Senior Construction Inspector

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN:

• Location: Project Management Complex, located on the San Diego International Airport campus. Work alongside with our Construction JV partners on the waterfront, providing stunning views of San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline. Regular visits to new and ongoing construction sites throughout Airport campus.
• Salary: The hiring salary for the Senior Construction Inspector is starting at $81,705-$90,783. The full pay range for the Senior Construction Inspector is $69,883 – $111,733. Work performed on third shift is eligible for a shift differential.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
• Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.

About the Job:

The Airport Design & Construction Department is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced individual for the role of Senior Construction Inspector (Overnight Shift). This position plays a critical role in ensuring the operational success of multi-million-dollar construction and tenant improvement projects across the airport campus.

More than technical expertise, this role calls for relationship-building and collaboration across departments by partnering with design, engineering, operations, and project management teams to ensure compliance with Airport Authority standards and successful project delivery. Each assignment offers a front-row seat to the transformation of one of San Diego’s most visible public spaces, from groundbreaking to opening.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in mechanical, electrical, and civil inspections, along with the ability to read and interpret construction plans, ensure code compliance, and document progress with precision. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential for building trust, resolving issues proactively, and driving projects forward.

Every day offers new challenges and opportunities to problem-solve in a dynamic environment where no two projects or days, are the same.

What You’ll Do:

• Project Oversight: Monitor, coordinate, and inspect a variety of facility construction projects and installations to ensure compliance with project documents. Oversee major mechanical, electrical, and civil work (including structural concrete and masonry, HVAC systems, structural steel, piping, and asphalt or concrete pavement) along with other materials used across Airport Authority projects.
• Contract Coordination: Serve as a liaison between the Authority and outside contractors on construction, improvement, and tenant projects. Meet and confer with Authority staff and stakeholders regarding construction plans and specifications, and coordinate contractor activities to align with project schedules and standards.
• Records Management: Maintain detailed project documentation through status reports, charts, and progress tracking. Incorporate change orders, create punch lists, and perform preliminary reviews of assigned projects to identify potential issues and recommend alternative solutions.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Participate in pre-construction meetings and in-house design reviews to align teams, clarify expectations, and support seamless project execution.
• Field Inspections: Conduct regular field inspections to monitor, evaluate, and document construction progress. Verify conformance with specifications, drawings, and other contract requirements, and prepare daily inspection logs and periodic progress reports.
• Operational Driving: Operate Airport Authority vehicles to travel across the SAN campus including landside and airside areas to perform required field inspections.

The Skills You Need:

• Problem-Solving & Agility: Quickly assesses situations, adapts to evolving conditions, and develops effective, collaborative solutions that support project goals.
• Communication: Clearly conveys information through verbal, written, and digital channels to ensure alignment among teams and stakeholders.
• Operating Equipment: Proficient in using construction and surveying tools, including drafting instruments, electronic locators, cameras, two-way radios, and testing equipment.
• Leadership & Influence: Engages and motivates others by setting clear objectives, maintaining communication, and recognizing performance to achieve results.
• Project Management: Evaluates scope, budget, and timelines; monitors progress and resolves coordination issues to ensure efficient, on-time completion.
• Relationship Building: Builds trust and rapport across all levels through consistency, reliability, and awareness of others’ needs.
• Leveraging Technology: Uses digital systems and tools effectively to manage information and enhance operational efficiency.

Requirements

The Experience You Need to Have**:

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D
• Seven years of experience in facility construction or building maintenance inspection in the area(s) of specialization and advanced technical emphasis on civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and electronics/instrumentation principles and disciplines involved in complex facility construction.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-hour Construction Training Certificate Cal/OSHA 30-Hour Training for General Industry or must be obtained within six months of employment.

Preferred Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, construction management or related course work
• Certifications as Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
• International Code Council (ICC) Certification

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements :

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio and telecommunications equipment.

*Driving is an Essential Function

This role requires regular driving as a critical part of performing work-related duties, specifically involving the operation of Airport Authority vehicles. A valid California driver’s license is required, along with strict adherence to all traffic laws and safety regulations. Applicants must maintain an acceptable driving record to operate Authority vehicles. Compliance with Airport Authority vehicle use policies, including safety protocols and reporting requirements, is mandatory. Applicants must acknowledge that driving Airport Authority vehicles is an essential function of this role. 

**Don’t meet every requirement? That’s okay. At San Diego International Airport, we value diverse experiences and a willingness to learn. Some roles require specific qualifications or degrees, but others don’t—and we're always open to individuals committed to growth and excellence. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. And if it’s not the right fit, we’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities. We may have the perfect spot for you to land.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.