Public Works Inspector

City of OceansideOceanside, CA
Onsite

About The Position

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Public Works Inspector. There is currently one vacancy in the Development Services Department - Land Development section. The ideal candidate for this position will possess direct geotechnical/soils inspection experience. 4% Base Salary Adjustment - Effective 8/30/26

Requirements

  • Knowledge of modern principles of inspection techniques and materials used in assigned land development and public works projects.
  • Knowledge of acceptable safety standards and requirements in public works construction.
  • Knowledge of City and local laws, codes, ordinances, specifications and standards relating to public works construction.
  • Knowledge of approved street construction methods and materials.
  • Knowledge of underground construction methods and safety requirements.
  • Knowledge of nomenclature, symbols, methods, practices, techniques and instruments used in engineering and mapping.
  • Knowledge of mathematics as applied to inspecting public works projects.
  • Knowledge of field practices of landscape construction.
  • Knowledge of operation of irrigation systems.
  • Knowledge of operation of traffic signals.
  • Knowledge of erosion control and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.
  • Knowledge of plant materials including identification, growth habits, nutritional requirements and pest control.
  • Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
  • Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
  • Knowledge of principles of record keeping.
  • Knowledge of principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
  • Ability to read and interpret basic public works construction plans, grade sheets and specifications.
  • Ability to apply proper inspection techniques to obtain specified construction defined by City requirements and contract awards.
  • Ability to understand grades and mixes of asphalt and cement construction materials.
  • Ability to estimate quantities and make accurate arithmetical calculations.
  • Ability to inspect the installation and maintenance of landscaped properties.
  • Ability to identify deviations from approved construction plans and take appropriate action.
  • Ability to maintain and update accurate records and files.
  • Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
  • Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations accurately.
  • Ability to work independently and efficiently to carry out assignments.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Two years experience inspecting public works construction which includes a wide variety of projects such as grading, street construction, water and sewer systems, storm drains and/or landscape.
  • Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training involving inspection of public works projects.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

Nice To Haves

  • Direct geotechnical/soils inspection experience.
  • Association of Construction Inspectors (ACI) or American Public Works Association (APWA) certification as a Public Works Inspector is desirable.

Responsibilities

  • Inspects, in detail, the methods and materials used in the on-site and off-site construction of streets, alleys, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, storm drains, sewers, water and lighting systems, catch basins, driveways, approaches, manholes and traffic light conduits.
  • Attends pre-construction meetings as well as on-site grading.
  • Ensures necessary approvals are obtained from appropriate regulatory agencies.
  • Ensures proper field implementation of erosion control and storm water pollution prevention measures.
  • Provides assistance on engineering or landscape projects in the preparation or review of designs, cost estimates, plans, specifications and inspections.
  • Examines all conditions existing on street right of ways.
  • Reviews and interprets construction plans and specifications, consulting with supervisor on deviations.
  • Checks grades, using string line or level as necessary.
  • Performs or reviews soils and materials tests to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Investigates subgrade conditions for paving purposes.
  • Inspects compacting, finishing, grading, rolling, spreading of bituminous material and roadway base, rolling and finishing of ends and joints, applications of tack and seal coats and sand sealing operations.
  • Tests pavement thickness.
  • Calculates materials, converting volume measurements to weight for comparison to bid estimates.
  • Makes straight edge tests and orders proper reduction of high spots.
  • Inspects forms and concrete pouring.
  • Checks delivery tickets and analyzes mix.
  • Inspects a variety of underground structures, assuring authorized construction, trenching, line and grade, checking alignment of pipe and quality of joints.
  • Inspects backfilling of utility trenches.
  • Reviews and interprets environmental impact reports.
  • Implements decisions based on reports and plans from soil and environmental engineers.
  • Issues stop-work orders and/or correction notices relating to problems in the field.
  • Submits detailed reports on work progress and material quantities.
  • Conducts testing of water and sewer mains.
  • Ensures that landscape improvements are properly installed and maintained.
  • Plans new landscape installations and renovations.
  • Prepares landscape maintenance and installation specifications to amend or change City guidelines and requirements.
  • Inspects the work of contracted landscape workers to ensure compliance with all plans, schedules and City maintenance specifications.
  • Reviews plant materials, irrigation systems, erosion control, fire abatement, drainage and plant pest control problems.
  • Designs landscape and irrigation improvements and prepares cost estimates.
  • Reviews landscape and irrigation plans submitted by architects for private development that will become the City's maintenance responsibility.
  • Inspects the installation and ensures the ongoing maintenance of private landscapes.
  • Inspects medians requiring landscape maintenance by private property owners.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.
© 2026 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service