Construction Inspector - Citywide

This is a Citywide Exam posting. Your application to this posting is an application to take a citywide exam.

If you pass the exam, you will be emailed your score and ranking on the eligible candidate list. When a department has an open position with this job classification they will use this eligible list to hire for that position. Departments will contact candidates from this list to gauge interest in their specific roles. Learn more about the City’s hiring process here: .

• Application Opening: Monday, September 28, 2026
• Application Deadline:   Apply immediately. Application filing will be open at least through Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PDT) and will close any time thereafter.
• Recruitment ID: CBT-6318-U00056 / REF60889H

San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.

Job Description

Under general supervision, the 6318 Construction Inspector performs construction inspection in conjunction with public works construction projects to ensure compliance with contract plans, specifications, applicable codes and safety regulations. Engineering construction inspection includes but is not limited to the following activities: earthwork and paving, roadway renovation and improvement, water supply and sewer collection pipeline, Portland Cement concrete, asphaltic concrete, protective coating, pile driving, drilled pier, tunneling/jacking, trackwork, track improvements, power distribution and transmission systems, electrical overhead contact systems, signal, control and data acquisition systems, radio and telecommunications systems, including fiber optic networks, power substations, vehicle modifications and retrofits, bridges, ADA retrofits and facilities, building renovation and improvements, operating equipment, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, electrical and mechanical work, and landscaping and irrigation work.

The essential functions of this classification include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Monitors and inspects the work of contractors for compliance with plans, specifications and schedules.
2. Prepares project documentation including daily reports, force accounts, materials testing, and other construction records.
3. Participates in and/or conducts planning, preconstruction, coordination, progress, scheduling and field staff meetings.
4. Reviews plans, specifications, submittals, shop drawings, change orders, constructability reviews and contract closeout records.
5. Assists in detecting and resolving disputes and/or problems and responds to complaints from the public.
6. Ensures that all required tests, operations, measurements, and inspections are scheduled, ordered, satisfactorily completed and documented for quality assurance/quality control compliance.
7. Verifies and prepares quantity and progress estimates for progress payments.
8. Maintains records on unit price quantities, labor, equipment and progress for change order work.
9. Reviews and approves change orders for implementation.
10. Makes field measurements and maintains as-built drawings records.
11. Conducts and/or witnesses testing of contract material, equipment, and installations.
12. Reports safety and traffic hazards, defective work and debris to the contractor for correction.
13. May monitor the excavation, loading and off-haul of hazardous materials from construction sites and ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws pertaining to hazmat.
14. Drives a vehicle to inspection sites.
15. Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Notes:

• Positions will require the ability to maintain a valid California driver's license (must be presented at the time of appointment) and meet insurability standards of individual department’s automobile liability insurance requirements. Insurability must be maintained throughout employment. Depending on the availability of City vehicles and individual department policy, willingness to use their own vehicle may be necessary.
• May be required to work under extreme weather conditions such as heat or cold, extended night or swing shift schedules, climb ladders, walk on uneven surfaces and/or stand for a long duration.
• Positions may require knowledge of storm water pollution and prevention and may require current certification in one or more of the following: lead abatement construction, 40-hour HAZWOPER, ICC-special inspection and/or AWS welding inspection.
• Positions at San Francisco Public Works (SFPW) and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) may be required to perform occasional duties or be permanently assigned construction projects in Alameda County, in Tuolumne County, or in San Mateo County.
• Positions at the Port of San Francisco (PRT), San Francisco Airport (SFO) and SFPUC may involve making inspections around and under piers while operating an outboard motor, including lifting and moving an outboard motor.
• Positions at the SFPUC, SFPW and Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) are required to complete Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) training.
• Positions at SFO Construction Management, SFPW Construction Management, MTA Muni Construction, PRT, SFPUC Water City Distribution Division, and SFPUC Construction Management Bureau may require one or more of the following: OSHA 10, AHERA, 40-hour HAZWOPER, ICC-special inspection, AWS welding inspection, NASTT – CIPL Inspection Certificate, VCP Inspection Certificate, CQM Certificate, and/or one (1) year of underground street utilities construction experience.

Qualifications

Minimum

Qualifications

:
1. Two (2) years of verifiable full-time experience in City and County of San Francisco class 6317 Assistant Construction Inspector ;  OR

2. Four (4) years of verifiable full-time experience in construction inspection work ensuring that plans and specifications are complied with, and the workmanship and material used meet specifications.

AND: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License

Substitution:
1. A baccalaureate degree in Engineering or Architecture from an accredited college or university and/or experience as an Engineer on a level equal to City and County of San Francisco class 5203 Assistant Engineer or as an Architect on a level equal to City and County of San Francisco class 5265 Architectural Associate I or higher may substitute for up to two years of the required experience under Minimum Qualification #2.

