Telecommunication Inspector

WSP is seeking a Telecommunication Inspector for our Las Vegas, NV office. Reno, NV will also be considered. This is a field position working at Greenfield and Brownfield locations, including existing energized substations or transmission right-of-ways in various remote locations. Work will be conducted within the state of Nevada and may require up to 100% travel.

About the Role

Provide telecommunications inspection support to engineers, project managers, and construction management teams to ensure compliance with project plans, specifications, contract documents, utility requirements, and applicable industry codes and standards. Responsibilities include performing field inspections on telecommunications systems associated with electric transmission and substation projects, such as fiber optic communication networks, OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) installations, ADSS cable systems, SCADA communications infrastructure, telecommunications equipment shelters, conduit and duct bank systems, and associated civil construction.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate workmanship, material quality, installation practices, commissioning activities, and construction progress to verify compliance with design requirements, safety regulations, and utility standards.
• Generate accurate, detailed, and timely documentation, including inspection reports, testing records, punch lists, and as-built verification.
• Collect, compile, and analyze data from construction sites, utility surveys, telecommunications design packages, fiber route drawings, communication schematics, relay and SCADA diagrams, technical specifications, as-built documentation, testing records, GIS data, and computer-generated reports.
• Utilize telecommunications testing equipment (e.g., OTDRs, fiber power meters, fusion splice verification tools) to inspect systems of moderate complexity, including OPGW, ADSS, fiber optic networks, conduit systems, duct banks, communication shelters, network equipment, grounding systems, and SCADA infrastructure.
• Apply utility and telecommunications industry standards to provide technical guidance on installation, testing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of transmission and substation communication systems.
• Serve as a technical consultant on construction progress, quality concerns, and field issue resolution; may act as the lead telecommunications inspector on assigned projects.
• Verify telecommunications design requirements, network capacity calculations, construction change orders, communication system configurations, and interpretation of construction drawings and specifications.
• Monitor project schedules, outage coordination, contractor performance, testing procedures, and construction work to ensure quality assurance, safety compliance, and adherence to contract requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, relay engineers, SCADA specialists, construction managers, utility representatives, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Attend pre-construction meetings, outage planning meetings, project coordination meetings, and contractor progress reviews to provide technical input.
• Assist in reviewing contractor pay quantities, field work documentation, and completed construction milestones for payment validation.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports, testing summaries, punch lists, field observations, and technical documentation using photographs, redline markups, sketches, calculations, software applications, and as-built drawings.
• Assist with risk identification, constructability reviews, troubleshooting, and issue resolution involving telecommunications infrastructure, SCADA networks, relay communications, and related utility construction activities.
• Support work planning, field activity coordination, outage scheduling, staffing reviews, equipment utilization assessments, and time/cost estimates.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to junior inspection personnel on utility telecommunications systems, fiber optic construction practices, quality standards, safety requirements, and testing procedures.
• Coordinate with utility clients, contractors, telecommunications vendors, relay and protection teams, and construction personnel to schedule inspections, testing activities, and commissioning events.
• Adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as required by business needs.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, equivalent diploma, or demonstrated proven equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 9 years of relevant post-education experience in discipline with prior construction inspection experience.
• Knowledge of telecommunication facilities and installations, including Microwave Radio (MW) sites, fiber sites, collector stations, and optical amplifier sites.
• Knowledge of construction activities for telecommunication sites, including surveying, grading, civil work, foundations, grounding, house installation, fencing, conduit, tower erection, dishes, antennas, waveguides, batteries, AC & DC station service, generators, transfer switches, and fiber optics.
• Experience working in and around energized facilities, including distribution circuits, transmission circuits, and high-voltage substations.
• Combination of experience with Microwave Radio Sites, Fiber Optic Sites, Optic Amplifier Sites, and Collector Substations is strongly preferred.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• Well-defined knowledge of construction inspection principles, field inspection practices, methods, and techniques.
• Familiarity with relevant construction codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, math principles, spreadsheets, photo documentation, and tools.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to apply technical knowledge to inspection and testing results, data collation, and load calculations.
• Ability to direct subcontractors and junior-level staff to complete tasks safely, efficiently, and accurately.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and adhering to WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol policies.
• Ability to work extended schedules (e.g., up to 12-hour days, 5–6 days a week) as required by project needs.
• Up to 100% travel may be required depending on project-specific needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a closely related discipline.
• 3+ years in a lead/supervisory role.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work up to 12-hour days, 5–6 days a week, if required by the project.
• Willingness to travel and stay for a minimum of 6 weeks at a time for a project.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day.
• Must be able to wear company-provided PPE for the entire shift while onsite.
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. or more at any given time throughout the day.
• Must be able to walk on average 3–5 miles per day across rough terrain and/or unlevel surfaces.
• Ability to step in and out of a 3/4-ton pickup truck several times a day.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, a global engineering and professional services firm. We design lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets. With over 15,000 employees in 300+ offices across the U.S., we partner with clients to help communities prosper. WSP offers a flexible and agile workplace model along with a comprehensive suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on health and financial stability.