Public Works Inspector I/II

City of Elk Grove•Elk Grove, CA

About The Position

The City of Elk Grove is hiring a Public Works Inspector I/II in the Permits Section of the Engineering Services Division. The position primarily inspects construction performed under encroachment permits in the City’s public right-of-way, and may also inspect public works, infrastructure, capital improvement, and private development projects. The role ensures that work and materials conform to approved plans, specifications, contract provisions, applicable laws and codes, and City requirements. The Inspector manages multiple projects, coordinates with contractors and other parties, and represents the City in a professional and positive manner. The position prepares and maintains daily inspection reports, photographs, meeting minutes, progress payment documentation, change orders, claims, and other records. The Inspector communicates with applicants, contractors, utility representatives, engineers, developers, public agencies, property owners, businesses, and the community; addresses project issues and concerns; and helps coordinate construction safety and traffic control. Public Works Inspector I is the entry-level classification, working initially under close supervision and gaining responsibility as experience develops. Public Works Inspector II is the journey-level classification, performing the full range of duties independently with occasional instruction or assistance for unusual situations. Both classifications receive supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel and exercise no direct supervision over staff.

Requirements

Completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by vocational training or college-level coursework in engineering, drafting, surveying, construction, or a related field.
For Public Works Inspector I: Two years of experience in construction, building trades, public works maintenance, or related experience.
For Public Works Inspector II: Three years of increasingly responsible construction inspection experience, including inspection of public works infrastructure.
Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.
Knowledge of public works construction materials, methods, principles, practices, and inspection; construction defects; materials sampling, testing, and estimating; and public-agency contract administration.
Knowledge of basic engineering design and cost-estimate preparation, basic arithmetic, construction inspection hazards and safety standards, applicable laws and codes, City requirements, and relevant industry standards.
Ability to review construction plans, specifications, maps, and legal descriptions; identify unsafe work and faulty materials or workmanship; gather field samples and take accurate measurements; and make mathematical computations.
Ability to safely use and operate tools, vehicles, equipment, and computer systems relevant to the work.
Ability to coordinate with City staff, contractors, engineers, surveyors, property owners, and other parties; communicate clearly in writing and orally; and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to represent the City in meetings, respond fairly and tactfully to public concerns, apply relevant laws and procedures, and use initiative and judgment within policy guidelines.
Ability to engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitate inclusive service delivery, and implement equitable City policies.
Ability to perform the physical and field-work demands described for the position, including working in confining spaces and around machinery, using required personal protective equipment, and lifting objects up to 50 pounds in field assignments.

Responsibilities

Inspect phases of public works, infrastructure, capital improvement, and private development construction projects for conformance with plans, specifications, contract provisions, codes, and safe work practices.
Inspect construction activities under encroachment permits in the City’s public right-of-way, including trenching, traffic control, utility installation, boring, driveway and sidewalk construction, and restoration work.
Inspect materials, methods, and procedures; identify materials; and conduct routine field tests as needed.
Review project plans, specifications, City standards, and requirements; identify potential changes and provide recommendations to management.
Record materials used and work performed, and prepare and maintain daily inspection reports and documentation for progress payments.
Recommend acceptance of completed work or require additional work; prepare and record change orders; and coordinate design alterations between City staff and contractors.
Confer with contractors, utility companies, engineers, developers, public agencies, and other representatives about conformance with requirements and evaluate alternatives.
Conduct pre-bid and pre-construction meetings; prepare contract documents, cost estimates, and project budgets.
Investigate community complaints and confer with property owners about schedules, hazards, and inconvenience.
Coordinate work with City departments and utilities to resolve interferences and conflicts.
Address construction-zone public safety and assist with detour planning, sign placement, and other traffic-control measures.
Act as liaison among the City, contractors, agencies, businesses, and affected community members; maintain communication and respond to and resolve concerns.
Prepare correspondence, reports, correction notices, procedures, meeting minutes, and other written materials.
Operate and perform minor maintenance on tools, equipment, and vehicles used for inspections.
Perform related duties as assigned.