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Highway Inspector Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Highway Tech II

Buffalo, MN

$30.81 - $43.75/hr

MnDOT Inspector certification is preferred. Selected candidate must have been the lead inspector on at least two major highway improvement projects. Completion of the following certifications:

Highway Tech I

Buffalo, MN · On-site

$29.34 - $41.67/hr

MnDOT Inspector certification is preferred. A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is required upon hire. Knowledge of State specifications for highway construction and their ...

Highway Design Engineer

Winona, MN · On-site

$46.47/hr

... array of highway projects. Performs related work as required. Work is performed in an office ... Coordinates with local, regional, State and Federal agencies on bridge inspections, environmental ...

Maintenance II - Highway

MN · On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

Perform routine equipment inspections and preventative maintenance, maintain accurate records of ... Class A with tanker endorsement and air brakes required within guidelines set by Highway Engineer ...

Locations 10 Old Highway 8 SW, New Brighton, MN, 55112, US (On-site) * Job Schedule Full time * ... Inspection - Accurately inspects manufactured or other process output against documented ...

QA Inspector

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

... I-494 and Highway 169 connect. Find details on what we do at www.bsbsystems.com/oem.html JOB ... Inspection support for team members when setting up production runs * Quality inspection ...

... inspections/visits, occasional overnight travel may be required * Strong ability to work in a team ... Experience in highway design and construction of MNDOT projects * Must possess strong written and ...

... inspections/visits, occasional overnight travel may be required * Strong ability to work in a team ... Experience in highway design and construction of MNDOT projects * Must possess strong written and ...

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Highway Inspector information

See Minnesota salary details

$24K

$53.8K

$97K

How much do highway inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for highway inspector in Minnesota is $53,808.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,700.00 and $62,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a highway inspector?

To become a highway inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in construction, engineering, or transportation. Some positions require relevant certifications or training in safety standards and inspection procedures, and familiarity with tools like survey equipment or inspection software is beneficial.

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

To thrive as a Highway Inspector, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, roadway construction standards, and relevant safety codes, typically supported by a degree in civil engineering or construction management. Familiarity with inspection tools, surveying equipment, and software like AutoCAD or GIS is commonly required, along with certifications such as NICET. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors effectively identify issues and coordinate with contractors and government agencies. These skills are crucial for ensuring road safety, regulatory compliance, and the successful completion of highway projects.

What is the difference between Highway Inspector vs Road Maintenance Technician?

AspectHighway InspectorRoad Maintenance Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require certifications in construction or safetyHigh school diploma; certifications in equipment operation or safety often preferred
Work EnvironmentInspecting highways, construction sites, and infrastructure; outdoor workPerforming maintenance tasks on roads, including repairs and equipment operation; outdoor work
Employer & Industry UsageState and local transportation departments, construction firmsMunicipalities, transportation agencies, private contractors

Highway Inspectors focus on inspecting and ensuring the safety and compliance of highway infrastructure, while Road Maintenance Technicians perform hands-on repairs and maintenance tasks. Both roles work outdoors and require safety certifications, but their primary responsibilities differ in inspection versus maintenance activities.

How does a highway inspector typically collaborate with contractors and engineers during a project?

Highway Inspectors work closely with contractors and engineers to ensure that construction and maintenance projects adhere to safety standards, design specifications, and regulatory requirements. They regularly attend site meetings, review plans, and provide on-the-ground feedback to address any issues or discrepancies. Inspectors may also document progress, report problems, and recommend solutions, fostering effective communication between all parties to keep the project on track. This collaborative environment helps ensure that projects are completed efficiently and to the required quality standards.

What does a highway inspector do?

A Highway Inspector is responsible for monitoring and assessing the condition of roads, highways, and related infrastructure to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. They inspect construction sites, check materials and workmanship, and verify compliance with regulations and plans. Highway Inspectors may also document findings, report hazards, and recommend repairs or improvements. Their work helps ensure public safety and the longevity of transportation networks.
Infographic showing various Highway Inspector job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,808 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

$30.81 - $43.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

General Definition of Work Performs intermediate skilled technical work providing support in the areas of preliminary surveying, construction surveying, project design, and project inspection. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Design Engineer or Construction Engineer . Essential Functions To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Conducts field surveys by setting up and operating field survey equipment to locate and record project topography.

Checks for road alignment and flow line culvert placement; photographs and visually describes drainage ways; tests soil, pavements, and excavation areas; locates and places construction stakes. Provides technical support in the design and plan preparation for highway construction projects using computer programs. Prepares estimates, drawings, charts, graphs, and visual aids; computes quantities; researches land records for right-of-way activities.

Performs and oversees project inspections, including physical and visual inspections of and quality assurance tests on materials and soil. Measures and establishes construction stakes, elevations and alignment data; notifies contractor of issues and concerns. Completes paperwork and prepares reports and documentation.

Respond to questions and concerns from property owners and the general public regarding construction projects and surveying activities. Performs other duties and activities as assigned. Minimum Qualifications & Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Associates/Technical degree in civil engineering, and six years of experience in surveying, planning, inspections, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

MnDOT Inspector certification is preferred. Selected candidate must have been the lead inspector on at least two major highway improvement projects. Completion of the following certifications: Bituminous Street, Concrete Field, Grading and Base 1 & 2 and Erosion/storm Water Control upon hire/promotion.

A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is required upon hire. Knowledge of State specifications for highway construction and their application to various types of construction projects; knowledge of traffic control procedures and practices; knowledge of construction practices for project implementation; knowledge of engineering maps and records, and drafting nomenclature and symbols; knowledge of the practices and procedures used in determining storm water computations, culvert sizing, and drainage areas; knowledge of mathematics and its application to field surveying and engineering computations; knowledge of surveying procedures and equipment; knowledge of soil types and specifications; knowledge of County government work flows and processes; skill in the use of standard office equipment, including computer and software programs; verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively draft and present technical comprehension skills sufficient to understand and interpret construction plans, surveys, and complex technical documents; interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and/or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships; ability to operate computers and micro-computers, survey application programs; ability to perform difficult technical computations and to compute and check survey computations; ability to use a hand-held computer in office and field applications; ability to pay attention to detail and effectively organize time and anticipate, plan and successfully respond to changing circumstances; ability to perform all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices; ability to communicate courteously and professionally while maintaining positive working relationships with others when carrying out all job functions. Physical Requirements This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to outdoor weather conditions, exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), exposure to extreme heat (non-weather) and exposure to vibration; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g

grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).