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Contract Inspector Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Monitor contractors and schedules to ensure quality control and contract compliance of moderate to complex construction projects. * Apply knowledge and experience towards the inspection of roadways ...

Monitor contractors and schedules to ensure quality control and contract compliance of moderate to complex construction projects. * Apply knowledge and experience towards the inspection of roadways ...

Inspect and review work in accordance with applicable codes and standards included in the project ... Ability to interpret roadway and bridge plans, building plans, specifications, and contracts

Inspect and review work in accordance with applicable codes and standards included in the project ... Ability to interpret roadway and bridge plans, building plans, specifications, and contracts

... contract requirements. • Review Daily Work Reports prepared by field inspectors. • Monitor contractor operations including earthwork, drainage, paving, bridge construction, and utilities. • ...

... and contract requirements. · Review Daily Work Reports prepared by field inspectors. · Monitor contractor operations including earthwork, drainage, paving, bridge construction, and utilities. · ...

Ensure construction work complies with project plans, specifications, and contract requirements. Review Daily Work Reports prepared by field inspectors. Monitor contractor operations including ...

Field Inspector

Mclean, VA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Field Inspector Washington Metropolitan Area (DC, MD, VA) Open Source Engineering, LLC (OSE) is ... Monitor construction activities for general conformance with contract documents * Coordinate with ...

Field Inspector

Mclean, VA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Field Inspector Washington Metropolitan Area (DC, MD, VA) Open Source Engineering, LLC (OSE) is ... Monitor construction activities for general conformance with contract documents * Coordinate with ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Inspector information

See Washington, DC salary details

$27.7K

$62.2K

$112.1K

How much do contract inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract inspector in Washington, DC is $62,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $71,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Inspector vs Construction Inspector?

AspectContract InspectorConstruction Inspector
Required CredentialsTypically requires certifications like NICET or equivalent, and knowledge of contract lawRequires engineering or technical certifications, often NICET or equivalent
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based with site visits to ensure contract compliancePrimarily on-site inspections of construction activities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by government agencies, contractors, and project owners to verify contract adherenceUsed by construction firms, government projects, and private developers to oversee construction quality

In summary, a Contract Inspector focuses on ensuring that contractual obligations are met, often involving document review and compliance checks, while a Construction Inspector primarily inspects ongoing construction work to ensure it meets design specifications and safety standards. Both roles require technical certifications and involve site visits, but their main focus differs: contract compliance versus construction quality.

What are contract inspectors?

Contract inspectors are professionals responsible for reviewing, monitoring, and ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in contracts. They often work for government agencies, construction firms, or private companies, inspecting work, materials, or services to verify that contractual obligations are being met. Their duties may include conducting site visits, preparing reports, and identifying any non-compliance or discrepancies. Contract inspectors play a critical role in protecting the interests of their employer and ensuring projects or services are delivered according to agreed standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Inspector, you need strong knowledge of contract law, compliance standards, and inspection procedures, often supported by a relevant degree or industry certifications. Familiarity with contract management software, regulatory databases, and reporting tools is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying discrepancies and ensuring compliance. These skills are essential to safeguard organizational interests, ensure regulatory adherence, and maintain the integrity of contractual agreements.

What are some common challenges a Contract Inspector might face when reviewing project documentation?

Contract Inspectors often encounter challenges such as ambiguous contract language, incomplete documentation, and discrepancies between project plans and on-site conditions. Staying organized and maintaining clear communication with contractors, project managers, and legal teams is essential to resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, adapting to changing regulations and ensuring all parties adhere to compliance standards can require continuous learning and attention to detail.
What are the most commonly searched types of Inspector jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Inspector jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Inspector jobs in Washington, DC? For Contract Inspector jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Inspector jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Inspector jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Contract Inspector job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 19% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,224 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Construction Inspector

