Public Works Inspector II

**This is a continuous recruitment and may close at anytime without prior notice.**

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, performs a variety of detailed inspections of developer, capital improvements and permit inspection work related to public works and public utilities construction projects; interprets plans and specifications to ensure contract compliance; prepares project records and reports and prepares and recommends change orders and cost estimates; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Public Works Inspector II is the fully qualified journey-level class. The Public Works Inspector II performs a greater variety of inspections that requires more specialized knowledge of local codes, state and federal environmental regulations, and construction standards. The job is distinguished from the Public Works Inspector I classification which performs a smaller range of inspections that require lesser independent judgement under a greater level of supervision.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.

1. Inspects a variety of public works and public utilities construction and maintenance projects, such as sidewalks, concrete structures, driveways, water main and service installations, sewer main and lateral installations, lift stations, pump stations, curbs and gutters, retaining walls, earthwork, street excavation and patchwork, drainage facilities, storm drains, landscape irrigation, traffic signal installations, underground conduit installations, street painting, street and traffic sign installations, and others to ensure construction and materials comply with contract standards and specifications, state laws, local ordinances, and proper construction practices.

2. Inspects public works and public utilities construction and maintenance projects to ensure compliance with safety regulations and construction codes.

3. Inspects potable and non-potable water systems and sanitary sewer systems, including installation, testing, maintenance and repair.

4. Inspects storm water drainage systems and year-round protections, including compliance with NPDES standards.

5. Inspects concrete street improvements, including sidewalks, drive approaches, wheel chair ramps, block walls, and other elements; inspects asphalt concrete street paving and slurry seal coating; ensures correct street sections checking grades and elevations.

6. Observes earthwork grading, slope construction, earthen berms and surface drainage; reviews soils compaction reports and grading certificates.

7. Inspects all aspects of traffic control set-ups and maintenance for conformance with codes, specifications and safety practices.

8. Inspects underground dry utility systems.

9. Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information, including the general public, developers, contractors and utility representatives.

10. Interprets construction plans and specifications; prepares and makes recommendations on change orders; confers with City engineering staff on design problems encountered in the field; prepares cost estimates.

11. Performs final inspection of construction projects for field acceptance; prepares list of required corrections prior to field acceptance or final bond exoneration; Issues certificates of occupancy.

12. Maintains necessary records of daily operations, including daily project reports, time reports and vehicle reports.

13. Reviews as-built drawings for public works facilities and utility projects.

14. During natural disasters, investigates complaints regarding the failure of public works and public utilities systems and facilities, such as broken water and sewer mains and services, gas leaks, roadway and decking problems, and other hazards.

Knowledge of:

NPDES, CalOSHA, and Green Book environmental, safety and construction laws, regulations and standards; local ordinances governing engineering construction projects; engineering construction and inspection methods; proper usage of construction materials and equipment; safe work practices; traffic control standards; engineering mathematics, including algebra, geometry and trigonometry; customer service techniques.

Ability to:

Operate a computer terminal and use permit processing, word processing, spreadsheet, geo-based information and database programs; use a variety of types of field testing devices; analyze and interpret complex engineering construction plans and specifications; make material quantity calculations and prepare cost estimates; read survey staking; inspect engineering construction projects; establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, property owners and the public; maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and documentation; work independently in the field and exercise judgment in interpreting inspection standards and policies.

Education/Training/Experience:
The following are typical ways of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above:

Graduation from high school or G.E.D, preferably supplemented by college-level coursework and technical certification in construction technology and inspection practices. Three years of experience in sub-professional engineering work involving public works construction inspection experience.

Special Requirements:

A valid Class C California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's Vehicle Insurance Policy. Ability to be on-call or work extended hours.

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

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Inspection activities require frequent walking and standing as well as bending, squatting, kneeling and occasional crawling. Employees may also climb stairs and ladders to access inspection areas. Employees occasionally lift and carry inspection tools, records or document typically weighing less than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; interact with City staff and other organizations; and occasionally interact with dissatisfied or quarrelsome individuals.

Work Environment

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

The employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts, is exposed to wet or humid conditions and vibration, works in high, precarious places or is exposed to street/road traffic. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud. These positions frequently conduct field inspections outdoors under variable weather conditions. Employees are exposed to loud noise during construction activities.