Public Works Inspector

Public Works Inspector

The City of Westminster is recruiting for a Public Works Inspector to be part of the Public Works Department. Under general supervision, performs routine inspections at various public works construction and capital improvement projects of City infrastructure, such as encroachment, grading, landscaping, traffic control, and public safety; ensures conformance with applicable Federal and State laws, codes, ordinances, plans, specifications, and departmental regulations; and performs related work as required.

Receives general supervision from the City Engineer. Exercises no supervision of staff.

This is a journey-level classification that performs the full range of duties related to conducting public works inspections for the City. Responsibilities include conducting inspections of construction sites, enforcing compliance with regulatory codes, laws, and ordinances, and ensuring conformance with approved plans, specifications, standards, permits, and licensing. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the engineering class series in that the latter is a professional level requiring completion of a four-year degree.

Knowledge of materials, methods, principles, and practices used in public works construction, including streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, pavement, water, drainage, streetlights, and related facilities and appurtenances. Principles and practices of public works construction inspection. Basic practices of construction contract administration in a public agency setting. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including administrative and department policies and procedures. Technical principles and practices of engineering design, specification, and cost estimate preparation. Defects and faults in construction. Materials sampling, testing, and estimating procedures. Mathematical principles and theories. Technical report writing and preparation of correspondence. Principles and procedures of record keeping. Basic computer software related to work. English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to inspect standard capital improvement and public works projects to ensure compliance with plans and specifications. Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, County, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations. Detect and locate faulty materials and workmanship and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied. Review and analyze construction plans, specifications, maps, and legal descriptions for conformance with City standards and policies. Coordinate activities with multiple contractors, engineers, and property owners. Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations. Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records; prepare clear and concise technical reports. Make accurate mathematical, financial, and statistical computations. Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals. Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by two (2) years of college training in architecture, civil, or construction engineering, and four (4) years of responsible experience as a contractor, inspector, or journeyman in Public Works with a Federal, State, County, or Municipal government. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to work in the field and inspect various commercial and residential development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to attend meetings and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and make inspections; color vision to identify materials, structures, wires, and pipes; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and partially in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.