Construction Observer - Transportation

Tighe & Bond • Shelton, CT

48d • $73,450 - $114,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are committed to making a meaningful impact through our work. As a Construction Observer, you will join our Transportation team in our Shelton, CT office, where you’ll play a key role in delivering vital infrastructure projects across the Northeast. Working with industry experts, you’ll tackle complex challenges that strengthen community resilience and advance environmental sustainability. At Tighe & Bond, you’ll find an engaging, hybrid work environment, a culture of collaboration, and the resources to support your professional growth and development. Our transportation team is more than just a group of engineers—we’re problem solvers, innovators, and creators of safe, efficient infrastructure. With nearly 50 professionals, we work on projects that shape the future of transportation across the Northeast, collaborating with state DOTs, municipalities, and private clients to make travel safer and more accessible. Whether it’s designing roads, bridges, or multimodal systems, we ensure our designs are sustainable, cost-effective, and forward-thinking. Tighe & Bond is seeking a seasoned and highly capable Construction Observer to serve as a senior field representative for a wide range of transportation construction projects, including roadway reconstruction, bridge rehabilitation and replacement, intersection improvements, and multimodal infrastructure. This individual will take a lead role in field oversight, quality assurance, construction reporting and documentation and coordination with stakeholders to ensure project success. The project will begin in March 2026.

Requirements

• NICET Level II, III or IV certification in Transportation/Highway Construction or Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field required
• 7+ years of construction observation or inspection experience, specifically in transportation, roadway, or bridge projects desired
• Strong understanding of DOT standards and federal aid requirements
• Demonstrated ability to manage field operations, resolve conflicts, communicate efficiently and maintain effective contractor relationships
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and construction management platforms
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification required
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to access project sites

Nice To Haves

• Experience with public bidding, prevailing wage compliance, and municipal/state construction contracts
• Familiarity with ADA, MUTCD, and stormwater BMP compliance in transportation projects
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills in field environments
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering plans, specifications, and standards in real-time decision-making

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary on-site construction observer for complex and high-value transportation projects, ensuring contractor compliance with project documents, specifications, and DOT standards
• Oversee and coordinate materials testing (e.g., asphalt compaction, concrete placement, soil density) , construction methods, and workmanship to maintain quality and regulatory compliance
• Generate detailed daily inspection reports, maintain photo logs, track pay quantities, and verify field measurements to support contractor payment applications
• Serve as the field point of contact for municipal clients, state agencies (e.g., MassDOT, ConnDOT, RIDOT, and NYSDOT), consultants, and contractors. Participate in and lead construction meetings
• Guide junior observers and field inspectors, promote consistency in documentation, and uphold project safety and quality standards
• Review RFIs, change orders, shop drawings, and as-built drawings in coordination with the design team. Assist in evaluating contractor claims or requests for time extensions
• Monitor and enforce compliance with OSHA safety practices, traffic control protocols, and environmental permitting requirements

Benefits

• We provide a structured career path with opportunities for professional development through tuition reimbursement, internal training, conference attendance, and professional memberships.
• Mentorship from more experienced staff is integral to our culture and part of our commitment to your growth.
• We prioritize the well-being of our employees, communities, and environment.
• We foster a flexible, inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees