Construction Observer/Inspector

Since 1980, CobbFendley has been committed to providing innovative engineering and surveying solutions with the goal of bettering communities. Our multi-discipline approach allows for the efficient completion of projects through experienced staff who focus on client communication. We are always seeking talented and qualified professionals to enhance our ability to provide clients with exceptional service.

Are you ready to Join Our Block and advance your career? At CobbFendley, people are our most valued resource. We offer a(n):

• New Hire Program // We understand changing jobs can be intimidating, CobbFendley has established a program geared specifically to the successful onboarding and integration of new hires into the firm
• Development Opportunities // Professional and personal growth through innovative in-house training and collaborative resources
• Compensation + Benefits // Competitive compensation package with comprehensive benefits including 401(k) Matching and Profit-sharing Contributions; Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance; Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Employer Funded and Voluntary Life Insurance; Tuition Reimbursement; and Continuing Education Programs
• Paid Parental Leave // FMLA-eligible employees will receive fully paid leave in the amounts of eight (8) weeks for maternity cases and two (2) weeks for paternity or adoptions cases
• Winter Holiday // Extended office closure from December 25 through January 1 to relax and enjoy the holidays
• Community Engagement // CobbFendley Cares focuses on STEM Education, Hunger Relief, and Sustainable Solutions

CobbFendley is seeking an experienced Construction Observer/Inspector in our Houston, Texas Office.

The successful candidates most important qualifications include:

• 5 years of experience as Construction Observer (public works, roadway, bridge, pavement, water, sewer).
• Public works experience required.
• Ability to read, interpret and analyze construction plans, drawings, and specifications.
• Experience inspecting cast-in-place concrete structures.
• Proficient in using digital inspection platforms (Protrak, preferred), project management software (Deltek Vantagepoint, preferred) and standard office applications for documenting and reporting.
• Strong work ethic and able to work independently on the job site.
• Willingness to travel to other offices or project sites throughout the US, as needed.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Motivation to work in a dynamic environment with strict deadlines.
• Trustworthy to work alone.
• Good understanding of construction zone safety.
• Desire to collaborate with professionals and clients to increase your industry knowledge and grow in your career.
• Commitment to perform responsibilities consistent with industry standards to achieve department and company goals.
• Interest in developing relationships with clients, partners, and local organizations to remain a trusted resource in the community.

Essential Functions:

• Monitor construction activities on-site to ensure work aligns with approved plans and specifications.
• Document daily site conditions, progress, and any notable issues through reports and photos.
• Communicate observations, potential concerns, and solutions to project managers or engineers promptly.
• Verify quantities and assist with contractor pay applications as needed.
• Track schedule adherence and report delays or deviations.
• Observe/Inspect safety practices and report any hazards or violations.
• Attend project meetings and provide updates on field conditions.
• Maintain accurate records of site visits, observations, and communications.
• Serve as the liaison between the field and the office team without directing contractor operations.
• Support quality assurance efforts by noting workmanship and material compliance.
• Observe construction activities at sites to ensure compliance with contract specifications and approved plans.
• Observe/Inspect and test work using handheld tools to record field notes and track progress to identify potential conflicts and make recommendations on how to proceed.
• Observe/Inspect, coordinate, and track utility relocation.
• Observe/Inspect materials.
• Schedule and attend Utility Meetings, Public Utility Meetings, One-to-One Utility Meetings, and Municipality coordination meetings.
• Read and interpret plan drawings.
• Exercise judgment in identifying potential problems and take necessary corrective action to inform the contractor and Construction Manager that an item is out of compliance.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Perform independent research and delegate changing priorities.
• Work with minimal supervision and deliver accurate work product.
• Adhere to CobbFendley's safetystandards to uphold a safe and efficient environment.
• Maintain a professional attitude and fulfill responsibilities with integrity.

COBBFENDLEY CHARACTERISTICS

• We Collaborate // with a professional attitude making communication a priority.
• We Commit // to maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, with a focus on accountability.
• We Build Communities // by fulfilling our responsibilities with integrity that is consistent with industry standards.

PHYSICAL/COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS + ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

PHYSICAL + COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS IN OFFICE

• Seated and Standing Position. Extended periods of sitting and standing in an upright position at a workstation.
• Mobility. Movement within the office and job sites, including navigating between floors, workstations, and outdoor environments with potential for uneven surfaces.
• Head and Neck Movement. Forward flexion, extension, or lateral rotation of the head and neck while using multiple computer screens.
• Repetitive Motion. Repetitive finger movements for operating a computer mouse and typing on a keyboard.
• Arm Movement. Extending hands and arms in various directions, such as overhead, below the waist, forward, or laterally.
• Object Handling. Raising or lowering objects from one level to another and transporting objects by holding them in the hands, arms, or over the shoulder.
• Cognitive Requirements. Selective attention, oral comprehension, oral expression, speech recognition, speech clarity, written comprehension, written expression, problem sensitivity, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, number facility, information ordering, category flexibility, flexibility of closure, fluency of ideas, and originality.

