Inspector I (Field Engineering)

City of Detroit•Michigan, MI

22h

About The Position

The Inspector I executes and monitors contractor construction services for major and smaller projects that improve and expand the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department system. The role reviews construction plans and specifications, oversees quality control and materials testing, tracks progress and contract payments, supports engineers in addressing defective work and design issues, and ensures construction-site safety. The Inspector prepares project records and reports, attends construction meetings, provides on-the-job training, and may coordinate contractor training and equipment commissioning. Work takes place at plants and in field environments, including exposure to varied weather, open water, dust, hazardous chemicals, confined spaces, and wet or slippery conditions. The position requires irregular hours and travel to DWSD facilities and worksites, potentially by day or night. A valid Michigan driver’s license is required; employees may be required to provide their own vehicle for reimbursed work travel. The position is not a Civil Service position. DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates and cannot sponsor employment visas.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid Michigan driver’s license and ability to drive a motor vehicle on all terrain.
Ability to read and interpret contract drawings, specifications, schematics, plans, blueprints, and sketches.
Knowledge of water distribution and wastewater collection processes, equipment, and systems; green stormwater infrastructure; engineering and construction management; construction specifications, standards, and materials-testing requirements; applicable safety regulations and codes, including OSHA and MIOSHA; and basic Geographic Information Systems.
Skill in conducting and recording precise observations; preparing clear and accurate reports; using survey instruments, tools, other equipment, and advanced technology; and communicating and working effectively with others.
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance; follow verbal and written instructions; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish effective working relationships; work as a team member or direct team activities; communicate with team members and other department units; and develop proficiency in unit-specific operations and software.
Ability to provide training and evaluation as a subject matter expert on technical topics and to use appropriate security and safety equipment and procedures.
Ability to work irregular hours and commute to DWSD facilities and worksites during the day or night.
Ability to perform physically demanding work, including climbing, bending, twisting, kneeling, carrying, stacking, striking, pushing, and pulling; lift at least 50 pounds; and walk, stand, or work for long periods.
Ability to demonstrate normal color perception, hear audible alarms, detect abnormal equipment sounds, and visually inspect equipment and processes.
Ability to perform scaffold, confined-space, elevated, and underground work, and to work near open water, dust, hazardous chemicals, and wet or slippery conditions.
Must pass a biomechanical physical and vision test and yearly baseline physical and respirator/SCBA fit test.
Employees are required to wear respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment when required.
May be required to provide a personal vehicle for transportation on a reimbursed-mileage basis.

Nice To Haves

EPA Asbestos Abatement Supervisor Certification.
EPA Lead Abatement Certification.
MIOSHA Confined Space Certification.
MDEQ Soil Erosion and Soil Control Certification.
40-hour HAZWOPER certification or safety training.

Responsibilities

Review and interpret plans, blueprints, sketches, schematics, contract drawings, and specifications; identify and report factors or issues that may affect construction projects.
Inspect construction materials, supplies, and equipment and ensure required field or laboratory testing is performed to maintain quality-control standards.
Review material test certifications and documentation, operation and maintenance manuals, and contractor work-plan schedule updates.
Prepare daily and weekly activity logs, construction-accounting reports, historical reports, and other specialized reports.
Monitor work schedules and project progress and prepare estimates for contract payments; process contractor pay applications.
Attend construction meetings and participate in final inspections before contract closeout and issuance of completion certification.
Verify and report to the engineer work that deviates from detailed specifications or contract drawings.
Advise and assist the engineer in refining requests and securing corrections to defective work, design errors, and omissions to avoid non-compliance reports.
Enforce construction-site safety regulations and follow applicable security and safety policies and procedures.
Use safety equipment and personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection when required.
Provide on-the-job training and evaluate trainees on technical topics.
Coordinate contractor-scheduled training classes and equipment commissioning.
Compile, maintain, and store records, drawings, and plans for assigned construction projects.
Coordinate warranty repairs as requested and take photographs at construction sites.
Report MISS DIG; issue urban and suburban permits and equipment-shutdown requests; and oversee leak repair and restoration.
Perform related work duties as assigned.