Construction Observer - Water Project at Tighe & Bond · Portsmouth

Overview

We are committed to making a meaningful impact through our work. As a Construction Observer, you will join our Water team in our Portsmouth or Manchester, NH or Portland, ME office, where you’ll play a key role in delivering vital infrastructure projects across the Northeast. Working with industry experts, you’ll tackle complex challenges that strengthen community resilience and advance environmental sustainability. At Tighe & Bond, you’ll find an engaging, hybrid work environment, a culture of collaboration, and the resources to support your professional growth and development.

Responsibilities, Requirements, and Total Rewards

What You’ll Be Doing

As a valuable part of our Water tean, a Construction Observer will support a variety of projects and gain hands-on experience with responsibilities such as:

• Lead on-site observation for complex water infrastructure construction including water main installations, pump stations, water treatment facilities, and storage tanks.
• Produce thorough and technically sound daily field reports. Document site conditions, material certifications, testing results, contractor staffing, and schedule adherence.
• Perform advanced review of construction work for adherence to plans, specifications, and contract documents. Identify deviations and assist in implementing corrective measures.
• Act as the primary field liaison to municipal clients, utilities, and contractors. Represent the firm at construction meetings and inspections.
• Provide mentorship and oversight to junior observers and coordinate field assignments. Ensure consistent application of field standards and protocols.
• Assist project engineers in reviewing submittals, RFIs, and change orders. Support pay requisition validation through precise quantity tracking.
• Monitor conformance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and permit conditions. Provide leadership on safety reporting and incident prevention.

What You’ll Need

• 8–20 years of field experience in construction observation, with a strong emphasis on municipal water projects
• Deep knowledge of water utility construction practices, materials, and standards (AWWA, ASTM, etc.)
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and schedules
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with clients, contractors, and internal teams
• Strong documentation and reporting skills; experience using construction management software (e.g., Procore, Fieldwire, e-Builder)
• OSHA 30-Hour Certification required
• NICET Certification or equivalent preferred
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly to project sites.

Preferred Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to handle complex field issues independently and provide practical, field-based solutions
• Experience working under public procurement and prevailing wage requirements
• Background in QA/QC procedures, construction cost estimating, or claims evaluation is a plus
• Ability to lead pre-construction and progress meetings with minimal oversight.

Your Financial and Wellness Benefits

• Compensation is based on skills and experience as reflected in the pay range below
• Annual Bonus, Profit Sharing, and Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Best in Class Medical Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Wellness Rewards and Reimbursements
• Tuition Reimbursement and Qualified Student Loan Paydown Contributions
• Reimbursements for Licensure/ Certification Preparation and Fees
• Summer Fridays Flextime and Hybrid Work Environment
• Pet Insurance and Adoption Assistance

More Information about Tighe & Bond

Ways to Grow Your CareerWe provide a structured career path with opportunities for professional development through tuition reimbursement, internal training, conference attendance, and professional memberships. Mentorship from more experienced staff is integral to our culture and part of our commitment to your growth.

Our Culture and ValuesWe prioritize the well-being of our employees, communities, and environment. We foster a flexible, inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. Our six core values – Integrity, Excellence, Reliability, Commitment, Respect, and Safety – guide our employee-owned company in delivering exceptional service, building trust, and promoting continuous growth. Our team celebrates together at events like our annual Lobsterfest and gives back to our community through our award-winning Make a Difference program.

We believe one of our greatest strengths lies in our differences. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, with opportunities to thrive. By embracing a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we create and cultivate a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, that encourages creativity and drives innovation. We celebrate unique perspectives and strive to build a culture of belonging for all team members. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds as we work together to design a sustainable future for our communities.

More About Tighe & BondFor more than a century, Tighe & Bond has been a trusted, award-winning, employee-owned consulting firm serving the Northeast. We bring clients’ visions to life through integrated engineering, landscape architecture, planning, and environmental consulting services. In 2025, we were honored with the Massachusetts ACEC Award for Workplace Belonging & Engagement, reflecting our commitment to an inclusive, supportive culture where our people thrive. Our work is consistently recognized by organizations including ACEC, BSLA, and various regional business and environmental associations. These recognitions highlight the technical strength of our people and the innovative, sustainable solutions we deliver for public and private clients, along with the meaningful impact we make in the communities we serve.

Equal Opportunity Employer StatementWe are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Tighe & Bond, Inc. will base decisions on employment to further the principle of equal employment opportunity. We are committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals on their qualifications, abilities, skills and experience. If accommodation is needed during the application process, please contact a member of the talent acquisition team.

Pay Range

USD $97,138.00 - USD $127,493.00 /Yr.