Public Works Inspector

Salary : $74,964.00 - $100,428.00 Annually
Location : Oceanside, CA, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2627-26
Department: Development Services
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 10/2/2026 4:00 PM Pacific


Introduction
THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Public Works Inspector. There is currently one vacancy in the Development Services Department - Land Development section. The ideal candidate for this position will possess direct geotechnical/soils inspection experience.
Examples of Duties
The Public Works Inspector inspects, in detail, the methods and materials used in the on-site and off-site construction of streets, alleys, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, storm drains, sewers, water and lighting systems, catch basins, driveways, approaches, manholes and traffic light conduits; attends pre-construction meetings as well as on-site grading; ensures necessary approvals are obtained from appropriate regulatory agencies; ensures proper field implementation of erosion control and storm water pollution prevention measures; provides assistance on engineering or landscape projects in the preparation or review of designs, cost estimates, plans, specifications and inspections; examines all conditions existing on street right of ways; reviews and interprets construction plans and specifications, consulting with supervisor on deviations; checks grades, using string line or level as necessary; performs or reviews soils and materials tests to ensure conformance to specifications; investigates subgrade conditions for paving purposes; inspects compacting, finishing, grading, rolling, spreading of bituminous material and roadway base, rolling and finishing of ends and joints, applications of tack and seal coats and sand sealing operations; tests pavement thickness; calculates materials, converting volume measurements to weight for comparison to bid estimates; makes straight edge tests and orders proper reduction of high spots; inspects forms and concrete pouring; checks delivery tickets and analyzes mix; inspects a variety of underground structures, assuring authorized construction, trenching, line and grade, checking alignment of pipe and quality of joints; inspects backfilling of utility trenches; reviews and interprets environmental impact reports; implements decisions based on reports and plans from soil and environmental engineers; issues stop-work orders and/or correction notices relating to problems in the field; submits detailed reports on work progress and material quantities; conducts testing of water and sewer mains; ensures that landscape improvements are properly installed and maintained; plans new landscape installations and renovations; prepares landscape maintenance and installation specifications to amend or change City guidelines and requirements; inspects the work of contracted landscape workers to ensure compliance with all plans, schedules and City maintenance specifications; reviews plant materials, irrigation systems, erosion control, fire abatement, drainage and plant pest control problems; designs landscape and irrigation improvements and prepares cost estimates; reviews landscape and irrigation plans submitted by architects for private development that will become the City's maintenance responsibility; inspects the installation and ensures the ongoing maintenance of private landscapes; inspects medians requiring landscape maintenance by private property owners; and performs related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Modern principles of inspection techniques and materials used in assigned land development and public works projects.
• Acceptable safety standards and requirement in public works construction.
• City and local laws, codes, ordinances, specifications and standards relating to public works construction.
• Approved street construction methods and materials.
• Underground construction methods and safety requirements.
• Nomenclature, symbols, methods, practices, techniques and instruments used in engineering and mapping.
• Mathematics as applied to inspecting public works projects.
• Field practices of landscape construction.
• Operation of irrigation systems.
• Operation of traffic signals.
• Erosion control and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.
• Plant materials including identification, growth habits, nutritional requirements and pest control.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret basic public works construction plans, grade sheets and specifications.
• Apply proper inspection techniques to obtain specified construction defined by City requirements and contract awards.
• Understand grades and mixes of asphalt and cement construction materials.
• Estimate quantities and make accurate arithmetical calculations.
• Inspect the installation and maintenance of landscaped properties.
• Identify deviations from approved construction plans and take appropriate action.
• Maintain and update accurate records and files.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations accurately.
• Work independently and efficiently to carry out assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training

Experience: Two years experience inspecting public works construction which includes a wide variety of projects such as grading, street construction, water and sewer systems, storm drains and/or landscape.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training involving inspection of public works projects.

License/Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
**Association of Construction Inspectors (ACI) or American Public Works Association (APWA) certification as a Public Works Inspector is desirable**
Working Conditions and Selection Process
Environmental Conditions: Office and field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, smoke, fumes, gases; inclement weather conditions.
Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; entering and walking through construction sites; speaking and hearing to exchange information; visual acuity to read and interpret specifications and drawings and conduct public works inspections.

