Infrastructure Inspector-Engineering

Performs technical work in construction inspections of infrastructure for residential and commercial developments including water and sewer lines, streets, stormwater, sidewalks, and related connecting apparatus. 

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class is responsible for interpreting and enforcing construction codes through inspections of infrastructure for residential and commercial developments, inspecting water and sewer lines, streets, driveways, sidewalks, curb and gutter, right of ways, ADA ramps, storm drainage, and stormwater control measures devices and related items. Work includes reviewing construction plans, meeting with contractors to review specifications and requirements, inspecting construction in progress and upon completion for adherence to approved plans and specifications. Work may also include attending project progress meetings and completing applications for permits to excavate within City rights of way and inspect permit sites. Tact, courtesy, and diplomacy are required in the frequent public contact functions, especially in complaint resolution.  Work may subject the employee to environmental conditions including working in both inside and outside environments, extreme temperatures, and construction noise and hazards. Work is performed under regular supervision of the Civil Engineer and is evaluated based on conferences, review of records, and adherence of work inspected to adopted plans and specifications.

Reviews plans and construction drawings for proper location of valves, hydrants, laterals, manholes, water and sewer lines, stormwater control measures, riser structures and other appurtenances; review plans for adherence to adopted engineering specifications such as depth, fall, minimum separation of utilities, locations, materials, and construction methods.

Schedules and conducts preconstruction meetings with contractors, engineers, owners, project managers and architects; reviews and explains construction requirements; answers questions about infrastructure requirements.

Inspects construction work in progress and upon completion for quality of work and adherence to approved plans and specifications; checks for proper grade and materials; records observations and inspection results.

Conducts or schedules quality control testing; conducts compaction, density, and other tests on construction sites; takes samples of soils and materials; may collect water samples; oversees pressure testing of water lines; oversees pressure testing of sewers and vacuum testing of sewer manholes. 

Locates connection point into system for contractors.

Completes field inspections of City-owned projects to enforce local and state laws, ordinances and standards; notifies other departments of construction issues; keeps detailed records of projects.

Maintains log and records work activities and field findings; ensures that as-builts are submitted upon completion of project; indicates recommendation for acceptance of new lines and systems; completes chlorination reports.

Assist Engineering Specialist in performing topographic, preliminary, construction and boundary surveys using survey instrumentation.

Answers public inquiries and complaints concerning streets, driveways, stormwater, grading and water and sewer projects.

Observes concrete field testing.

Backs up other staff as needed.

Performs related duties as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of water and sewer line construction techniques, processes, and materials, and the ability to determine whether design specifications are being met.

Considerable knowledge of street, sidewalk and stormwater construction techniques, processes and materials, and the ability to determine whether design specifications are being met.

Considerable knowledge of engineering specifications, standards and testing relating to water and sewer line, street, and storm drainage construction quality.

Skill in teamwork, customer service excellence and collaborative conflict resolution.

Ability to interpret results of materials and construction materials testing.

Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications and to compare them with various aspects of construction in progress.

Ability to detect errors in construction materials and projects.

Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, firmness and fairness in contact with customers and the general public. 

Ability to organize work for efficient processing and meet established deadlines.

Ability to establish effective working relationships with contractors, developers, construction workers, the general public, and other employees; ability to exercise tact and firmness in the enforcement of requirements.

Ability to plan and organize own work and maintain the necessary records and reports.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited community college with a degree in civil engineering, engineering technology, drafting, design, or related field and some related construction, utilities, or engineering experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

ACI/NCDOT concrete testing certification and survey knowledge may be required or preferred.

NASCO certification preferred.

Distribution and/or collection system operator certification preferred.

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational support functions of stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, fingering, talking, and hearing. Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to maintain records and reports, inspect work for quality of methods and materials, operate a vehicle, and use measuring devices.