Road Inspector Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Position Information
TxDOT is seeking a dedicated and motivated Construction Inspector III or IV to join our Traffic Systems Area Office construction team located at 6810 Old Katy Road in Houston. This position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects supporting the Houston District's Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Highway Safety Lighting and Traffic Signals.
As a Construction Inspector III or IV, you will play a key role in delivering transportation projects that improve safety and mobility for millions of Texans. In addition to performing inspection duties, this position serves as a lead inspector, providing guidance, training, and mentorship to less experienced inspectors while helping ensure projects are constructed in accordance with plans, specifications, and safety requirements. You will work closely with contractors, engineers, project staff, and fellow inspectors to support the successful delivery of critical transportation infrastructure.
The ideal candidate is a strong communicator with solid construction inspection experience, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and quality. They should be comfortable taking on leadership responsibilities, sharing knowledge with others, and helping develop the next generation of inspectors. Experience inspecting traffic signals, roadway lighting, ITS infrastructure, or related transportation construction projects is highly desirable.
TxDOT offers outstanding training, opportunities for professional growth and advancement, competitive benefits, and the chance to make a lasting impact on transportation across the Houston District.
If you're ready to lead, mentor, and help deliver projects that keep Texans moving safely, we encourage you to apply today.
T he Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.
Benefits and Perks
At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)
Position Description
Construction Inspector III:
Inspects construction methods and workmanship to ensure contractors build roadways, bridges, traffic signals, airports and related structures in accordance with plans and specifications; acts as consultant regarding work progress and problem resolution; may serve as the only inspector on a construction project or assist in overseeing construction inspection activities for very largeand/or complex projects within a district or conduct statewide construction inspection activities for ongoing airport improvement projects. Trains others. Responsible to a licensed professional engineer who has full authority for approval of all work. Work requires contact with contractors. May perform material tests and manufacturing process inspections at fabrication sites. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.
Construction Inspector IV:
Oversees inspection of construction methods and workmanship to ensure contractors build roadways, bridges, traffic signals, airports and related structures in accordance with plans and specifications; acts as a consultant regarding work progress and problem resolution. OR [Oversees statewide oversight activities for construction projects; acts as a consultant regarding work progress and problem resolution and/or provides statewide technical assistance and training in support of implementation, oversight and review of Site Manager activities. Trains others. May lead the work of professional and technical employees. Responsible to a licensed professional engineer who has full authority for final approval of all engineering-related work. May perform material tests/manufacturing process inspections at fabrication sites. Work requires contact with other governmental agencies and private entities to include contractors. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.
Essential Duties:
Construction Inspector III:

• Assists Project Engineers in determining number of inspectors needed on assigned projects.
• Reviews construction records, inspection reports and records audits to ensure contractors build roadways, bridges and related structures in accordance with plans and specifications.
• Mentors and develops technical employees in test and inspection procedures and material specifications.
• Attends pre-construction meetings and answers questions from contractors and other attendees.
• Calculates payments due contractors for work completed.
• Observes and inspects ongoing construction work.
• Trains and mentors less experienced inspectors on work methods.
• Documents work progress and issues arising throughout scope of project.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Construction Inspector IV:
Includes all essential duties listed for Construction Inspector III as well as:

• Composes correspondence, reports and supporting documents; files; orders supplies and equipment.
• May serve as a lead worker or project leader.
• Advises supervisor of inspection activities and problems at plants and assists in coordinating inspections.
• Oversees construction record-keeping activities; recommends payments to contractors; recommends change orders, extra work orders/supplemental agreements; reviews proposed change orders submitted by consultants; prepares reports.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Construction Inspector III:
Education:

• High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.

Experience:

• 2 years of experience in construction, construction inspection, engineering support, maintenance and repairs, materials or process inspection; or transportation engineering support related experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related college education or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Construction Inspector IV:
Education:

• High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.

Experience:

• 3 years of experience in construction, construction inspection, engineering support, maintenance and repairs, materials or process inspection; or transportation engineering support related experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related college education or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Competencies:
Construction Inspector III:
Extensive knowledge of:

• Applicable inspection methods, procedures and techniques
• Basic traffic management and control procedures
• Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines, and specification codes

Considerable knowledge of:

• Persuasion and negotiation of critical issues
• The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities
• Reading and interpreting applicable plans, schematics, blueprints and maps
• Performing calculations using algebra, trigonometry and geometry

Construction Inspector IV:
Includes all competencies listed for Construction Inspector III as well as:
Extensive knowledge of:

• Applicable surveying procedures, standards, and instruments
• Construction engineering policies and procedures
• Applicable testing methods, processes and procedures

Considerable knowledge of:

• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Coordinating labor, materials, and equipment
• Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Construction Inspector III and IV:

• Subject to environmental conditions; protection from weather but not temperature changes
• Subject to noise
• Subject to vibration
• Light work - Lift up to 20 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.

Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.