Water Wastewater Utility Inspector III

GRU•Gainesville, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) Water/Wastewater Systems is hiring an advanced-level Utility Inspector for its New Development group. The position performs independent field inspections of contractor-built water, wastewater, and reclaimed water infrastructure to ensure work is safe and conforms to approved plans, specifications, GRU standards, and established procedures. The Inspector III is the highest level in the utility inspector series and oversees complex pipeline and water/wastewater treatment plant construction. The role operates under general supervision; issues requiring design interpretation, exceptions, modifications, or higher-level approval are referred to the appropriate engineer, project manager, or supervisor. The position inspects water, sewer, and reclaimed water piping systems, including trenching, bedding, pipe installation, structural elements, valves, and appurtenances, as well as mechanical, structural, electrical, and process-related treatment plant installations. It documents progress and field conditions through detailed daily reports, photographs, and records; identifies deficiencies and communicates corrective action; and provides technical observations and recommendations to engineers. The Inspector serves as a liaison among contractors, engineers, utility operations, and project management teams. The role also performs construction administration, including drafting field and change orders, reviewing and recommending contractor pay applications, estimating change costs, and verifying quantities. It coordinates complex testing and startup activities, monitors safety, identifies potential impacts to existing GRU systems, and provides experienced field support to project teams. The Inspector III is expected to respond during emergency conditions and may handle hazardous materials as assigned. The position may be filled at the Utility Inspector I, II, or III level, and multiple positions may be filled. GRU may establish an eligibility list for future hiring. Advancement to Inspector III requires demonstrated mastery of inspection principles, substantial experience with pipeline and treatment plant construction, required certifications, and the ability to provide leadership and technical guidance. Duties and requirements of Utility Inspector I and II are included.

Requirements

Associate of Arts or Science degree in a construction- or environmental-related field, or two years of water or wastewater utility experience substituted for the associate degree.
High school graduation or an acceptable equivalency diploma; any equivalency diploma must meet requirements for licensing by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association (FWPCOA).
Nine years of related experience in infrastructure installation, construction inspection, or Environmental Health and Safety implementation, preferably in water or wastewater utilities; OR three years as a Water/Wastewater Utility Inspector II.
Valid Florida Class E driver’s license.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing, prepare detailed technical reports, and provide clear field direction.
Advanced proficiency with computer applications, including databases, spreadsheets, word-processing tools, Cityworks, GIS, SharePoint, and related inspection and documentation software.
Ability to collaborate with engineers, contractors, customers, regulatory agencies, and the public while representing GRU standards and project requirements.
Ability to perform advanced engineering-related computations, interpret complex plans and specifications, analyze technical data, and independently resolve complex field issues.
Extensive knowledge of construction standards, specifications, methods, and materials used for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water pipelines, lift stations, and treatment plant facilities.
Thorough knowledge of rules, regulations, codes, policies, and procedures governing utility construction, testing, safety, and commissioning.
Strong organizational skills, including managing multiple projects, maintaining detailed documentation, and preparing accurate, comprehensive reports.
Ability to coordinate and oversee complex operational and construction activities, including shutdowns, testing, CCTV inspections, and startup or commissioning.
Ability to review private development and city plans for compliance and monitor development-related utility extensions through completion and acceptance.
Ability to prepare and assist with construction administration documents, including sketches, cost estimates, field orders, change orders, and recommendations for project modifications.
Ability to attend work on a continuous and regular basis and respond in emergency conditions.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with water and/or wastewater pipeline projects, including water mains and sewers.
Knowledge of water/wastewater infrastructure and construction technologies.
Experience with work management and/or records management programs.
Experience in water or wastewater utilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

Inspect water, wastewater, and reclaimed water construction for compliance with approved plans, specifications, GRU standards, procedures, and safety requirements.
Inspect pipeline construction, including trenching, bedding, pipe installation, structural elements, valves, appurtenances, and associated features.
Inspect mechanical, structural, electrical, and process-related installations at water and wastewater treatment plants.
Document construction progress, field conditions, contractor performance, deficiencies, and corrective actions in detailed reports, photographs, and records.
Identify deviations and refer issues requiring engineering interpretation, exceptions, design changes, or management approval to the appropriate engineer, project manager, or supervisor.
Provide technical observations and recommendations to engineers regarding field conditions, constructability, and potential adjustments.
Prepare construction sketches, cost estimates, work orders, and draft field orders and change orders for project modifications, additions, and deletions.
Review and recommend approval of contractor pay applications, estimate costs associated with changes, and verify quantities.
Coordinate water main shutdowns, valve locating and operation, chlorination and bacteriological sampling, pressure testing, vacuum and mandrel testing, CCTV inspections, equipment startup, and other required testing.
Monitor construction-site safety, document observed safety deficiencies, and communicate or escalate concerns under established procedures.
Identify emerging construction issues, recommend solutions, and coordinate changes with customers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
Review materials and shop drawings for conformance; identify deficiencies and reject materials or workmanship that do not meet established requirements.
Support engineers’ long- and short-range planning studies with field expertise and technical input.
Inspect lift station projects and associated force mains and gravity sewer systems.
Review private development and city plans for compliance and monitor development-related utility extensions through construction, completion, and acceptance.
Develop, organize, and maintain databases for drawings, manuals, records, and photographs; enter work order and computer data; and prepare accurate reports from these records.
Coordinate complex operational and construction activities, including testing, startup, commissioning, and potential impacts to existing GRU systems.
Attend work regularly, attend training and continuing education, respond during emergency conditions, handle hazardous materials as assigned, and perform other duties as assigned.