Selection Process: All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification from the selection process. The process may include any combination of written exam, oral interview, application appraisal, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.
RÉSUMÉS ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

THE PROVISIONS IN THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
CITY OF OCEANSIDE

Oceanside City Employees' Association

Benefit Summary

The following is a highlight of benefits
Retirement
Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)

• Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of PEPRA in regard to retirement benefits. Each individual's benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details.
• Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
• Survivor Continuation option

Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options

• Buy additional Service Retirement Credit prior to membership
• Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
• Buy additional Military Service Credit

Health Insurance

Medical/Vision: (First of the month following 60 days)

• Kaiser plan provided through Teamster Medical Trust. For more information please contact #View phone number on click.appcast.io

Dental: (First of the Month following hire)

• Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
• Delta Care USA (DHMO)

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.

• Available to all members of your household
• 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
• Self-service support online or by phone

Disability and Life Insurances

The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Lincoln Financial premiums are paid for by City.
Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:

• First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
• Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
• All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used

Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability

Life and AD&D Insurance:

• 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $200,000 of Basic Life and AD&D

Voluntary Benefits

Benefits are employee paid.
Supplemental Life Insurance through Lincoln Financial:

• Premiums are determined by age
• Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
• Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
• Dependent coverage up to $10,000

Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:

• Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
• Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $3,400
• Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $7,500

Deferred Compensation - 457 through Empower:

• 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $24,500 for 2026; over age 50 may contribute an additional $8,000

MetLife Legal Plan

• Telephone and office consultations are available for an unlimited number for personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.

GotZoom Student Loan Relief

• Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.

ScholarShare 529

• An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.

Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $2,000 per fiscal year

Leave Benefits
Vacation:


1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours
6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours
11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours
16 + years: 8.19
Maximum accrual:

• 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
• 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after

Holidays:

• New Years' Day
• Martin Luther King Jr Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year

Sick Leave:
Accrual: 12 days per year

Max accrual: Unlimited
Annual Sick Leave Pay Off:


Each calendar year an employee may elect to receive a 50% payment in lieu of accrued sick leave provided such employee has used 3 work days (maximum of 36 hours) or less of sick leave during the calendar year and has a minimum of 100 hours in their sick leave bank prior to the cash out request.
Sick Leave pay off at separation:

• Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates

Bereavement Leave:

• Three days for death of employee's immediate family member
• Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval

Certification Pay

The City will provide certification pay up to $1.00 per hour for employees utilizing designated certifications in the performance of their duties.

Bilingual and Notary Pay
Bilingual: $1.73 per hour for eligible employees

Notary: $.58 per hour for eligible employees

Uniforms

The City will provide uniforms for any employee required by the City to wear such uniform in the course of their regular job duties.


Commercial Driver License
The City will reimburse the application cost of Commercial Class A or B Driver License to full-time employees in certain classifications.

Safety Shoes
The City will provide reimbursement up to $200 towards the purchase price of safety shoes to employees who are required to wear such shoes on the job.

Term of Compensation Plan
Effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2026
This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.

01


Have you completed the twelfth grade or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you possess a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No

03


Please select the number of years of experience you have inspecting public works construction, including a wide variety of projects such as grading, street construction, water and sewer systems, storm drains and/or landscape projects.

• Less than 2 years
• 2-3 years
• 4-5 years
• 6 or more years

04


Do you have direct geotechnical/soils inspection experience? If yes, your application must reflect that work experience.

• Yes
• No

05


Please describe your public works inspection experience in the following areas:1. Streets, 2. Storm drains, 3. Curb and gutter, 4. Sidewalk, 5. Grading, 6. Drainage, 7. Park restrooms, 8. Playground equipment, and 9. Dry utilities.
06


Do you possess an Association of Construction Inspectors (ACI) or American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Works Inspection Certification as a Public Works Inspector? If yes, please mark yes below and attach a copy of the certification to the application.

• Yes
• No

07


Please describe your work experience with traffic control, water quality, erosion control, and landscape inspection.Please list specific project names, duties, and length of assignment.
08


Please list any related public works, construction or inspection certificates you possess.
09


CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omission of material facts may forfeit my right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.

• Yes
• No

Required Question