$24 - $48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
To monitor the work of contractors to ensure quality control and contract compliance for roadway, structure, and bridge construction/maintenance projects of routine to moderate complexity, under the direction of a Construction Manager or designee.
Essential Functions
  • Inspects and monitors contractual field work which includes excavations, drainage facilities, road surfaces, and structures
  • Reports contractor's daily production rates
  • Schedules work and inspection phases with contractor's superintendent and agency personnel
  • Advises contractors of violations and recommends adjustments to operations
  • Takes field measurements of pay items
  • Reviews placement of and performs tests on construction materials
  • Reviews lines, grades, dimensions, and elevations using standard survey and field engineering equipment
  • Oversees and enforces the installation of erosion/siltation controls and highways work zones and traffic control devices
  • Recommends changes to construction plans to meet field conditions or provide project cost savings
  • Maintains project records; including daily diaries, materials notebooks, as-built plans, pay quantity records, and monthly estimates
  • Reviews and monitors Equal Employment Opportunity/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) documentation and compliance with Federal labor requirements/regulations for Federal-aid construction projects, ensuring contractor compliance with program requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Requirements
Competencies
  1. Communication proficiency
  2. Ethical Conduct
  3. Flexibility
  4. Initiative
  5. Time Management

Supervisory Responsibility
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment
This job is performed in a professional office environment and or transportation construction job sites. This role routinely uses field and standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, tablets, digital cameras, nuclear gauges, surveying tools and other field-testing equipment materials.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; climb, drive; lift things, use hands; and reach with hands and arms.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. This position typically works 40 or more hours per week. Day shifts usually start between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m. and last 8 to 10 hours. Project assignments can also require night or weekend work. Flexibility to meet client or contractor schedule is important.
Travel
Most assignments do not require more than an hour of travel to and from job sites. However, some assignments will require extensive regional travel each day and others could require staying out of town overnight if distance to job site is greater than 90 miles from home.
Required Education and Experience
Expected to have three (3) years of highway construction inspection experience. Additionally, the Construction Inspector shall have a working knowledge of:
- Roadway, structure and bridge construction/maintenance/repair/rehabilitation methods, materials, standards and specifications
- VDOT Road and Bridge Specifications, Road and Bridge Standards, Construction Manual, and Inspector Manual
- VA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
- State and federal environmental, safety, and Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and regulations
- Use of contract management software including Site Manager, PlanGrid and/or AWP
- Mathematics including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
Preferred Education and Experience Required to have and maintain the following certifications:
Certification - Issuing Agency
Soil and Aggregate Compaction - VDOT or NICET LEVEL II*
Asphalt Field Level I & II - VDOT
American Concrete Institute - ACI
Pavement Marking - VDOT
Slurry Surfacing - VDOT
Surface Treatment - VDOT
Flagger Certification - VDOT
Certification for Erosion and Sediment Control Inspection - Virginia DEQ
Pavement Marking - VDOT
Nuclear Gauge Safety Training - NRC**Recognized Provider
Stormwater Management (Inspector) Certification*** - Virginia DEQ
Intermediate Work Zone Traffic Control - VDOT Approved Provider
10 Hour OSHA Safety Training - OSHA
GRIT (Guardrail Certification) - VDOT
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
The Construction Inspector is expected to be proficient with the following skills:
  • Operating computer equipment, software programs and field inspection equipment including Site Manager, PlanGrid and/or AWP
  • Functional computer usage including familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite software
  • Read and interpret roadway, structure and bridge plans and specification
  • Apply mathematical formulas and engineering principles to determine minor field adjustments
  • Maintain detailed records
  • Perform and document required materials testing
  • Communicate with the client and contractor personnel and the general public

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable)
Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and pass a client background check if asked.
Benefits
  • Bonus eligibility per Company Employee Bonus Program for fiscal year.
  • Medical, dental, short-term disability, long term disability, life insurances, per the company plan eligible on date of hire.
  • Eligible for the company 401(k) plan on the 1st of the month following 12 months of active employment & 1,000 hours of work.
  • 401(k) immediate vesting of matching funds.
  • Two weeks paid vacation in accordance with the company policy.
  • Personal Time Off per the company policy.
  • Paid holidays are provided per the company policy

EEO Statement
QCS is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any protected status under federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
Other Duties
Please note this job description 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.
Salary Description
$24.00 to $48.00 per hour