Construction Inspector

Construction Inspector

The City of Ventura is looking for a Construction Inspector to join our Public Works Department. Under general supervision, this position inspects the quality of work and materials used on public works construction projects, including Capital Improvement Projects and private development improvements. The Construction Inspector ensures that all construction activities comply with approved plans, specifications, City standards, and departmental regulations.

The Construction Inspector is the entry-level classification in the construction inspection series. Incumbents perform routine inspection duties under close supervision and typically possess general knowledge of public works construction trades and some inspection experience. Positions in this series are flexibly staffed, with advancement to Senior Construction Inspector expected as experience and competency increase.

The Senior Construction Inspector is the journey-level classification responsible for performing the full range of construction inspection duties with greater independence. This role requires comprehensive knowledge of construction inspection principles and practices and may provide indirect oversight to lower-level inspectors. Positions are typically filled through advancement from Construction Inspector or by candidates with prior construction inspection experience.

Key responsibilities include:

• Review project plans and specifications; attend pre-construction meetings.
• Inspect construction materials, workmanship, and public works improvements—including utilities, streets, sidewalks, drainage, traffic signals, and lighting—to ensure compliance with approved plans and City standards.
• Verify line, grade, elevation, dimensions, and placement of structures.
• Collect material samples, review laboratory test results (e.g., soils and concrete), and coordinate with testing consultants.
• Monitor construction progress, document quantities of materials and work performed, and maintain daily inspection records.
• Inspect traffic control and jobsite conditions to ensure safe work zones for contractors and the public.
• Assist with project documentation including progress payments, reports, and completion of record drawings; ensure contractor compliance with applicable labor regulations.
• Inspect private development improvements, identify punch list items prior to final acceptance, and coordinate with City departments, contractors, consultants, utilities, and property owners regarding schedules, impacts, and construction issues.

Minimum Qualifications – Required

Construction Inspector: A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to completion of high school and two years of sub-professional engineering experience or four years experience in heavy construction, wet utility construction, or traffic design and implementation. Some public works construction inspection experience is desirable.

Senior Construction Inspector: In addition, supplemental specialized training and 18 months of experience comparable to that of a Construction Inspector with the City of Ventura are required. An Associate of Arts degree in engineering materials and design is desirable. Experience as a construction foreman or superintendent is desirable.

Licenses: Depending on assignment, possession of a valid California Class C driver license may be required.

Certification:

Both levels: Possession of the following valid certificates is highly desirable:

• Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector certificate (CPII) issued by the American Public Works Association
• Construction General Permit Qualified Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Practitioner (QSP) certificate issued by the California Stormwater Quality Association