2. Two (2) years of verifiable full-time experience as a surveyor may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience under Minimum Qualification #2. 

3. Experience in construction, at the Superintendent/General Foreman level, supervising construction crews of more than six may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience on a year for year basis. Journey level construction experience and/or drafting experience will not be accepted as qualifying under Minimum Qualification #2.

4. Possession of an associate degree in construction or engineering from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience under Minimum Qualification #2.

One year of full-time employment is equivalent to 2000 hours. (2000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week.) Any overtime hours that you work above forty (40) hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Verification of Education and Experience:
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum

qualifications

as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications.

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at . 

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum

qualifications

must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum

qualifications

.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application. Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores. 

Selection Procedures:
After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:

Supplemental Questionnaire Examination (Weight:100%):  Applicants who meet the minimum

qualifications

will be sent a Supplemental Questionnaire Examination via a separate email after the closing of the application filing period. The Supplemental Questionnaire Examination is designed to measure the knowledge, skills and/or abilities in job-related areas required for the position which may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Knowledge of construction inspection methods and current construction techniques.
• Knowledge of construction materials necessary to determine the quality and correct use in projects.
• Knowledge of safe working habits and regulations.
• Ability to understand and interpret contract plans and specifications.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Work effectively with the public, contractors, engineers, and other agencies.
• Interpersonal skills and communication skills.

Applicants will be given a deadline to return the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination. Those who do not respond by the established deadline will not be eligible to continue in the examination process and will not be added to eligibility list resulting from this process. All applicants’ responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination are subject to verification.

A passing score must be achieved on the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination in order to continue in the selection process and be placed on the eligible list/score report.

Candidates will be placed on the eligible list/score report in rank order according to their final score. Candidate scores on this examination may also be applied to other announcements involving other job titles, when directed by the Human Resources Director.

The department may administer additional position-specific selection procedures to make the final hiring decision.

NOTE:  Applicants who meet the minimum

qualifications

are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Clearance
Candidates for employment with the San Francisco Airport Commission are required to undergo a criminal history record check, including FBI fingerprints, and Security Threat Assessment in order to determine eligibility for security clearance and may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening. Per Civil Service Commission Rule Section 110.9.1, every applicant for an examination must possess and maintain the

qualifications

required by law and by the examination announcement for the examination. Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.

Customs Clearance
Positions at the San Francisco Airport Commission require that the incumbent be qualified for unescorted access to the San Francisco International Airport U.S. Customs Security Area. An application for a U.S. Customs Access Seal may be submitted to Customs ONLY after employment has commenced. Employment in this position requires that the incumbent submit an application for, successfully acquire and maintain a Customs Access Seal. Per Civil Service Commission Rule 110.9.1, every applicant must possess and maintain the

qualifications

required by law and by the examination announcement for this examination. Failure to acquire or maintain customs access, a requirement for this position, may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission. Customs Access Seal requirements and procedures are located in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 19, Part 122, Sections 181 or 189.

TWIC Card
Positions at the Port of San Francisco require that the incumbent be qualified for unescorted access to the Port’s Maritime Transportation System (MTS). An application for a TWIC card may be submitted after employment has commenced. Employment in this position requires that the incumbent undergo a criminal history check, immigration check and terrorist threat assessment, including FBI fingerprints, in order to determine eligibility for security clearance. The incumbent must submit an application for, successfully acquire and maintain a TWIC card. Per Civil Service Rule 110.9.1, every applicant must possess and maintain the

qualifications

required by law and by the announcement for this examination. Failure to acquire or maintain a TWIC card, a requirement for this position, may be basis for termination from employment with the Port Commission. Note: TWIC requirements and procedures are located in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 49 U.S.C. 114, 40113, and 49 U.S.C. 5103a.

Medical Examination
Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully pass a medical examination to determine their ability to perform the essential functions of the job and/or the ability to meet the physical minimum requirements.

Eligible List/Score Report:
A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created, and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be of 12 months , and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director. 

Certification: The certification rule for the eligible list resulting from this examination will be  Rule of Ten (10) Scores .

Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights:  Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at .]

The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4. Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5413 by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement. Information concerning other Civil Service Commission Rules involving announcements, applications and examination policies, including applicant appeal rights, can be found on the Civil Service Commission website at .

Additional Information

Additional Information

Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

• Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams [required for Combined, Promotive, Entrance (CPE) Exams only]

Where to Apply  
All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit to begin your application process.

Computers are available for the public (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of the Dept. of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor and at the City Career Center at City Hall , 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 110. 

Ensure your application information is accurate, as changes may not be possible after submission. Your first and last name must match your legal ID for verification, and preferred names can be included in parentheses. Use your personal email address, not a shared or work email, to avoid unfixable issues. 

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from View email address on us.fitly.work that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.  

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the exam analyst, Vivian Yeung at View email address on us.fitly.work .

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.