Special Projects Advisor/DPW Inspector

Public Works Inspector

The Public Works Inspector assists the Department of Public Works (DPW) with construction inspection, field engineering, infrastructure coordination, surveying support, and compliance-related activities under the direction of the Lead Engineering Technician, Project Engineer, Compliance Manager or designated supervisor. This position is responsible for monitoring municipal construction projects, documenting field activities, verifying contractor compliance, and supporting engineering operations related to roadway, water, sewer, and utility infrastructure projects.

What You'll Do

• Gain direct experience in municipal engineering and field operations
• Work on active roadway, utility, and infrastructure construction projects
• Develop skills in construction inspection, surveying, materials testing, and project coordination
• Learn to interpret engineering plans, specifications, and municipal standards
• Assist in documenting construction progress, quantities, and as-built conditions
• Work closely with engineers, inspectors, contractors, and DPW leadership
• Utilize field technology, survey equipment, and engineering software to support municipal operations

Professional Development Opportunities

• Direct involvement in municipal engineering and infrastructure projects
• Exposure to construction inspection, surveying, materials testing, and utility coordination
• Experience with municipal standards, permitting, and compliance programs
• Development of practical field engineering, documentation, and project management skills
• Opportunities to work alongside experienced engineering and public works professionals

Representative Job Duties

• Perform daily field inspections for municipal infrastructure and construction projects
• Inspect and monitor roadway construction and maintenance, water main installation and repairs, sanitary and storm sewer work, sidewalk, curb, concrete construction, asphalt paving and restoration, and utility-related infrastructure improvements
• Verify contractor work for compliance with approved plans, specifications, permits, and City standards
• Prepare daily inspection reports, field notes, quantity tracking, and progress documentation
• Record measurements, quantities, elevations, and as-built information for project records
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, utility companies, residents, and DPW personnel regarding field operations
• Identify field conflicts, deficiencies, and safety concerns and communicate findings to supervisors
• Review traffic control setups and verify work zone compliance with applicable standards
• Assist with permit-related inspections including ROW permits, utility permits, and restoration inspections
• Support municipal compliance programs such as water service line verification, cross-connection control inspections, lead and copper program support, and FOG (Fats, Oil and Grease) program activities
• Assist with emergency response and field investigations related to municipal infrastructure
• Maintain project records, inspection logs, photographs, reports, and related documentation
• Participate in pre-construction meetings, progress meetings, and field coordination meetings
• Assist with project closeout documentation and punch list inspections

Survey & Layout Support

• Assist with field surveying and layout activities for municipal projects
• Operate and support the use of survey equipment including GPS units, total stations, levels, and rods
• Verify field elevations, grades, alignments, and locations against approved plans
• Assist with construction staking and layout verification
• Collect and document survey data for engineering and as-built purposes
• Support field measurements and coordinate verification for infrastructure improvements

Materials Observation & Testing

• Observe and document construction materials and workmanship
• Assist with or perform field testing including concrete slump testing, air content testing, concrete cylinder preparation and curing, asphalt temperature verification, and asphalt density and compaction observations
• Coordinate with testing laboratories and maintain testing documentation
• Verify delivered materials meet project specifications and approved submittals

Job Requirements - As Determined By the City Of Southfield

• Associate's degree or technical training in Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Technology, Surveying, or related field preferred
• Relevant construction inspection or municipal field experience preferred
• Valid driver's license required
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and construction site conditions
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in municipal construction inspection, water and sewer infrastructure projects, roadway construction, materials testing, and surveying/layout
• Experience with water and stormwater compliance issues, such as cross connection controls, lead and copper, soil erosion permits, and more.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS systems, survey equipment, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of MDOT, ASTM, AASHTO, or municipal construction standards
• Certifications or training related to construction inspection or materials testing preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and under supervision in field environments
• Strong attention to detail in inspection, measurements, testing, and documentation
• Good communication and coordination skills with contractors, residents, and team members
• Ability to maintain accurate field records and reports
• Basic problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to understand and enforce construction standards and specifications
• Ability to safely work around traffic, utilities, and active construction zones

Working Conditions

• Primarily field-based with some office-related work
• Exposure to construction sites, moving traffic, utilities, and varying weather conditions
• Requires standing, walking, climbing, bending, and occasional lifting
• May require occasional extended hours based on project schedules or emergency operations

Employment Status

This is a seasonal position within the Department of Public Works (DPW). Employees in this role are not eligible for City benefits unless otherwise required by policy or law. Seasonal employees may be considered for returning seasonal employment opportunities in future years based on performance, departmental needs, and available funding.

Compensation

Hourly rate or salary will be based on qualifications, certifications, and experience in accordance with City of Southfield compensation policies.

The selection process will include a review of the applicant's experience for posted requirements, a criminal history check, and an oral board interview. Each step of the process must be passed before the applicant will be moved to the next step. Applicants will be invited to further participate in the selection process based on the nature and extent of their related experience.