Construction Inspector

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Construction Inspector (CI) is a professional on Vanderbilt University’s Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) team within the Facilities Department. The CI provides field-based engineering support for multiple simultaneous construction contracts between the university and private contractors. Projects may include new construction, renovation, demolition, environmental remediation, equipment installation, and energy work, with individual project costs ranging from $25,000 to $500 million. The CI independently performs most construction management tasks, referring difficult or unusual matters—such as deviations, controversial situations, policy changes, contractual cost or schedule impacts, or unusual circumstances—to the project Construction Management Engineer (CME) or Facilities Construction Director. The CI provides leadership, coordination, and collaboration with the CME on assigned projects, and coordinates construction activities to complete renovation and new construction work in an organized manner with minimal disruption to campus and building occupants. The role requires working with minimal direction as well as within a team environment. PDC supports university faculty, staff, and students on construction and renovation projects. It plans, executes, and evaluates projects; coordinates design, bidding, and project management; works with university stakeholders; and represents the university in dealings with outside vendors, dealers, and contractors. The Facilities Department has an annual operating budget exceeding $100 million and more than 500 employees. It manages approximately $300 million in major capital project expenditures and approximately $20 million in facility renewal, replacement, and large maintenance projects annually. This position has no supervisory responsibilities and reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Construction. Campus walking and monitoring assigned projects are expected. The position’s physical demands include walking, standing, bending, stooping, climbing, working at heights, and crawling into tight spaces for extended periods.

Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant experience.
Proven background in project or construction inspection and on-site management.
Demonstrated quality-management skills on construction-related projects.
Ability to provide solutions in a high-volume environment and remain calm and objective in stressful or difficult situations.
Knowledge of the facilities, design, and construction industry.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, stoop, climb, work at heights, and crawl into tight spaces for long periods.

Nice To Haves

At least 10 years of relevant experience is strongly preferred.
Experience in a higher-education institutional setting is preferred.
Construction Manager certification (CCM) is preferred.
A bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited institution is preferred.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, eBuilder Project Management, AutoCAD 2018, and Adobe Acrobat Suite is recommended.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, verbal communication, and written communication skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and assure contractors’ quality-control efforts and coordinate the construction quality management program for assigned projects.
Evaluate and assure that daily on-site contractor production complies with project plans and specifications.
Evaluate and assure that contractors’ safety programs adhere to contract requirements.
Apply technical knowledge and sound judgment to help resolve field issues, problems, and conflicts.
Support the Construction Management Engineer and Project Manager in administering construction contracts within VU Planning, Design & Construction.
Walk the campus and monitor assigned construction projects.
Clearly and concisely communicate construction-related impacts, including operational impacts, access changes, and road closures, to university constituents, consultants, and stakeholders in written and verbal formats.
Coordinate activities and impacts with the GIS Manager and Mobility Office to ensure maps and related materials are updated.
Assist the Project Manager and Construction Management Engineer with presentations to the Facility Review Committee seeking approval for construction-related impacts.
Coordinate site access and impacts for external services such as topographical surveys, abatement surveys, and underground utility locating and coordination.
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders on blasting, crane and drone requests, road closures, hot-work and burn permits, traffic control, utility outages, card access, parking, keying, banners, and signage.
Develop and foster positive working relationships with Metro Codes, Zoning, the Fire Marshal, and other government agencies.
Develop and foster positive working relationships with Vanderbilt contractors, vendors, and construction managers.
Participate in construction-site safety walks and help communicate issues and challenges to construction superintendents.
Ensure quality control and contract conformance during construction.
Coordinate operations start-up and acceptance.