Construction Observer / Engineering Technician

Job Description

Take Your Career to the Next Level

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive! In 2025, we acquired Veenstra & Kimm, a dedicated team of engineers with a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences, dedicated to one goal: Creating a brighter future for your community.

Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Our collaborative, multidisciplinary group works together to deliver integrated, high‑impact solutions.

Position Overview

The Engineering Technician provides on-site monitoring and documentation for construction projects, focusing on compliance with design specifications and contract documents. This role involves assisting with quality control, reporting project progress, and ensuring safety and efficiency in all construction activities. The Engineering Technician works closely with contractors, engineers, and stakeholders to support successful project delivery.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Build effective working relationships with contractors, project managers, and on-site personnel.
• Communicate inspection results and observations clearly to team members and stakeholders.
• Assist in training and mentoring entry-level staff on construction observation practices and protocols.
• Contribute to team discussions and provide insights on improving field operations.
• Monitor daily construction activities, ensuring adherence to approved plans, specifications, and safety standards.
• Document progress through written reports, photographs, and field measurements.
• Verify contractor compliance with project schedules and quality expectations.
• Conduct field testing of construction materials, such as concrete and soil, as required.
• Maintain and organize project records, including inspection logs and daily diaries.
• Assist in resolving on-site technical issues by collaborating with engineers and project leads.
• Serve as a point of contact for contractors and project stakeholders during construction.
• Provide regular updates to clients on project status and any observed discrepancies.
• Address client concerns promptly and professionally, ensuring their satisfaction with the project’s progress.
• Support public engagement efforts by answering questions and providing clear project information.
• All other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High School/GED Required
• Associated degree Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 1 - 3 years of construction experience.
• Knowledge of Iowa SUDAS Specifications
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to think critically and solve problems
• Able to work with a team in a dynamic environment
• Enthusiasm for collaboration and learning.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Basic knowledge of construction practices, materials and safety standards

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing all the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to focus. Travel is required.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Indoors with regular office conditions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

V&K BENEFITS

• Benefits available 30 days following date of employment, includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability, plus additional supplemental insurances
• Clothing allowance
• 401k with company match
• Paid Time Off and 9 paid holidays
• Paid training and development on and off-site

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Progress with an Employer that Values You

Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following:

We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.

Equal Opportunity: Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES

Please note that Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder.