DEFINITION

Inspects Public Works construction projects in various stages of construction for conformance with approved plans and codes; processes and issues encroachment permits; answers questions concerning construction requirements; makes field inspections on a variety of public and private construction projects in conformance with applicable standards, specifications, and City ordinances; performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Public Works Inspector class is responsible for the day-to-day operation of public works inspections. The Public Works Inspector reviews plans, specifications, and calculations for conformance to regulations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision is provided by the City Engineer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Makes inspections of public works construction projects for conformance with applicable standards, codes, plans, specifications, ordinances, and regulations; plan checks and reviews plans and specifications in accordance with construction standards and ordinances for a variety of public works construction projects; reviews quantities and quality of materials being used; inspects grading, paving, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, storm drains, water distribution systems, sewer lines, lot grading, and other construction work; notes defects in construction and interprets applicable codes and ordinances for contractors and the general public; provides general information regarding code requirements; may issue encroachment permits; prepares daily construction reports, progress diaries, and reports of public works construction activities; maintains records and reports of inspections; maintains accrate as-built drawings for completed projects; prepares correspondence; prepares monthly progress payments; investigates and responds to complaints related to public works construction activities; may coordinate inspection assignments with other City departments and government agencies.

OTHER DUTIES

Answers questions on the phone or over the front counter; assists with processing plans and permits; ensures streets are kept clean at construction sites.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Education

Sufficient experience and education to successfully perform the duties of a journey level Public Works Inspector in a municipal agency. A typical way of obtaining the qualifications is to possess the equivalent of a high school diploma and four years of related public works inspection and code enforcement experience from a public agency.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

General knowledge of Federal, State, County, and City codes and ordinances relating to private and civil public works construction inspection; City's construction specifications, policies, and rules; standard construction drawings, and types of construction materials and variations in their quality; modern methods of private and civil works construction; acceptable safety standards and practices in private and civil public works construction; principles and techniques of public works construction inspection. Basic knowledge of surveying techniques. Skill in calculating slope, grading, earthwork compaction, and other construction related requirements. Ability to interpret and explain provisions of applicable construction and safety ordinances, including permit requirements, enforced by the City; interpret survey grade stakes; apply technical knowledge of public works construction trades work; use sound inspection methods to explain workmanship and materials, and to detect deviations from plans, specifications, and standard installation practices; read and interpret plans, diagrams, and specifications; review and check plans for proper design, code, and ordinance compliance; make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; write clear and concise reports.

Working Conditions

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level, rough, and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crawling, grasping, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. Fine coordination is used when the incumbent is measuring designated areas for proper conformance. The position also requires the necessity of near and far vision when comparing on-site construction conformance to approved plans. The need to lift, push, and move barriers weighing greater than 25 pounds when doing field inspections is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works in all weather conditions including windy, wet, hot, and cold subjecting the incumbent to dampness, dust, and pollens. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb into 12 foot trenches on ladders, be around power, noise, and vibrating producing tools, and around moving vehicles and heavy equipment which subjects the employee to mechanical, electrical, and traffic hazards.

License/Certificate

Possession of a Class C California driver's license.