PHYSICAL + COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS AT JOB SITES

• Construction Sites, Traffic Zones, and Other Work Sites. Ability to move effectively in and around construction sites, traffic work zones, and other outdoor assignments.
• Physical Abilities. Includes hand-eye coordination, steadiness, upper and lower body strength, control precision, stamina, multi-limb coordination, static strength, manual dexterity, depth perception, and both oral comprehension and expression.
• Alertness. Must remain alert and responsive while working in lane closure zones adjacent to high-traffic and dynamic areas.
• Lifting and Carrying. Capable of lifting, carrying, and balancing equipment and supplies weighing up to 30 pounds in various environments, including remote, rural, or urban settings.
• Walking and Climbing. Ability to walk long distances (3+ miles) and climb on ladders and uneven surfaces.
• Vehicle Use: Frequent climbing in and out of vehicles and extended periods of driving.
• Repeated Motions. Includes activities such as reaching, bending, stooping, carrying, lifting, pushing, pulling, and handling.
• Sitting and Standing. Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods.
• Warehouse Mobility. Movement within the warehouse, including navigating between floors, workstations, high-traffic areas, and various walking surfaces.
• Communication. Effective communication with other employees and clients.
• Cognitive Requirements. Selective attention, oral comprehension, oral expression, speech recognition, speech clarity, written comprehension, written expression, problem sensitivity, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, number facility, information ordering, category flexibility, flexibility of closure, fluency of ideas, and originality.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Work Environment. Work is carried out in both a professional office and various outdoor environments.
• Office Conditions. Includes extensive use of electronic devices such as computers, printers, copiers, scanners, plotters, and telephones. Additionally, tasks may involve the use of cutting tools and equipment like rotary paper cutters and plotting devices.
• Outdoor Conditions. Includes walking and climbing on uneven surfaces, confined spaces, exposure to extreme weather conditions (heat and freezing temperatures).
• Safety and Equipment Use. Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, along with use of hand and power tools.
• Driving and Vehicle Use. Driving fleet vehicles for extended periods of time.
• Noise and Allergens. Potential exposure to high noise levels and various allergens, including but not limited to poison ivy, sumac, dust, pollen, and cedar.
• Wildlife Hazards. Potential exposure to wildlife hazards including but not limited to animals, insects, and plants.

EXPECTED WORK HOURS

• This is a full-time position, generally 40 hours per week, however, hours may fluctuate depending on department needs including the use of overtime.
• CobbFendley's standard operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CST. Generally, employees receive a 1-hour unpaid lunch break free of duty. Please note, operating hours and lunch hours may differ based on project workload, primarily for field staff.

WORK LOCATION FLEXIBILTY

• This position requires in-person work and is ineligible for remote work.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for

employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

• EEO is the Law (English)
• EEO is the Law (Spanish)
• EEO is the Law - Poster Supplement

MISCELLANEOUS

• Pre-Employment Screenings. All offers of employment at CobbFendley are contingent upon the prospective employee passing a drug screening, physical exam (if applicable), and various background verifications (including but not limited to 10-year history of the county, state, federal, and a 5-year history of motor vehicle records). CobbFendley complies with all applicable state and federal laws regarding said screenings. Unless and only to the extent state or federal law limits CobbFendley's drug-testing requirements for initial hiring, all candidates for employment are subject to pre-employment drug screening verification which may include a panel drug test for use of marijuana and other substances that may be lawful under state law but unlawful under federal law. A positive result may lead to disqualification of candidacy or termination from employment to the extent permitted by law. CobbFendley reserves all rights with respect to its drug-testing, other pre-employment screenings, and workplace policies and procedures.
• External Recruiting Agencies. CobbFendley does not and will not accept unsolicited resumes under any circumstances from independent recruiters, recruiting agencies, or similar entities. Recruiting activity on behalf of a candidate does NOT constitute CobbFendley's acceptance of terms and conditions without prior contractual agreements signed by authorized CobbFendley personnel. Unsolicited resumes through any channels including cold calling, emails, applications, social media messaging, etc., will not be reviewed.
• Work Authorization + Sponsorship. Cobb, Fendley & Associates, Inc. participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The E-Verify system uses federal databases to rapidly validate individual identities and work eligibility from the information gathered in the Form I-9. CobbFendley will not sponsor applications of work visas. We understand that this could affect your decision to apply with these conditions in mind.
• Applicant Accommodations. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) it is the policy of CobbFendley to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or candidate with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship for the Company. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the HR Department at 713.462.3242 or HR@cobbfendley.com.

Drug-Free Workplace Conditions

Medication Disclosure:

Employees and job applicants shall receive notice of the most common medications, either by brand name, common name, or chemical name, that may alter or affect a drug test. A list of such medications shall be developed by the Agency for Health Care Administration.

Contesting Positive Results:

An employee or job applicant who receives a positive confirmed drug test result may contest or explain the result to the employer within 14 days after written notification of the positive test result.

Responsibility to Notify the Laboratory:

The employee or job applicant has the responsibility to notify the testing laboratory of any administrative or civil actions brought pursuant to this section.

List of Drugs for Testing:

A list of all drugs for which the employer will test can be supplied upon request, described by brand names or common names, as applicable, as well as by chemical names.

Right to Consult the Testing Laboratory:

Employees and job applicants are notified of their right to consult the testing laboratory for technical information regarding prescription and nonprescription medication.