Senior Public Works Inspector

This recruitment will remain open until filled and may close at any time without notification.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, the Senior Public Works Inspector performs a variety of detailed inspections of new construction in the City public right of way, as well as inspection work on capital improvement projects and permits related to public works and public utilities construction projects; interprets plans and specifications to ensure contract compliance; responds to citizen complaints and requests for information, including the general public, developers, contractors, and utility representatives; prepares project records and reports and recommends change orders and cost estimates; and performs related duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

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

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs a variety of detailed inspections of new construction in the City public right of way, as well as capital improvements and permit inspection work related to public works and public utilities construction projects; interprets plans and specifications to ensure contract compliance.
• Inspects ongoing utility projects performed by outside companies, including traffic control, dust control, installation of utilities and others; ensures compliance with City standards and specifications, including vertical and horizontal offsets from City utilities and restorations of the public right of way; ensures restoration of concrete, asphalt base pavement, and asphalt cap, slurry, and striping.
• Observes earthwork grading, slope construction, earthen berms, and surface drainage; reviews soils compaction reports and grading certificates.
• Inspects traffic signal conduits and pole installations, water pipelines, and above-ground facilities, sewer pipelines, storm drains, and detention/infiltration systems, rough grading, precise grading, sidewalk, curb and gutter, and street improvements for City projects and other developments.
• Inspects the construction and installation of new water lines for services, hydrants, and new sewer lines; verifies compliance with project plans and City standards and specifications; inspects potable and non-potable water systems and sanitary sewer systems, including installation, testing, maintenance, and repair.
• Monitors fees paid for permits and ensures payment in accordance with the work performed and established timelines; notifies contractors and utility companies to request additional fees be paid; maintains related records.
• Reviews capital improvement projects to ensure work is performed per contract plans and specifications; inspects and writes reports according to established procedure; takes and logs photos of projects; prepares and maintains records of inspections.
• Interprets construction plans and specifications; prepares and makes recommendations on changes; confers with City engineering staff on design problems encountered in the field; prepares cost estimates.
• Coordinates with the Department of Water and Power to schedule shutdowns; verifies water lines and valve locations prior to shutdowns.
• Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information, including the general public, developers, contractors, and utility representatives.
• Prepares and maintains records of daily inspections, records for City contracted construction projects, including payment quantities, labor compliance, testing results, materials, and required related records by other regulatory agencies.
• Attends pre-construction and pre-grading conferences with developers and contractors; conducts pre-construction meetings for contracted projects.
• Investigates complaints during natural disasters regarding failure of public works and public utilities systems and facilities, including broken water and sewer mains and services, gas leaks, roadway and decking problems, and other hazards.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Positions at the Public Works Inspector I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

• Common engineering construction methods.
• Laws, statutes, and City ordinances governing engineering construction projects.
• Maintenance and construction principles, proper construction techniques, use of materials and equipment, traffic control, and safe work practices.
• Construction methods used in water, sewer, storm drain, dry utility pipe, and wastewater treatment structures and equipment installation, as well as mechanical and structural rehabilitations.
• Construction and/or rehabilitation of public building facilities, bridges, roadways, and parks.
• Trenchless sewer rehabilitation methods.
• Technical specifications, contract requirements, engineering drawings, and standard construction details.
• Engineering mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Environmental regulations and codes.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Detect flaws in construction methods and materials.
• Inspect engineering construction projects.
• Perform difficult and thorough field engineering construction inspections.
• Make accurate mathematical and geometric calculations.
• Read, understand, and interpret engineering and construction blueprints, plans, and specifications, including reading and using survey staking equipment.
• Maintain accurate records and files of work performed.
• Use tact and firmness in working with contractors to ensure conformity of construction with the interest of the public and the safety of employees.
• Interpret and enforce a variety of codes, ordinances, and special requirements related to construction work.
• Use a variety of field-testing devices.
• Make material quantity calculations and prepare cost estimates.
• Understand, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by college-level coursework or technical certification in construction technology and inspection practices.

Experience:

Four (4) years of experience in sub-professional engineering work involving public works construction inspection experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.

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

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.