, regular employee status.