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Highway Construction Inspection Jobs in California

Psomas

Construction Inspector - Transportation

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$65.96 - $65.97/hr

Construction Inspection & CompliancePerform daily site inspections to verify work complies with ... Required Qualifications10+ years of experience in bridge, roadway, highway, or related public works ...

NV5

Construction Inspector-Public Works

Irvine, CA · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

Transportation projects with a preference for highway and Caltrans roadway projects. * Experience ... Preference given to Group II Construction Inspection Certificates or other Valid Construction ...

NV5

Construction Inspector-Public Works

Irvine, CA · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

Transportation projects with a preference for highway and Caltrans roadway projects. * Experience ... Preference given to Group II Construction Inspection Certificates or other Valid Construction ...

NV5

Construction Inspector-Public Works

Riverside, CA

$50 - $75/hr

Transportation projects with a preference for highway and Caltrans roadway projects. * Experience ... Preference given to Group II Construction Inspection Certificates or other Valid Construction ...

NV5

Construction Inspector-Public Works

Yucca Valley, CA · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

Transportation projects with a preference for highway and Caltrans roadway projects. * Experience ... Preference given to Group II Construction Inspection Certificates or other Valid Construction ...

NV5

Construction Inspector-Public Works

San Diego, CA · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

Transportation projects with a preference for highway and Caltrans roadway projects. * Experience ... Preference given to Group II Construction Inspection Certificates or other Valid Construction ...

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All JobsHighway Construction Inspection JobsHighway Construction Inspection Jobs in California

Highway Construction Inspection information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$65.4K

$115.5K

How much do highway construction inspection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for highway construction inspection in California is $65,383.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $77,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Highway Construction Inspection vs Road Construction Technician?

AspectHighway Construction InspectionRoad Construction Technician
CertificationsOften requires NICET certification, OSHA safety trainingTypically requires OSHA safety training, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, highway projectsConstruction sites, outdoor, road projects
Employer & Industry UsageState DOTs, construction firms, federal agenciesConstruction companies, transportation agencies
Job FocusInspecting construction quality, safety complianceAssisting with construction processes, quality checks

Highway Construction Inspection and Road Construction Technician roles share similar environments and certifications. However, inspectors focus more on quality and safety compliance, while technicians assist with construction tasks. Both roles are vital in highway and road projects, often overlapping in industry usage and required credentials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a highway construction inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Highway Construction Inspector, you need in-depth knowledge of construction standards, materials, and safety regulations, typically supported by a relevant associate degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with inspection tools, project management software, and certifications such as NICET or state DOT credentials are often required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure that highway projects are built to code, completed efficiently, and that public safety is maintained throughout the construction process.

What does a highway construction inspector do?

A highway construction inspector is responsible for overseeing road construction projects to ensure that work is performed according to approved plans, specifications, and safety regulations. They inspect materials, workmanship, and construction methods, documenting progress and any issues that arise. Inspectors also serve as a liaison between contractors, engineers, and government agencies to ensure the project meets all required standards. Their role helps maintain quality and safety on highways and ensures public funds are used efficiently.

What are some common challenges faced by highway construction inspectors on the job site?

Highway construction inspectors often face challenges such as adapting to changing weather conditions, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring contractors adhere strictly to safety and quality standards. They must communicate effectively with engineers, contractors, and government officials to resolve on-site issues quickly. Additionally, inspectors must stay up-to-date on evolving regulations and be prepared to handle unexpected issues, such as material shortages or design changes, while maintaining accurate and thorough documentation.

What are popular job titles related to Highway Construction Inspection jobs in California?

For Highway Construction Inspection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Highway Construction Inspection jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Highway Construction Inspection jobs in California are:

Highway Construction Inspection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Highway Construction Inspection job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,383 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Roadway Construction Inspector

Arcadis

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Arcadis rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

116th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.
We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
Role Description:
Arcadis seeks a Roadway Construction Inspector to join the team in California to perform a wide variety of professional engineering work in a field setting; This work is performed on highway construction projects involving bridges, retaining walls, barriers, drainage structures, sign structures, concrete paving, asphalt paving, pedestrian facilities, striping, soil excavations and grading, landscape, and irrigation.
The Roadway Construction Inspector may allocate inspection resources and supervise inspectors on complex projects for the appropriate disciplines including utilities, geotechnical, civil roadway, structural, electrical, duct bank, landscape and irrigation, and communications.
Role Accountabilities:
  • Inspects each stage of construction up to completion. Interprets plans, specifications, and codes and verifies contract work is performed in accordance with all applicable governing codes and regulations.
  • Monitors construction sites for safety violations. Prepares Non-Conformance Reports when work is not performed to the approved standards. Maintains daily inspection reports with photographs, crews, equipment, material on site, and descriptions of the work. Review or prepare interim progress reports for contractor payments. Monitors contractor-testing activities. Determines construction conforms to plans and specifications.
  • Conduct quality surveillance of specific quality-related activities as necessary. Assist in maintaining, supporting, and promoting a safe work environment while complying with CalOSHA, IIPP, and Job Specific Safety Plans for safety rules, policies, and procedures. Perform weekly job site safety inspections and reports.
  • Ensure activity and jobsite traffic control conforms with plans, specifications, and all governing laws and requirements.
  • Coordinate preparation of inspection survey reports, cost estimates, and maintenance records. Timely submittals of these reports and records.
  • Arranges, coordinates, and oversee technical inspections such as electrical, landscaping, irrigation, soil testing, concrete, asphalt, and reinforcing steel for conformance to specification requirements.
  • Coordinates test laboratory activities and compares verifications of test results with results from the Contractor's laboratory.
  • Coordinates with source inspection and Caltrans METS as needed for materials to be delivered to the site.

Required Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience which reflects a progressively increasing level of responsibility in heavy civil construction.
  • 5+ years of experience on the Caltrans State Highway System in a capacity commensurate with listed duties.

Key Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of Caltrans Standard Plans, Standard Specifications, and Construction Manual.
  • Knowledge and experience with equipment used in roadway construction inspection, surveying, and construction office engineering
  • Knowledge of computers, computer applications, and computer software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and others);
  • Knowledge and experience with the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program and the General Permit.
  • Valid California Class C driver's license.
  • Cal-OSHA/OSHA 30-hour training certification.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
  • EIT or FE Certification

Why Arcadis?
We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.
You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.
Together, we can create a lasting legacy.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement. We offer nine paid holidays and 20 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $156,000 - $176,800. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.
Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
#LI-VJ1 #LI-ONSITE #Mobility-US-Jobs

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About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US

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