Civil Inspector Jobs
Civil inspector jobs are open across construction, public works, transportation, and utilities, from entry-level field positions to senior and principal roles, with specializations in structural, highway, and environmental inspection. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 34+ Civil Inspector jobs
Position Description
Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!
At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.
With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.
Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.
We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!
Position Overview:
SDOT's Street Use Division is looking to hire a District Inspector (under the City's classification of Associate Civil Engineering Specialist) who conducts inspections and enforcement on permitted construction and temporary uses of the right-of-way (ROW) for compliance with Title 15 of the Seattle Municipal Code, City of Seattle Standard Plans and Specifications, and the Right-of-Way Improvements Manual. The District Inspector will be responsible for inspections and enforcement in a designated geographic area of the City of Seattle. This position will report to the Inspections Supervisor.
Job Responsibilities
- Enforce compliance of codes and ordinances through in-person inspection visits and the issuance (if necessary) of Warnings, Citations, and Stop Work Orders.
- Interpret and enforce installation of approved plans.
- Enforce erosion/sediment control that impacts the city ROW though Best Management Practices. Enforce compliance of Title 15 of the Seattle Municipal Code, City of Seattle Standards Plans and Specifications, and the Right-of-Way (ROW) Improvements manual. Maintain the highest level of customer service through such actions as reviewing complaints, responding promptly to email/letters, interacting with other departments and employees, undertaking special site visits on request.
- Conduct pre-construction meetings. Coordinate job starts in districts in order to minimize disruption to the public ROW.
- Maintain record of daily work and issuance of citations, warnings, and Stop Work Orders.
- Supporting SDOT goals in promoting diversity and social justice.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Requires two (2) years of experience in Civil Engineering;
- An Associates Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or two (2) years of college level coursework in engineering and construction technology;
- Current Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain one by start date.
Successful candidates will possess many of these additional qualifications or be able to demonstrate comparable experience and expertise:
- Experience working for a municipal transportation department, a plus.
- Ability to read, interpret, and articulate Field Report Requests, applicable codes, ordinances, plans and spec, cut sheets, Right-of-Way Improvement Manual, and street/sidewalk pavement opening and restoration rules, parts of the Land Use Code, and other applicable rules and regulations. Experience in construction inspection and code interpretation.
- Experience in the use of various construction/inspection tools/equipment (e.g. level, and soil probe, ETC.).
- Experience in Engineering Plan Review, permit issuance, and/or public works maintenance and/or inspection.
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to negotiate, mediate, and facilitate issues/concerns in various environments.
- Proficient with a variety of electronic devices, including Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Experience and/or proficiency with Accela permitting database, a plus.
- Effectively work in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.
Additional Information
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
- Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.
- Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances, and work in or near construction sites.
- May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
- May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
- Overnight travel may be required.
Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including background check.
This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.
Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.
The City is a Drug Free Workplace.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
Position Description
Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!
At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.
With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.
Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.
We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!
Position Overview:
SDOT's Street Use Division is looking to hire a District Inspector (under the City's classification of Associate Civil Engineering Specialist) who conducts inspections and enforcement on permitted construction and temporary uses of the right-of-way (ROW) for compliance with Title 15 of the Seattle Municipal Code, City of Seattle Standard Plans and Specifications, and the Right-of-Way Improvements Manual. The District Inspector will be responsible for inspections and enforcement in a designated geographic area of the City of Seattle. This position will report to the Inspections Supervisor.
Job Responsibilities
- Enforce compliance of codes and ordinances through in-person inspection visits and the issuance (if necessary) of Warnings, Citations, and Stop Work Orders.
- Interpret and enforce installation of approved plans.
- Enforce erosion/sediment control that impacts the city ROW though Best Management Practices. Enforce compliance of Title 15 of the Seattle Municipal Code, City of Seattle Standards Plans and Specifications, and the Right-of-Way (ROW) Improvements manual. Maintain the highest level of customer service through such actions as reviewing complaints, responding promptly to email/letters, interacting with other departments and employees, undertaking special site visits on request.
- Conduct pre-construction meetings. Coordinate job starts in districts in order to minimize disruption to the public ROW.
- Maintain record of daily work and issuance of citations, warnings, and Stop Work Orders.
- Supporting SDOT goals in promoting diversity and social justice.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Requires two (2) years of experience in Civil Engineering;
- An Associates Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or two (2) years of college level coursework in engineering and construction technology;
- Current Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain one by start date.
