INACTIVE
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Virginia Department of Transportation
Plans, builds, maintains Virginia transportation infrastructure
Inspector Apprentice
$50.4k - $53.6k
Entry
Wytheville, VA, USA
In Person
Architecture & Civil EngineeringConstruction Management
About the job
Requirements
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with contractors, the general public, and internal and external government agencies.
- Ability to perform physically demanding field work, including using testing equipment, lifting, climbing, stooping, working at heights and in confined spaces, and making visual observations.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
- Basic knowledge and understanding of highway construction and contracting.
- Knowledge of mathematics, including geometry and trigonometry.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain within 24 months of employment and maintain thereafter, required certifications.
- Safety shoes are required.
- Skill in using computers and software applications.
- Valid driver's license.
Responsibilities
- Keep the supervisor and other inspection staff apprised of project activities, seek feedback and direction from supervising inspectors and other VDOT personnel, and represent VDOT professionally.
- Develop an understanding of construction sequences and methods, accurately interpret construction plans and specifications, seek learning opportunities, and prepare to inspect activities in advance.
- Inspect road and structure construction projects to ensure contract compliance, anticipate problems, and assist in developing solutions to minor problems.
- Use survey instruments to check elevations and apply geometric and trigonometric principles and formulas.
- Ensure required documentation is included in the project file, ensure measurements, tests, calculations, and documentation are accurate, and record daily work activities while keeping project documentation current.
- Ensure work zones are properly established and maintained, ensure project employees and equipment comply with safety practices and directives, and monitor erosion and sediment control measures for compliance and maintenance.
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Desired Qualifications
- A combination of training, experience, or education in Construction, Engineering Technology, Project Management, Materials Handling, or a related field.
- American Concrete Institute (ACI) Concrete Field Level I (CCWA) or WACEL Concrete I certification.
- Asphalt Field Level I certification.
- Asphalt Field Level II certification.
- CPR with AED, Standard First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP) combined course.
- Commercial Driver's License.
- DEQ Inspector for Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC IN) certification.
- DEQ Inspector for Stormwater Management (SWM IN) certification.
- Guard Rail Installer Training (GRIT).
- Intermediate Work Zone Traffic Control Safety certification.
- OSHA 10-Hour training.
- Pavement Marking certification.
- Radiation Safety USDOT HAZMAT certification (Nuclear Gauge).
- Slurry Surfacing certification.
- Soils and Aggregate Compaction certification.
- Surface Treatment certification.
About the company
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) manages Virginia’s transportation network. It plans, builds, maintains, and operates roads, bridges, and tunnels to keep travel safe and efficient. Its work includes long-range planning (looking 20–25 years ahead), transportation modeling for regional partners, and public outreach to keep citizens informed and involved, such as campaigns promoting safer roundabouts. Unlike private companies, VDOT is a state government agency funded to serve the public interest rather than earn profits. Its goal is to provide a reliable, safe, and accessible highway system for all Virginians and to address future transportation needs through coordinated planning and infrastructure projects.
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- June 17, 2026 CTB approved $28.5 billion for roads, bridges, transit, and trails.
- FY2027 budget rose 6.7% to $9.0 billion, lifting construction spending.
- Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel targets substantial completion in 2026/2027, preserving marquee delivery wins.
What critics are saying
- Fairfax Circuit Court's Awuah ruling exposed VDOT to vegetation-maintenance liability on March 24, 2026.
- Delayed bridge and tunnel maintenance invites more quadriplegia litigation and insurance costs.
- Megaproject slippage on I-66 and Hampton Roads could miss 2026/2027 deadlines, eroding trust.
What makes Virginia Department of Transportation unique
- VDOT controls Virginia's $9.0 billion FY2027 transportation budget, unmatched statewide scale.
- The agency manages 4,300 projects through a $28.5 billion FY2027-2032 SYIP.
- VDOT runs megaprojects like Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and Transform 66.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Vacation
INACTIVE