Vertical Inspector (Perm/FT/Benefits)

Job Description Summary

Performs responsible technical and professional work overseeing construction projects to ensure compliance with contract documents, applicable codes, County standards, and accepted construction practices.

Serves as the County's on-site representative by inspecting construction activities, coordinating with contractors, architects, engineers, consultants, and County staff, and resolving construction-related issues throughout the life of a project.

Reviews plans and specifications, monitors project progress, evaluates change orders and payment requests, documents construction activities, conducts inspections, and assists with project closeout and warranty administration.

Work requires the exercise of sound professional judgment, effective communication, and the ability to interpret technical construction documents while ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with contract requirements.

Typical work hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 3:00pm, based on a 40 hour work week. However, certain projects may require evening, overnight, or weekend work in lieu of regular of daytime hours. Schedule adjustments will be determined on a project-by-project basis.

Salary Range

$43,381.00-$116,594.00

Essential Duties

• (The following examples illustrate the work performed of the positions in the class.
• Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the department.
• This list is not inclusive.
• A position may require duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the department.)

• Reviews and becomes thoroughly familiar with all contract documents, including plans, specifications, and project requirements, to ensure accurate interpretation and implementation.
• Represents the County during preconstruction conferences, progress meetings, and other project-related meetings, serving as the County's technical authority on assigned construction projects.
• Serves as the primary liaison between contractors, County departments, architects, engineers, consultants, and other project stakeholders to facilitate effective communication and project coordination.
• Inspects construction activities to evaluate compliance with contract documents, applicable codes, County standards, and accepted construction industry practices.
• Interprets plans, specifications, and contract documents to resolve technical questions and ensure the intent of the design is achieved.
• Identifies deficiencies or non-compliant work and communicates required corrective actions to contractors while monitoring completion of corrective measures.
• Documents project activities through detailed inspection reports, field notes, photographs, sketches, and other project records.
• Prepares, reviews, and signs correspondence related to construction activities, project issues, contract administration, and technical determinations.
• Maintains accurate project documentation and records using both electronic and manual recordkeeping systems.
• Reviews contractor requests for change orders; develops change order scopes of work, prepares cost estimates, negotiates pricing when appropriate, and prepares and authorizes change order documentation within delegated authority.
• Evaluates contractor payment applications, schedules of values, progress schedules, and supporting documentation; recommends approval or disapproval based on completed work and contract requirements.
• Conducts substantial completion, final acceptance, and warranty inspections; reviews project closeout documentation and recommends project acceptance.
• Coordinates warranty repairs and ensures deficiencies identified during the warranty period are corrected in accordance with contract requirements.
• Monitors project schedules, construction quality, safety practices, and overall progress to identify potential issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborates with project managers, design professionals, utility companies, regulatory agencies, and County staff to resolve construction-related issues and minimize project delays.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Years of Experience

Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in construction, construction inspection, construction supervision, or construction management associated with vertical construction (buildings) projects. Commercial construction experience is highly preferred

Years of Supervisory Experience: None

Education

• Possession of a high school or vocational-technical school diploma or a GED Certificate
• Additional education may be substituted for the required experience as described on a year for year basis.

Certifications, Licensures, and Examinations

Possession of a valid Class "C" non-commercial driver's license with no more than three (3) points. Be advised this position requires a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, materials, and quality standards used in commercial, institutional, and public construction projects across multiple construction disciplines.
• Working knowledge of construction contract administration, including general contract requirements, project documentation, change orders, payment applications, schedules of values, and project closeout procedures.
• Knowledge of construction methods and materials related to site work, concrete, masonry, structural and miscellaneous metals, wood and plastics, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, finishes, specialties, equipment, furnishings, mechanical systems, and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of applicable building codes, construction standards, safety regulations, and accepted industry practices.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply construction plans, specifications, drawings, technical manuals, and contract documents while identifying deviations from approved plans and specifications.
• Ability to perform detailed field inspections, evaluate workmanship and materials, identify deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions.
• Ability to analyze construction issues, exercise sound professional judgment, and make consistent, objective inspection decisions.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with contractors, architects, engineers, County staff, and the public.
• Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports, correspondence, inspection records, field sketches, photographs, and other project documentation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, consultants, design professionals, County officials, and fellow employees while exercising firmness, tact, and impartiality.
• Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and other software used for project management, inspection reporting, document management, and recordkeeping, with the ability to quickly learn new software applications.
• Ability to organize multiple projects, prioritize competing assignments, and meet established deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to safely operate a County vehicle while traveling between project sites.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while conducting field inspections.
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs and traverse uneven terrain, excavations, and active construction sites.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and work in confined spaces as necessary to perform inspections.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and around construction equipment and noise.
• Ability to lift and carry inspection equipment, plans, and materials consistent with the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to visually inspect construction work, distinguish colors used in utility markings and construction documents, and hear conversations and warning signals in active construction environments.

Safety

Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manual as required for this position.

Compensation

Other compensation may include but is not limited to

• Overtime
• Compensatory time
• Shift Differentials

Benefits

Harford County offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental & Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation
• Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• Generous Leave Package & Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement