Senior Construction Inspector

Salary : $82,499.04 - $116,045.28 Annually
Location : City of Alameda (Public Works Department, City Hall West), CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: View phone number on click.appcast.io
Department: Public Works Department
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/27/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: ACEA
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt


Nature of Position
The City of Alameda is looking to fill one (1) full-time Senior Construction Inspector position with the Public Works Department.
City of Alameda - Public Works Department

The City of Alameda Public Works Department was the nation's 115th agency to be accredited by the American Public Works Association and is the steward of Alameda's public infrastructure, responsible for its design, construction, and maintenance. It is the vision of the agency to become the best trained, most talented and efficient public works department in the entire Bay Area. Public Works is comprised of three divisions: Maintenance (day-to-day operations, maintenance, and repair), Engineering Services (design and oversight of the Capital Improvement Program, Transportation and Land Development), and Administration (overall management, supervision, and administrative support). These three divisions manage various programs providing numerous vital services to the City and community.
The Department's Five-Year Strategic Plan organizes the department's work into four key focus areas: Resilient Workforce, Sustainable Funding, Reliable Infrastructure, and Effective Service Delivery.

The Position
Under general direction supervises and performs a variety of public works construction field work, maintaining accurate records of construction, time, cost and work performed for contractor payment preparation and ensuring compliance with plans and specifications; performs other related work as required.
Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is self-starting, independent, and team-oriented with experience performing routine public works project inspections, working in a variety of complex sub-professional engineering areas, accurately interpreting engineering plans and specifications, following complex instructions, and effectively using computer applications. The ideal candidate should also possess knowledge of a variety of technical engineering support work, including field inspection, public works construction methods and materials, data collection and analysis. Candidates should also understand the safety hazards of construction inspection. The ability to maintain effective working relationships with contractors and other agencies is a requirement for success in this job, as is experience with enforcing encroachment permits specifically related to the public right-of-way.
BENEFITS OF EMPLOYMENT
For a comprehensive list of benefits, see the Benefit Matrix

• CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 formula, 8.868% contribution; New Members 2% @ 62 formula, 8.75% contribution.
• Medical: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide comprehensive health coverage to employees. Multiple HMO and PPO plans available, with a generous City contribution towards medical premiums.
• Dental: Comprehensive dental coverage provided to employees and their eligible dependents.
• Vacation: Starting with 80 hours annually and increasing with years of service.
• Holidays: 11 City Holidays
• Floating Holidays: 6 days
• Sick Leave: 96 hours annually; unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement.
• Deferred Compensation : Up to 1% 457(b) matching City contribution after 1 year of continuous service.

Examples of Duties

1. Coordinates, reviews and performs the work of field personnel related to a variety of public works projects including construction, subdivision and improvement projects.
2. Reviews standards, plans, specifications, applicable regulations, and technical and constructability issues.
3. Observes work in all stages of progress to ensure conformance with standards, safety and other applicable regulations and contract requirements; assess construction methods against industry standards; reviews workmanship and sequence of operations; monitors project schedules.
4. Authorizes changes or deviations, where there is no substantial cost impact, when consistent with the general intent of the plans or specifications.
5. Coordinates, inspects, reviews, and affirms results of tests on construction materials such as concrete, aggregates, soils, pipe and building materials.
6. Makes recommendations on requested change orders and participates in claims resolution.
7. Inspects utility work done on City property for compliance with City standards.
8. Oversees and performs basic survey work to confirm alignments, grades, etc.
9. Monitors public works construction for regulatory compliance with City, State and regional regulations, such as urban runoff, recycling, etc.
10. May oversee and perform traffic count work including installation and monitoring of traffic count equipment and down-loading of data.
11. Maintains all related records and prepares a variety of inspection, progress and change reports; prepares progress payment estimates.
12. Advises and confers with members of the general public concerning issues and problems related to public works projects.
13. Provides lead direction and training to assigned staff.

Employment Standards
Education/Experience
Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:


Education
Graduation from high school.


Experience
Four years progressively responsible journey level public works construction inspection experience.


