Construction Inspector I/II

Join the San Diego County Water Authority! We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply. The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 22 member agencies serving the region's $268 billion economy and 3.3 million residents. The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability. Engineering Department The Engineering Department is responsible for the design and construction of regional water facilities in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP); identifying and employing value engineering design concepts to optimize facility and aqueduct system performance; managing major emergency facility repairs; and providing overall CIP programmatic monitoring and controls. It also manages the Water Authority's real‑estate interests by acquiring, disposing of, and leasing real property; patrolling and managing 168 miles of right of way; and providing survey services. In addition, the department provides technical support to other agencies, departments, and member agencies. The Water Authority’s Energy Program also resides within the Engineering Department, focused on developing low‑cost energy supplies, generation, and storage opportunities; improving the Water Authority’s energy resilience; fostering collaborative energy relationships; and supporting the Water Authority’s legislative energy initiatives. Construction Section The Engineering Department’s Construction Group supports engineering project and construction managers in the planning, design, and construction phase of projects; provides a full range of detailed construction inspections of concrete, welding, structural, masonry, and soils, for multi‑disciplined public works, waterworks and facility construction projects; interprets plans and specifications to ensure construction contract compliance and documents findings on a variety of software applications; provides lead work direction to lower-level technicians and staff; establishes work priorities and reviews work in progress to ensure critical project milestones are met, and performs related duties as assigned. Ideal Candidate Technically skilled, detail-oriented, and safety-focused professional with knowledge of public works construction practices and a commitment to high-quality infrastructure delivery. At the Construction Inspector I level: motivated to learn and grow, demonstrates a foundational understanding of construction methods and materials, can interpret basic engineering drawings, follow established procedures, and document work accurately. At the Construction Inspector II level: journey-level proficiency, independently performs construction inspections on public works, waterworks, or similar infrastructure projects; well-versed in inspecting pipelines, valves, flow control facilities, structural concrete, welds, earthwork, and related facilities; evaluates contractor compliance; identifies construction issues requiring corrective action; demonstrates sound judgment, initiative, and strong problem‑solving skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills and professional interaction with contractors, engineers, project managers, member agencies, and the public. Highly organized, thorough documentation, diligent in maintaining accurate daily inspection reports, progress records, and as‑built information. Understands regulatory and administrative compliance, safety protocols, environmental requirements, and public contract provisions. Self‑motivated, dependable, and able to work effectively in the field with varied personalities, conditions, and project demands. Exercises good judgment when addressing field conflicts, raises potential issues early, and supports successful project delivery. Values teamwork and contributes positively to a collaborative, solutions-oriented construction environment. Salary Information Construction Inspector I: $39.42 – $53.02 / hour ($82,010.24 – $110,296.16 annually). Construction Inspector II: $43.52 – $58.53 / hour ($90,523.68 – $121,744.48 annually). The position may be filled at either level, depending on candidate qualifications. Responsibilities Monitors and inspects a variety of water conveyance construction projects and installations to ensure compliance with project documents. Interprets engineering plans, documents and construction specifications; makes recommendations on change orders; confers with supervisors, consultants, contractors and various Water Authority staff on field design conflicts, construction requirements and contract documents. Reviews, evaluates and comments on project documents and construction sites prior to the start of construction. Performs in‑field inspection of Water Authority planning, design and construction projects for capital improvements and repair/replacement of existing facilities. Monitors and inspects construction sites for compliance with State Construction Stormwater General Permit; makes recommendations to correct non‑compliant installations. Determines elevation of pipe, flow control facilities and other structures; verifies alignment and obtains measurements; verifies concrete construction, welds and other specifications. Prepares daily report and periodic progress reports on construction and installation work including photography. Prepares, reviews, and evaluates records, drawings, hydrostatic test data sheets, vertical traverse sheets and various reports. Engages courteously and professionally with members of the public to address complaints or concerns pertaining to construction projects. Reviews contractor requests for information, submittals, and change orders; makes recommendations for changes or approval. Prepares contractor pay estimates for construction managers. Maintains job site project and computer files. Reviews consultant invoices for contract compliance and accuracy; makes payment recommendations. Coordinates the work of consultants retained for material testing, inspection, soil compaction analysis, geotechnical investigations and site environmental analysis/mitigation. Performs and leads punch‑list walks with the Operations and Maintenance Department. Assists with acceptance testing, equipment testing, troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical systems and facility start‑up and commissioning. Drafts and maintains accurate, up-to-date as‑built drawings. Coordinates construction inspection duties with Water Authority departments, member agencies, and regulators. Documents post‑construction conditions of sites, right‑of‑ways, and access roads using photography and written reports. Maintains inventory and procures technical and field supplies. Assists with the permitting process necessary for Water Authority construction projects. Assists with inspections during shutdown periods; performs lock‑out tag‑out duties. Performs scheduled or emergency facility inspections and damage evaluations. Meets and confers with representatives of utility companies, contractors, engineers, and member agencies regarding construction plans and specifications. Assists with constructability reviews of plans and specifications. Assists construction managers and engineers in many aspects of construction administration. Class Distinguishing Characteristics Construction Inspector I : Entry‑level class in the paraprofessional Construction Inspector series; under direct supervision; develops knowledge of Water Authority facilities, design and construction methods, and engineering records/files. Construction Inspector II : Skilled, journey-level class; under general supervision; responsible for conducting routine‑to‑difficult calculations, plan checking, contractor submittal review, construction inspection and related technical duties. Distinguished from Senior Construction Inspector, which is the advanced journey-level class responsible for independently performing more complex inspections and providing technical guidance and project supervision to lower-level construction inspectors. Representative Duties 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. Qualifications Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college-level course work in civil engineering, construction management, engineering mathematics or related fields, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience: Four years of paraprofessional engineering experience in construction management and public works construction inspection, or an equivalent combination of training and experience for the Construction Inspector II level; no specific experience required for the Construction Inspector I level. Licenses and Other Requirements: A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority’s Vehicle Insurance Policy. Preferably possession of a Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Controls in‑training, and/or Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) certification, and/or Certified Welding Inspector. Application Process To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll‑free applicant support line at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Equal Opportunity Employer The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin. The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator. Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr San Diego County Water Authority