Project Inspector

State of Indiana•Crawfordsville, IN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Project Inspector serves as INDOT’s primary on-site observer for construction projects, supporting construction inspection, testing, and documentation. The role may also support winter operations, including snow and ice removal. Work may involve construction, testing, bridge maintenance, or geotechnical services depending on assignment. The position is with INDOT’s Crawfordsville District, and workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function. Candidates who have not completed INDOT’s Certified Technician Program may start as a Highway Technician 2 and complete the program during employment, with eventual promotion to Highway Technician 1. Candidates with the program completed may start as a Highway Technician 1. A degree is not required; a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant applied knowledge may be considered. The traditional starting rate is $24.26 per hour, potentially adjusted based on education and work experience. Construction candidates without INDOT Construction Certification may start at $22.00 per hour and become eligible for increases as they pass annual exams and gain experience. The posting also describes minimum salaries of $47,320 for Highway Technician 1 and $42,900 for Highway Technician 2. Candidates with a current CDL and district-required endorsements, or who obtain them within 90 days, earn an additional $1 per hour; onsite CDL training is provided. The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, vision, and dental plans; wellness rewards; a health savings account with state contributions; deferred compensation with employer match; pension options; paid leave and holidays; education reimbursement; life insurance; referral bonuses; employee assistance; public service loan forgiveness eligibility; free parking for most positions; and LinkedIn Learning access.

Requirements

Possess a valid Class A or Class B CDL, or obtain one within the first 90 days of employment.
Pass and submit to a drug test as a condition of employment.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local highway guidelines, laws, regulations, principles, and practices related to construction inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair.
Knowledge of drafting and surveying techniques.
Ability to independently lead and coordinate the work of a crew in the field.
Ability to read, interpret, and follow technical documents.
Ability to endure exposure to inclement weather.
Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform physical activities including lifting, dragging, stooping, standing, and walking for long periods.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
For testing assignments, ability to read, interpret, and follow AASHTO, ASTM, INDOT specifications, and Indiana Test Methods, and pass the INDOT Certified Testing Technician program.
For construction assignments, ability to pass the INDOT Certified Inspector program.
For geotechnical assignments, pass the office’s Classification & Atterberg, Electrochemical, Strength & Proctor, and Resilient Modulus proficiency exams.
A degree is not required; a high school diploma or high school equivalent and relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Completion of INDOT’s Certified Technician Program, enabling a start as a Highway Technician 1.
A current CDL and endorsements required by the district.
Relevant education or work experience that may support a higher starting rate.

Responsibilities

Comply with INDOT safety policies and procedures.
Operate basic highway maintenance and traffic equipment to maintain, repair, and clean highways and rights-of-way.
Ensure staff complete assigned work and report problems to supervisors, when assigned.
Communicate with contractors to ensure procedures comply with INDOT standards and specifications.
Perform winter operations, including snow and ice removal.
Inspect and perform routine equipment maintenance, including minor repairs, preventive maintenance, refueling, and pre-trip inspections.
Maintain, repair, and install traffic signs, route markers, and pavement markings.
Perform emergency response activities, including cleanup, traffic control, lane closures, placement of signs, and erection of barricades.
For construction assignments, assist the project supervisor or engineer with construction inspection and ensure tests, measurements, inspections, and records are completed in a timely manner.
For testing assignments, collect and test construction materials, visit producer plants, construction sites, or INDOT facilities to obtain samples, and calculate and record results in INDOT’s reporting system.
For bridge maintenance assignments, provide crews with technical expertise, oversight, and specialized equipment, and operate highway and bridge maintenance equipment.
For geotechnical assignments, maintain qualifications for required soil tests, operate and maintain laboratory equipment, and conduct testing on soil and rock samples.
Perform facility maintenance, such as repairing and installing brine-making and storage systems, as assigned.
Perform other duties, responsibilities, and activities as assigned.