Knowledge
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public works construction and public works construction inspection; materials, equipment, tools and testing used in public works construction; types of soils, survey methods, general street and building construction, and concrete and asphalt concrete construction; construction and maintenance of municipal facilities; state and local codes, laws, rules, ordinances and regulations related to public works design construction and repair; safe work practices and procedures.


Ability
Ability to effectively supervise and perform assigned public works construction inspection work including related testing and survey functions; read and interpret construction plans, notes, specifications, legal property description, and testing reports; interpret, apply and explain City policies procedures and codes, and other complex governmental regulations; establish and maintain accurate records, prepare reports and estimates; perform accurate mathematical calculations; operate designated computer equipment and software; use initiative and exercise independent judgement; draw valid conclusions and project consequences of decisions and recommendation; set priorities, meet deadlines and make sound decisions; maintain level of knowledge required for satisfactory job performance; communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, architects, engineers and the general public; and supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
Other Requirements
Possession of, or the ability to obtain within one year of appointment, a Construction Management certificate from the International Conference of Building Officials is desirable.


Selected positions require possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.

Selection Process
The examination process may include an application and supplemental questionnaire evaluation, a written exam, a practical exam, and an oral interview. The examination process may test for, but is not limited to, the essential knowledge and abilities listed in the job specification and announcement and will be designed to provide a comprehensive review of each candidate's technical knowledge and overall suitability for the position. Qualified applicants will be notified of the exact date, time, and location of examinations approximately two weeks in advance.

Candidates passing all components of the examination process will be placed on an Eligible List. A list of names is certified to the department(s) having vacancies based on the type of examination conducted pursuant to the provision of the City's Civil Service Rules. Final selection will be made from the Eligible List by the Department Head subject to approval by the City Manager. The Department Head may utilize additional selection procedures to make a final hiring decision. Placement on an Eligible List does not guarantee employment. Prior to appointment, a thorough reference check will be conducted which may include a credit check and background. The selection process may be evaluated and revised based on the number of qualified applicants. Federal law requires that prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

E-Verify
The City of Alameda utilizes the Federal government's E-Verify program and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization, which includes showing a valid United States Social Security card at the time of hire (photocopies not accepted).

Veteran's Preference Credit
A job applicant qualifies as a veteran if honorably discharged from active military, reservist, or National Guard duty of at least 18 consecutive months within the past five (5) years of the date of application. In case of discharge attributable to service-connected injuries or illnesses, the 18 months active-duty requirement need not be fulfilled. An applicant claiming veteran's preference credit must attach to their application, a legible copy of their DD-214 verifying the type of discharge and date(s) of active service. NO OTHER DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ACCEPTED .

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Alameda is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. In compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations, the City of Alameda will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must do so no later than the final filing date for receipt of applications, otherwise it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Such requests should be addressed to the Human Resources Department | View phone number on click.appcast.io | | 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Rm. 290, Alameda, 94501. Requests can be made via email, phone, or in writing via U.S. mail.

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
For Benefits information, please visit our website at: A detailed summary for this position can be found under ACEA.
01


Be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the experience section of the application. "See Resume" or "N/A" as a response will not be considered sufficient information to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Additionally, by submitting this written work, you affirm that it is your own original creation and that no part of this work has been written or edited by external sources, including but limited to AI tools, professional writing services, or any other individuals.I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses. I affirm that the submitted work is my original creation and confirm that no part of this work has been edited or written by external sources, including but limited to AI tools, professional writing services, or any other individuals.

• Yes
• No

02


How many years of progressively responsible journey-level experience do you have in public works construction inspection?

• I have no experience as described.
• I have less than 1 year of experience as described.
• I have more than 1 year, but less than 2 years of experience as described.
• I have more than 2 years, but less than 3 years of experience as described.
• I have more than 3 years, but less than 4 years of experience as described.
• I have more than 4 years, but less than 5 years of experience as described.
• I have more than 5 years, but less than 6 years of experience as described.
• I have 6 or more years of experience as described.

03


Please describe your experience working in public works construction inspection.
04


Do you possess an APWA Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector (CPII) credential?

• Yes
• No

05


Answers to the above supplemental questions MUST be supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application. Answers not supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application will NOT be considered. Resumes and cover letters will not be reviewed. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question