Construction ObserverLocation: Santa Monica, CA (onsite Mon-Fri)
Employment Type: Full-Time - 24 month contract
Salary: $85,000-$110,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience
Position OverviewWe are seeking a detail-oriented
Construction Observer to provide full-time field observation, documentation, and coordination services for major wastewater pump station rehabilitation and reservoir improvement projects in Santa Monica.
The Construction Observer will maintain a daily site presence and work closely with the Construction Manager, contractor, consultants, inspectors, City staff, and other project stakeholders to help ensure construction is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with the approved plans, specifications, and contract requirements.
Key Responsibilities- Review project plans, specifications, permits, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and existing site conditions to understand construction requirements.
- Provide continuous on-site observation during all phases of construction, including daytime, nighttime, weekend, and extended-hour work as required.
- Monitor contractor activities for compliance with approved plans, specifications, contract requirements, and approved changes.
- Observe and document contractor safety practices, including confined space work, traffic control, and general site safety procedures.
- Monitor compliance with SWPPP requirements and Best Management Practices (BMPs).
- Document construction progress through daily photographs and video recordings before, during, and after construction activities.
- Prepare detailed daily reports documenting workforce, equipment, work performed, site conditions, deliveries, inspections, testing, delays, incidents, and other project activities.
- Track installed quantities, production rates, and construction progress using Procore or similar construction management software.
- Coordinate field activities with the Construction Manager, contractor, utility companies, consultants, inspectors, and City staff.
- Attend weekly progress meetings and provide field updates and action-item documentation.
- Coordinate special inspections, material testing, and quality assurance activities.
- Identify deficiencies, non-compliant work, potential schedule impacts, and other field issues and promptly communicate them to the project team.
- Assist with public notifications and stakeholder coordination as needed.
- Support project closeout activities, including punch lists, as-built documentation, final inspections, and project acceptance.
Qualifications- 3-5 years of progressive experience in construction inspection, construction observation, or field engineering.
- Experience with public works, water, wastewater, reservoir, pump station, or municipal utility projects preferred.
- Experience using Procore or similar construction management software for daily reporting, photo documentation, quantity tracking, and project records.
- Working knowledge of civil construction practices, SWPPP requirements, traffic control procedures, and applicable construction codes and standards.
- Ability to use a laptop or tablet to prepare reports, upload documentation, and maintain project records in the field.
- Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and extended hours when required by construction operations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience coordinating special inspections, materials testing, and quantity verification.
- Knowledge of construction safety practices, including confined space awareness and site safety protocols.
- Ability to recognize, document, and report safety concerns and promote compliance with established site safety requirements.
- Experience maintaining field records, as-built documentation, punch lists, and project closeout documentation.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities in an active construction environment.
#LI-CC1 #LI-Onsite Benefits
401(k) Plan with Company Match: Currently match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 4% of eligible pay; immediate vesting.
Health & Welfare Benefits: Employer provided medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, Employee Assistance Program and accident & illness coverage.
Life and Disability Insurance: Employer provided basic life insurance and AD&D valued at 50K coverage amount with the option for voluntary buy-up for additional coverage.
Time Off: Flexible non-accrual vacation; company holidays per policy. (For California employees, this is separate from California paid sick leave, if applicable.)
Expenses: Business travel and related expenses reimbursed per company policy.
Discount Program: Company-sponsored discount program with savings on multiple lifestyle categories.