Successful candidates will possess many of these additional qualifications or be able to demonstrate comparable experience and expertise:
- Experience working for a municipal transportation department, a plus.
- Ability to read, interpret, and articulate Field Report Requests, applicable codes, ordinances, plans and spec, cut sheets, Right-of-Way Improvement Manual, and street/sidewalk pavement opening and restoration rules, parts of the Land Use Code, and other applicable rules and regulations. Experience in construction inspection and code interpretation.
- Experience in the use of various construction/inspection tools/equipment (e.g. level, and soil probe, ETC.).
- Experience in Engineering Plan Review, permit issuance, and/or public works maintenance and/or inspection.
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to negotiate, mediate, and facilitate issues/concerns in various environments.
- Proficient with a variety of electronic devices, including Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Experience and/or proficiency with Accela permitting database, a plus.
- Effectively work in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.
Additional Information
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
- Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.
- Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances, and work in or near construction sites.
- May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
- May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
- Overnight travel may be required.
Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including background check.
This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.
Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.
The City is a Drug Free Workplace.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
Civil Inspector Jobs by Experience Level
See All 34 Civil Inspector Jobs
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Find Civil Inspector JobsCivil Inspector Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in civil inspector jobs.
- High school diploma or associate degree in civil engineering technology or a related field
- Experience reading and interpreting construction plans, blueprints, and specifications
- Knowledge of applicable building codes, standards, and local ordinances
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to active construction or infrastructure sites
- Proficiency with inspection documentation software and field reporting tools
- Certifications such as ICC Building Inspector, ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician, or NICET
Tips for Your Civil Inspector Job Search
Align your certifications to the posting
Many civil inspector roles require specific credentials like ICC, NICET, or ACI certifications before an interview is offered. Read each posting carefully and lead your resume with the exact certifications listed, spelling them the way the employer does.
Quantify field inspection outcomes on your resume
Generic phrases like 'performed inspections' won't separate you. Instead, note the volume of daily inspections you completed, the project value you oversaw, or the number of deficiencies you documented and resolved on a single contract.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists civil inspector openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by jurisdiction type
Municipal, county, state, and federal civil inspector roles have different requirements and hiring timelines. Government positions often close on a fixed date with no extensions, while private firms hire on a rolling basis, so adjust how urgently you apply to each.
Prepare field scenario answers for interviews
Civil inspector interviews frequently include scenario questions about catching contractor non-compliance mid-pour or documenting an unsafe condition. Prepare two or three specific examples from past work where you identified a defect and walked through your documentation and resolution steps.
Negotiate start date around project phase timing
Many civil inspection roles tie your first day to a project milestone, like a mobilization date or a permit issuance. Asking which phase you'd join gives you leverage to negotiate a start date that positions you to contribute immediately rather than waiting on a delayed kickoff.
Civil Inspector Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most civil inspectors?
The companies hiring the most civil inspectors right now include HDR, RS&H, and Bodell Construction, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Ohio, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Infrastructure spending on roads, bridges, and water systems continues to drive demand across both public agencies and private engineering firms.
How many civil inspector jobs are remote?
About 0% of civil inspector openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most inspection work. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include plan review, compliance auditing, and report-writing roles that don't require daily presence on a physical job site.
How do you become a civil inspector?
Start by earning a high school diploma or an associate degree in civil engineering technology, construction management, or a related field. Gain field experience through construction labor, survey crew work, or an entry-level inspector aide role. Then pursue credentials like an ICC certification or ACI technician rating relevant to your specialty, and build a portfolio of documented inspections to show employers.
How do you get hired as a civil inspector with little experience?
Focus on roles titled inspector aide, construction technician, or public works assistant, which are designed for candidates still building field hours. Highlight any coursework in materials testing, blueprint reading, or construction methods. Getting an entry-level ACI or ICC certification before applying signals readiness and separates you from other candidates without field time.
What does the civil inspector interview process look like?
Most civil inspector hiring processes include an initial phone screen to verify certifications and availability, followed by a technical interview where you answer scenario questions about inspecting concrete placements, verifying compaction, or handling contractor disputes. Some agencies add a written exam or a site visit component before extending an offer, particularly for government positions.
Where can I find and apply to civil inspector jobs?
You can find and apply to civil inspector jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your certifications, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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