Senior Construction Inspector

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. The 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. The Construction Section The Engineering Department's Construction Group is responsible for supporting engineering project and construction managers in the planning, design, and construction phase of projects; providing a full range of detailed construction inspections of concrete, welding, structural, masonry, and soils, for multi-disciplined public works, waterworks and facility construction projects; interpreting plans and specifications to ensure construction contract compliance and documenting findings on a variety of software applications; providing lead work direction to lower-level technicians and staff; establishing work priorities and reviewing work in progress to ensure critical project milestones are met, and performing related duties as assigned. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate for the Senior Construction Inspector is an experienced, knowledgeable, and highly dependable construction professional who brings strong technical expertise and exceptional judgment to complex public works and water infrastructure projects. This individual is capable of independently performing advanced inspection duties while serving as a technical resource and mentor to inspection staff. Extensive experience inspecting complex public works, waterworks, or facility construction projects , including pipelines, valves, flow‑control structures, welding, structural concrete, earthwork, and coatings. Strong ability to interpret and apply engineering plans, technical specifications, and contract documents , including identifying non‑conforming work and recommending corrective actions. Advanced knowledge of construction methods, inspection techniques, and materials testing requirements , particularly relating to pipeline and water conveyance facilities. Skill in documenting inspections, preparing daily reports, updating as‑builts, and maintaining accurate project records that support contract administration. Ability to provide technical guidance, lead work direction, and support consistency in inspection practices across project teams. Strong communication and collaboration skills , with the ability to work professionally with contractors, engineers, consultants, member agencies, and the public. Sound judgment and problem‑solving skills when addressing field issues, design conflicts, or construction challenges. Commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental requirements , including stormwater regulations and confined‑space entry procedures. High level of organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic field environment. A self‑motivated, dependable, and proactive work style , with the ability to work independently, stay focused in the field, and contribute positively to a collaborative, solutions‑oriented team. The Senior Construction Inspector plays a key role in supporting the successful delivery of the Water Authority’s capital improvement and rehabilitation projects. As the advanced journey‑level classification in the Construction Inspector series, this position is responsible for independently performing the most complex and technically demanding construction inspection work while providing lead technical guidance to Construction Inspectors and other field personnel. Senior Construction Inspectors monitor and inspect a wide range of water conveyance and infrastructure construction activities—including pipelines, valves, structural concrete, mechanical systems, metalwork, coatings, grading, and related facilities—to ensure full compliance with project plans, specifications, regulatory requirements, and safety standards. They serve as a critical field resource for identifying issues, interpreting design documents, and coordinating effectively with engineers, contractors, consultants, and permitting agencies. This position is also responsible for reviewing contractor submittals and records, performing advanced calculations, assisting in resolving construction conflicts, and preparing clear, detailed inspection and progress reports. Senior Construction Inspectors may assign, review, and guide the work of lower‑level inspection staff and support the development of consistent inspection practices across the construction program. Distinguishing Characteristics The Senior Construction Inspector is the advanced, journey‑level class in the paraprofessional Construction Inspector series. Under direction, incumbents are responsible for conducting the more difficult calculations, plan checking, contractor submittal review, construction inspection and related technical duties. This classification must possess a thorough knowledge of water conveyance facilities. Incumbents are expected to perform a full range of inspection duties independently. This class is distinguished from the Supervising Construction Inspector in that it does not have the full supervisory responsibilities of the latter class. This class is distinguished from the Construction Inspector II class in that this class is generally 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. Monitors and inspects a variety of water conveyance construction projects and installations to ensure compliance with project documents, including the installation and construction of pipelines, water conveyance facilities, valves, metalwork fittings and welds, earthwork, asphalt paving and structural concrete. 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 construction site visits prior to initiation of construction to record and document site conditions, right‑of‑ways, and access roads using still and video photography and written reports. Performs in field inspection of Water Authority planning, design and construction projects for capital improvements and repair/replacement of existing facilities. Engages courteously and professionally with members of the public to address complaints or concerns pertaining to construction projects. Monitors and inspects construction sites for compliance with State Construction Stormwater General Permit. Makes recommendations to correct noncompliant installations. Determines elevation of pipe, flow control facilities and other structures; verifies alignment and obtains measurements as pipeline and structures are being constructed; verifies concrete construction, including placement of reinforced steel, embedded items, concrete quality, placement of form work, expansion and sealant materials; verifies welding including joint configuration, welding procedure specifications, welder qualifications, and weld testing. Prepares inspectors' daily report and periodic progress reports on construction and installation work including still and video photography. Prepares, reviews, and evaluates records drawings, hydrostatic test data sheets, vertical traverse sheets and various miscellaneous reports as needed. Reviews, evaluates, and comments on contractor requests for information and submittals. Determines appropriate action on issues of contractor noncompliance. Reviews contractor change orders and makes recommendations for changes or approval; assists construction managers with change order preparation; conducts project research as directed. Reviews and 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 to the contract manager. 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. Verifies completion of punch‑list items in accordance with contract documents. Leads acceptance testing, equipment testing, troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical systems and facility startup and commissioning. Drafts and maintains accurate, up‑to‑date as‑built drawings to depict current status and changes of projects. Reviews water facilities plans and specifications for conformance with Water Authority standards. Coordinates construction inspection related duties with Water Authority departments, member agencies, and regulators. Documents post‑construction conditions of sites, right‑of‑ways, and access roads using still and video photography and written reports. Maintains inventory and procures technical and field supplies as directed. Coordinates the permitting process necessary for Water Authority construction projects. Leads inspections during shutdown periods; performs lock‑out tag‑out duties during shutdowns. Leads 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 in coordinating facility locations between contractors and the Water Authority. Performs constructability reviews of plans and specifications; makes recommendations for future plan and specification improvements and enforcing contract requirements. Assists construction managers and engineers in many aspects of construction administration. Develops construction cost estimates. Provides lead work direction to lower‑level construction inspectors and staff; establishes work priorities and reviews work in progress to ensure quality of work and project milestones are met. Trains lower‑level construction inspectors and staff. Work Schedule: Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa office work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. This position is not eligible for a hybrid work schedule. The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college‑level course work in civil engineering, construction management, engineering mathematics or related fields; and six years of progressively responsible paraprofessional engineering experience in construction management and public works construction inspection OR an equivalent combination of training and experience. Licenses and Other Requirements A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy. Possession of a Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Controls, or within one year of appointment. Possession of a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) certification, or within one year of appointment. Possession of CWI, ICC, ACI, and ASNT NDT certifications are highly desirable. 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. Tentative Exam Schedule Application Deadline: 08/04/2026 Tentative Interview Date: Week of 08/24/2026 To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For #J-18808-Ljbffr International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)