Contractor Inspector Lead - Temporary

Job Description

The Lead Contractor Inspector directs, controls, and coordinates contract work. This position oversees inspection work with a team of internal and external inspectors. As needed, the Lead Contractor Inspector facilitates crew onboarding, highlighting safety expectations and Avista practices/standards. As a standards subject matter expert, this position provides technical assistance to the Asset Maintenance team.

Closes: July 29, 2026



Job Description

The Lead Contractor Inspector directs, controls, and coordinates contract work. This position oversees inspection work with a team of internal and external inspectors. As needed, the Lead Contractor Inspector facilitates crew onboarding, highlighting safety expectations and Avista practices/standards. As a standards subject matter expert, this position provides technical assistance to the Asset Maintenance team.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with project managers and operations leadership at a strategic level to plan and execute construction and inspection work. Addresses construction barriers and obstacles. Initiates process and tool development to aid on construction planning, estimating and job tracking.
• Provides work direction and communication to a team of inspectors responsible for ensuring quality contract construction work. Creates quality assurance specifications. Creates and delivers inspector training. Advises on field changes. Verifies inspectors’ performance.
• Directs, coordinates and controls contract work. Facilitates design and contracting process for field work. Critical contributor during pre-bid and pre-construction meetings.
• Drives project performance by preparing job cost estimates and scope of work documentation. Actively involved in RFP and contracting process. Leads negotiations as well as formal partnering agreements with contractor’s General Foreman & Superintendent on behalf of Avista.
• Acts as a subject matter expert on Avista construction design standards and construction feasibility and specifications. Recommends changes in specifications.
• Provides critical feedback during design reviews to maximize project value and incorporate best practices. Advises on construction methods, construction process, and makes changes as needed. Operates using independent judgement to approve field changes.
• Coordinates contractor support and onboarding of mutual aid inspectors during Emergency Operations Procedure (EOP) events on behalf of the company. Provides back-up support to other Lead Contractor Inspectors across departments as needed.
• Reviews invoices for labor and materials for accuracy, and processes accordingly.

Requirements

• Five plus (5+) years of inspection experience in construction and/or ten plus (10+) years with electric utility operations, construction practices and standards experience
• Leadership experience as a foreman or general foreman preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of electric line construction maps and drawings, basic electricity, line safety, right of way and accounting procedures
• Extensive working knowledge of state, national and federal codes and regulations
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of job estimating, bidding, negotiation, contract administration and managing projects
• Demonstrated effectiveness with customer engagement
• Proficient computer skills including applications for work management and financial systems, as well as Microsoft Office Suite
• Valid driver’s license

Other Combinations Of Education And Experience May Be Considered.

Hiring Range: $100,378 to $131,496

This position is temporary status. Throughout the duration of the role, an employee s employment and benefit status will be that of a temporary employee. This role may be filled on a regular basis without further competition at the conclusion of the assignment by the employee selected for the temporary status role.

This position requires an in-person presence to support team and on-site responsibilities.

Total Rewards

At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That’s why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team…