Construction Inspector

Join our engineering team and become part of a dedicated group of professionals committed to technical expertise and responsiveness in service to the Lake Oswego community. 

The Construction Inspector will perform skilled inspection and enforce public works construction standards. The Construction Inspector reports to and receives work assignments from the Assistant City Engineer. The Inspector will work closely with the City’s Construction Manager, Engineering Project Managers, and Engineering Development Coordinator on specific projects.

• Inspect public improvement construction projects for both City funded capital improvements and private development. Inspections ensure compliance with project specific plans and specifications as well as City and industry standards. Projects typically involve street improvements (new construction, reconstructive overlays and preventative maintenance such as slurry seal) and underground utilities (domestic water, storm drainage, and sanitary sewer). Construction elements include asphalt concrete pavement, pathways, aggregate road base, curbs, catch basins, sidewalks, ADA curb ramps, manholes, utility vaults, pipe, valves, cast-in-place concrete structures, surface water quality and quantity facilities, street lighting, street signs, and road striping.
• Maintain project records, write daily reports, take photographs, and track pay item quantities. Monitor material testing for asphalt paving, soil, rock and concrete. Observe and document the successful completion of pipeline testing (cleaning, disinfection, deflection, and hydrostatic or air pressure). For the water system acceptance, Inspector may be required to collect water samples and oversee third party disinfection testing. Coordinate punchlist completion and final job walkthrough with maintenance staff. Perform warranty inspections and coordinate corresponding repairs near during the warranty period. 
• Maintain a record of “As Built” conditions through a combination of maintaining a personal record of changes plus keeping track of the contractor’s records. Provide a clear summary of details to the Project Manager at project completion and assist, as needed, to transfer these records to City archives.
• Be the City’s primary point of contact during construction with contractors, general public (residents and/or business owners), developers, engineers, regulatory agencies, and utility companies. Respond to complaints or concerns from citizens. Participate in mediations as necessary to resolve conflicts.
• Monitor construction progress against approved schedules. Keep others informed of schedule progress, changes, and possible problems.
• Coordinate project survey work with City surveyor, contract surveyors, or contractor provided surveyors. Evaluate survey data, spot check survey work.
• Check work zones for traffic safety and compliance with project specific traffic control plans.
• Maintain knowledge of City, County, and State regulations, technical specifications and standards.
• Assist Project Managers evaluate change orders and claims. Evaluate cost estimates and monitor force account work.
• Assist Project Managers with monthly contractor payments by checking and verifying pay quantities.
• As required, assist Engineering staff with project planning or design, primarily through constructability review of plans and specifications. Provide other “in the office” support as needed.
• Monitor site work for compliance with tree protection and erosion control requirements. Also monitor clearing limits, wetland buffer zones, slope setbacks and grading, and general protection of natural resources and drainage ways. Notify appropriate City personnel of noncompliance when needed to assist with enforcement.

designs and have in-depth knowledge of the modern means, methods and materials of constructing public works. This person will be a self-directed, goal-oriented team player that enjoys personal challenges and solving problems. Additionally, candidates should possess the following characteristics:

• A history of excellent customer service to all stakeholders (community residents, contractors, developers, engineering consultants, business owners);
• Construction Inspection, Administration and Management skills with a familiarity of engineering principles;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). Familiarity with construction or project management software;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to promote positive public relations with a wide variety of individuals ranging from construction workers to corporate officers;
• Strong sense of personal and professional ethics; and
• Excellent work habits.

Education and Experience: Priority consideration will be given to applicants with eight years of directly related work experience in public utilities or street construction, or have the equivalent education and experience in engineering, construction management and/or surveying and construction inspection to demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities. Additionally, the successful applicant will have computer spreadsheet and word processing experience, and good writing and public relations skills. A valid driver’s license is required. 

Licensing and Other Requirements: Duties will occasionally involve working in adverse or inclement weather conditions, exposure to high noise levels, dealing with distraught or difficult individuals, attending meetings or activities outside normal working hours, occasional response to emergency conditions during off-hours, and operation of a motor vehicle on public roads.

For a complete list of the essential duties, knowledge, skills and abilities required, and physical and mental demands please review the complete job description at www.ci.oswego.or.us/hr.

Non-cash compensation includes medical, dental, vision, PERS employee pick up, and VEBA contribution.