Portside Jim Adair

Just like breaking in a new set of work boots, becoming comfortable in a new job isn’t always easy. Jim Adair, who was recently promoted to the position of principal construction inspector at the Port of Long Beach, said “taking off the inspector hat and putting on the manager hat” is a challenge, but one he’s ready to take on. After 15 years as an inspector with the port, Adair is now responsible for supervising other inspectors and construction projects, checking reports, monitoring overtime and tracking costs. “It’s completely different from what I used to do as an inspector, but I find it challenging and rewarding,” Adair explained. His team of inspectors represents the port’s interests on construction sites across the port property to ensure that safety and environmental protocols are followed, and contractors are providing the agreed-upon quality of products and services. “Most contractors are very conscious about what they do,” Adair said. “But, they’re here to make money.” While site visits are still part of his day-to-day, Adair noted that plenty of meetings and time spent at his desk for data entry are a fixture in his calendar. Despite the change of scenery, he said working on projects such as the recently completed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certified port maintenance facility is a rewarding task. “We work hard, but at the end of the day, pretty much everybody goes home happy,” Adair reflected.