Senior Construction Observer

Build More Than Infrastructure. Build Communities.

At QK, we believe great projects start with great people. As an employee-owned company, we are One Connected Team, working in partnership to make the built environment possible. Our team collaborates across disciplines to deliver impactful infrastructure projects that improve the communities where we live and work.

We're looking for an experienced Senior Construction Observer to join our Construction Management team. This is an opportunity for a seasoned construction professional who brings advanced technical judgment, strong field leadership, and a commitment to developing others.

If you take pride in navigating complex construction projects, building trusted client relationships, and helping field teams deliver quality work, we'd like to meet you.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Construction Observer, you'll provide senior-level construction observation and field leadership on complex public and private infrastructure projects. You'll evaluate observed construction activities against project requirements, communicate significant field conditions, and guide construction observation staff.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading construction observation and field coordination on complex infrastructure projects
• Interpreting complex plans, specifications, and contract documents and coordinating questions with the appropriate design professionals
• Applying advanced knowledge of construction methods, materials, sequencing, codes, and standards within the scope of construction observation
• Identifying and documenting apparent discrepancies, constructability concerns, and potential safety, quality, schedule, or coordination risks
• Leading the review and response to Requests for Information within field responsibilities, coordinating documentation and elevating items requiring design or project team direction
• Reviewing observation reports and supporting field documentation for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and clear communication
• Coordinating with contractors, agencies, design professionals, project managers, utility companies, testing laboratories, and clients
• Evaluating construction progress against project schedules and helping address delays, sequencing concerns, and changing priorities
• Advising project leadership on field conditions and service needs that may affect scope, budget, staffing, or schedule
• Providing clear, timely updates to clients and project teams, including significant concerns and recommended next steps
• Providing oversight, coaching, and technical guidance to Assistant, Associate, and Senior Associate Construction Observers
• Supporting proposals through input on cost estimates, staffing needs, schedules, and construction observation approaches
• Strengthening client relationships and contributing technical insight to prospective project opportunities
• Leading improvements in observation practices, documentation, field coordination, and the use of project management tools

Projects may include roadway improvements, utility installations, water and wastewater infrastructure, storm drain systems, public works improvements, transportation projects, and other municipal infrastructure.

Who We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver who combines advanced construction knowledge with sound judgment, clear communication, and a collaborative leadership style.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Have substantial experience serving as a lead observer, construction inspector, or senior field representative on complex infrastructure projects
• Confidently interpret construction documents and recognize issues requiring clarification or escalation
• Serve as a trusted technical resource for field staff, clients, and project teams
• Navigate challenging conversations professionally and help resolve complex field concerns
• Anticipate project needs and understand how scope, staffing, and schedule affect project performance
• Enjoy coaching staff and preparing them for greater responsibility
• Build productive relationships across disciplines, offices, and project teams
• Identify practical improvements that strengthen documentation, coordination, and client service

Qualifications

• Typically 8+ years of relevant experience in construction observation, public works inspection, or related civil infrastructure work, with demonstrated senior-level capabilities
• Experience providing field leadership on complex public infrastructure and municipal construction projects
• Advanced understanding of construction methods, materials, sequencing, applicable codes, standards, and project requirements
• Experience reviewing field reports, supporting documentation, and Requests for Information
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex construction issues to varied audiences
• Experience overseeing, coaching, and mentoring construction observation staff
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant field and project management software
• Valid driver's license
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction training
• QSP/QSD and CASp credentials

Why QK?

• Employee-owned company
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Meaningful infrastructure projects that improve communities
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development
• Commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement
• A culture built on teamwork, respect, and shared success

If you're ready to bring your experience, leadership, and commitment to excellence to a company that values its people and the communities it serves, we encourage you to apply.