Transportation Specialist - Construction

Working Title:
Lead Construction Inspector - Transportation Specialist

Job Class:
Transportation Specialist

• Job
• Location:
  
  Detroit Lakes
• Telework Eligible:
  No
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/26/2026
• Closing Date: 03/12/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Transportation Dept / Transportation-Dist 4-AFSCME
• Division/Unit:
  District 4 - Detroit Lakes / D-4 Construction
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work:
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  No
• Salary Range: $28.16 - $38.40 / hourly; $58,798 - $80,179 / annually
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area:
  Construction - Detroit Lakes
• FLSA Status:
  Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position serves as the chief inspector on projects coordinating and performing contract administration, field inspection, and field materials testing so that projects are built in accordance with plans, standards and specifications.

• Acts as Chief Inspector on complex multi‑phase or multi‑operational projects, reporting to and working under the general guidance of a project engineer/principal engineer to ensure successful completion of projects.
• Leads inspection crew on a complex multi‑phase or multi‑operational project coordinating personnel and work assignments.
• Directs materials testing and performs occasional sampling and material testing in the field, analyzes test results and assures materials meet MnDOT specifications to secure certification of a construction project and determine the impact of test results and make recommendations related to materials, structural integrity for roadway and/or bridge construction projects.
• Performs highly complex inspection activities, monitors project progress, and assures all inspected work is accomplished in accordance with contract requirements.
• Performs complex documentation to record quantity and quality of materials and completes required reports in accordance with contract requirements.
• Applies enforcement procedures to the contract for the most complex projects or as referred by the Assistant Chief Inspector to ensure successful completion of projects.
• Monitors traffic control and encourages safe contractor practices, ensures personal safety is protected and ensures the project is completed to applicable safety practices, rules, and programs.
• Develops solutions to unforeseen construction problems and/or issues in the field, serves as the contact for field personnel and the primary focal point for contractors and project engineers, communicates relevant information and knows the “go‑to” people in all areas of MnDOT for help in resolving problems in the field.
• Directs, trains, or performs the measuring, completing, documenting and entering the required project documentation into AASHTOWare.
• Coordinates construction inspection supplies and equipment to ensure needed supplies and equipment are available when needed.
• Directs the activities of bituminous and concrete plant inspectors to ensure materials meet specifications and requirements.

• Completes computer‑aided drafting and designing (CADD) functions and calculations and applies software programs used to perform technical detail designing and drafting of plans.
• Computes estimated quantities and pay items for construction plans.
• Assists in developing and designing elements for construction plans to ensure MnDOT, AASHTO, and FHWA standards are met.
• Prepares detailed technical drawings making engineering computations, preparing special provisions and completing necessary forms for use in final construction plans.
• Generates cross‑sections and determines…