Public Works Inspector I

THE POSITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of inspections of developer, capital improvements and permit inspection work related to Public Works and public utilities construction projects; learns to interpret plans and specifications to ensure contract compliance; prepares project records and reports; prepares and recommends change orders and cost estimates; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Director of Public Works/City Engineer and/or other senior management level staff. Exercises no supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level class in the Public Works Inspector series. Employees in this classification receive on the job training in order to learn and develop competencies in performing the essential functions of the job and apply city and department policies and procedures in conducting Public Works project inspections. Employees in this classification are expected to learn how to perform detailed inspections on a variety of projects and progress rather quickly toward performing the full range of duties of the Public Works Inspector I. As employees gain experience, incumbents are assigned a broader range of more difficult inspection duties, which are performed under general supervision. This class is distinguished from the Public Works Inspector II classification in that employees in the latter classification are journey level responsible for more complex work assigned to their series.

(Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Handle the less difficult inspection projects during various stages of construction and handle other construction projects on a routine basis.
• Learns how to and inspects a variety of Public Works and public utilities construction and maintenance projects such as grading and paving, sewers, storm drains, traffic signals and other city department construction projects on a routine basis.
• Learns how to and checks plans and specifications for conformance to City specifications; determine acceptability of materials; ensures that utilities have been contacted and permits applied for.
• Learns how to and inspects potable and non-potable water systems and sanitary sewer systems, including installation, testing, maintenance, and repair.
• Learns how to and inspects storm water drainage systems and year-round protections, including compliance with NPDES standards.
• Learns how to and inspects concrete street improvements, including sidewalks, drive approaches, wheel chair ramps, block walls, and other elements; learns how to and inspects asphalt concrete street paving and slurry seal coating; ensures correct street sections checking grades and elevations.
• Learns how to and observes earthwork grading, slope construction, earthen berms and surface drainage; review soils compaction reports and grading certificates.
• Learns how to and inspects all aspects of traffic control set-ups and maintenance for conformance with codes, specifications and safety practices.
• Learns how to and inspects underground dry utility systems.
• Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information, including the general public, developers, contractors and utility representatives.
• Learns how to and 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.
• Learns how to and 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.
• Learns how to and reviews as-build drawings for Public Works facilities and utility projects.
• Attends locator meetings with contractors and representatives of various utilities.
• Maintains reports and records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Practices, methods, tools, and materials used in the construction of Public Works projects.
• Principles, methods, materials, equipment and safety hazards of construction and surveying.
• Defects and faults in construction.
• Basic soil mechanics and geology.
• Construction materials sampling, testing, and estimating procedures.
• Basic engineering mechanics of structures.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations including NPEDES and CalOSHA.
• Basic principles of mathematics including algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

ABILITY TO

• Read plans and specifications.
• Learn how to detect and locate faulty materials and work, and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied.
• Learn how to perform journey level inspection skills.
• Understand and interpret engineering plans and specifications, and prepares accurate engineering records.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions and to work from sketches, blueprints, and diagrams.
• Use a variety of field testing devices.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and clear and concise reports and documentation.
• Maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Perform heavy physical labor.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• 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, which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Equivalent to graduation from high school and one (1) year of experience in sub-professional engineering work involving Public Works construction inspection experience or related experience in the construction field.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.