Logo
State of Minnesota

Construction Inspector

State of Minnesota, Mendota Heights, Minnesota, United States

Save Job

Construction Inspector - Transportation Generalist Senior or Transportation Generalist

The Minnesota Department of Transportation employs people of all backgrounds and skill levels to connect members of our communities through a safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation system. We offer many employment opportunities in a wide variety of career fields that support our work. We are committed to giving our employees the tools and resources needed to grow and advance their careers. To help our workforce thrive, we offer our employees excellent training opportunities and recognize the benefits of cultivating a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace culture that builds on the perspectives and strengths of all employees. You will be surrounded by a diverse community of colleagues, driven by their work and motivated by the greater good. You will understand the impact of the work you do and see the benefits you provide to Minnesotans and all people using our transportation system such as state highways, railways, and airports.

We hope you will join us to find your purpose in state service!

Working Title: Construction Inspector Job Class: Transportation Generalist Senior OR Transportation Generalist Agency: Transportation Dept

Job ID : 91135

Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

Who May Apply : Open to all qualified candidates

Date Posted : 12/31/2025

Closing Date : 01/20/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Transportation Dept / DOT-Metro-Central Off-AFSCME

Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

Days of Work : Monday - Friday

Travel Required : No

Transportation Generalist Senior Salary Range : $26.67 - $34.49 / hourly; $55,687 - $72,015 / annually

Transportation Generalist Salary Range : $24.76 - $31.06 / hourly; $51,699 - $64,853 / annually

Classified Status : Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME OR 202 - Service Maintenance

The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary **The Minnesota Department of Transportation does not sponsor applicants for work visas or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment.

Note: This posting represents one multi-level job posting in the Mendota Resident Office. If the position is not filled by qualified applicants at the Transportation Generalist Senior level, it may be filled at the Transportation Generalist level. Candidates who apply will be considered for all vacancies for which you qualify.

Examples of work for this specific vacancy include but are not limited to:

Assists the Chief Inspector on a significant portion of complex projects by completing complex inspection activities to ensure successful completion of projects.

Serves as the Chief Inspector on less complex construction projects to ensure successful completion of projects.

Performs and/or directs frequent/routine field testing of construction materials (for example. grading and base, bituminous, and concrete), analyzes test results, and verifies material quality and determines if construction materials meet MnDOT specifications.

Performs construction inspections and verifies the dimensions and tolerances of constructed roadway features to ensure conformance to plans and specifications.

Performs required complex inspection activities of grading and base or bridge projects, and bituminous and concrete paving operations to ensure successful completion of projects.

Reports known deficiencies to Chief Inspector and verifies corrections of known deficiencies to ensure the project complies with project documents.

Performs routine documentation to record location, quantity and quality of contract work and also completes required reports and administrative documentation (such as pay items, force account summaries, test reports, usage reports, etc.) within MnDOT requirements from letting to finalization to ensure records of work and materials used are accurate and timely.

Applies enforcement procedures to the contract for less complex construction projects or recommends the application of enforcement procedures to the Chief Inspector when working on the most complex projects to ensure successful completion of projects.

Monitors contractor and traffic control safety practices, ensures personal safety is protected, and ensures the project is completed using applicable safety practices, rules and programs.

Provides work direction to assistant inspectors and/or student workers in gaining required technical skills through MnDOT’s technical certification program.

Measures, computes, documents and enters pay items into AASHTOWARE and determines amount of payment to contractor.

Interprets plans and specifications to ensure contractor compliance.

Assists with final reviews on construction projects to ensure contractors have the appropriate certification.

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Exam Part 1:

The level of experience to perform this job at the TRANSPORTATION GENERALIST SENIOR level can be achieved with:

Two years of experience performing contract administration (roadway and/or bridge construction) activities or related activities.

AND

Aggregate Production Tester, Grading and Base Tester, Concrete Field Tester and Bituminous Street Inspector Certifications.

Ability to obtain the following technical certifications within twelve months of hire: Concrete Field Inspector, Grading and Base Inspector, Signal and Lighting and Erosion Control Construction Installer.

Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in‑person or via two‑way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.

A combination of one year of experience in any of the following areas: bridge maintenance, bridge safety inspection, contract administration (roadway and/or bridge construction), design, hydraulics, materials, soils, permits planning, predesign, right of way, road surface/roadside maintenance, signs, surveys, snow/ice, and/or traffic engineering).

OR

A two‑year Civil Technology Degree or equivalent may substitute for one year of experience performing contract administration (roadway/and/or bridge construction) activities. In order for education coursework to be considered in lieu of work experience you must submit a copy of your transcripts.

Exam Part 1 Licenses:

Exam Part 2:

Receipt of a passing score of Level 5 or higher on the math portion of the computerized test and Level 5 or higher on the computerized reading test. [The job offer is contingent on passing a basic math and reading test.] Applicants meeting Exam Part 1 will be contacted to test and may select a test site based on their geographic availability.

IF THIS POSITION IS NOT FILLED AT TRANSPORTATION GENERALIST SENIOR LEVEL, IT MAY BE FILLED AT THE TRANSPORTATION GENERALIST LEVEL BY UTILIZING THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS.

The level of experience to perform this job at the TRANSPORTATION GENERALIST level can be achieved with:

Exam Part 1 (Licensure):

A valid Class D Driver’s License.

Exam Part 1 (Experience):

A combination of one year of experience in any of the following areas: contract administration (roadway and/or bridge construction), bridge maintenance, bridge safety inspection, design, hydraulics, materials, soils, permits, planning, pre‑design, right of way, road surface/roadside maintenance, snow/ice, surveys, and/or traffic engineering. Credit will also be awarded for professional residential or commercial building construction.

A Two‑year Civil or Construction Technology Degree or the following four‑year degrees: Architectural, Civil or Mechanical Engineering; Land Surveying / Geomatics; or equivalent may substitute for one year of experience. (In order for education coursework to be considered in lieu of work experience you must submit a copy of your transcripts).

Certification or ability to be certified within twelve months of hire in Aggregate Production Tester, Bituminous Street Inspector, Grading and Base Tester and Concrete Field Tester.

Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in‑person or via two‑way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.

Exam Part 2:

Receipt of a passing score of Level 5 or higher on the math portion of the computerized test and Level 5 or higher on the computerized reading test. [The job offer is contingent on passing a basic math and reading test.] Applicants meeting Exam Part 1 will be contacted to test and may select a test site based on their geographic availability.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous MnDOT experience with documented satisfactory performance

Certification in Aggregate Production Tester, Grading and Base Tester, Grading and Base Inspector, Concrete Field Tester, Concrete Field Inspector, Bridge Construction Inspector, Bituminous Street Inspector, Erosion Control Installer/Inspector, and Signal and Lighting.

Physical Requirements The physical demands of this job will vary but may require the ability to joint lift up to 150 pounds maximum with frequent moving and/or lifting or otherwise transfer of objects of various weights. This job also may require walking, moving, standing, to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls. This job may require strenuous physical labor including but not limited to digging, shoveling, hauling, crawling, bending, pushing, pulling and climbing. For a complete list of physical requirements, please contact Valerie Ringhofer at 612-505-7831 or Kim Rice at 651-234-7426.

Additional Requirements It is our policy that the successful candidate must pass a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Kimberly Rice at kimberly.rice@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

A sense of purpose in their work

Connection with their coworkers and communities

Opportunities for personal and professional growth

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

Fertility care, including IVF

Diabetes care

Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children

6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children

Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)

Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death

Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury

Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care

Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

Training, classes, and professional development

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance

Common sources of stress can be

#J-18808-Ljbffr