Construction Inspector I/II (Public Works)

Construction Inspectors I/II perform inspection of capital improvement projects, development of right-of-way improvements, and encroachment permit work to assure compliance with plans, specifications, and codes; and perform other related work as required. Incumbents document construction activities, identify deficiencies, coordinate with contractors and Public Works staff, and perform other related duties as assigned.  Supervision is received by assigned supervisor while technical and functional supervisor from professional engineering staff. 

Construction Inspector I is the entry level class in the Construction Inspector series and typically assigned duties of a well-defined nature. Employees at this level are assigned projects and responsibilities with gradual increases in scope and complexity to increase experience. Incumbents work under close supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to relatively less supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.

Construction Inspector II is the journey level class in the construction inspection series and distinguished from the I level by the assignment of journey level work inspecting all phases of construction of a wide variety of capital improvement and private development construction projects. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.  

 An ideal candidate for Construction Inspector I/II possesses the following:

• Read and interpret construction plans, specifications, maps, drawings, contracts, permits, and work orders. 
• Recognize safety issues and ensure compliance with pertinent safety plans and regulations; knowledge of OHSA safety practices.
• Detect poor workmanship, inferior materials, and potential hazards and recommend or stipulate appropriate remedial measures.
• Must have excellent mathematical skills in calculating grades, volumes, and areas used in the building and construction industry. . 
• The ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. 
• The ability to communicate and work tactfully and effectively to explain technical information while reflecting the highest standards of customer service to the public.
• Knowledge of construction terminology, techniques, and materials; ability to apply engineering principles to construction projects.
•  Great interpersonal and customer service skills on the phone, in person, and in writing.
• Exercise good judgment and patience in assisting the public; handle conflicts and develop effective resolutions.
• Great attention to detail; ability to understand complex materials.
• Common desktop applications and software as well as specialized software related to the work.
• Prepare and maintain clear, concise and accurate records and reports.
• Work weekend, holidays, and overtime as required.

The Engineering Division ensures City owned facilities such as streets, storm drain systems, water distribution networks, sewer collection facilities and improvements are constructed where needed and improvements meet the appropriate standards. Staff assures CIP and development projects meet all City requirements, manage traffic related projects such as signal modifications, striping and sign improvements, process and issue encroachment permits for encroachments within the public property, site grading, parking permits, wide loads permits and maintains all necessary records.

About Pittsburg
The City of Pittsburg is a culturally rich and diverse community of over 76,000 residents and expected to grow to 90,000 in the next 20 years.  Pittsburg is located in the Bay Area Region of Northern California and is perfectly situated for easy access to San Francisco, Napa Valley, Sacramento, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Lake Tahoe.  Pittsburg City Hall is also conveniently located a short walk from the Pittsburg Center Station of the Bay Area Rapid Transit System (BART), making a commute from cities throughout the Bay Area very easy.  Pittsburg has waterfront homes, a performing arts theater, a variety of seasonal events, an extensive park system, a large public-school system, and a variety of shopping centers.   The recently renovated Marina is also an ideal place to visit and is located within steps of the Old Town shopping district and downtown living, with nearly 600 boat slips, a free public boat launch, fuel dock, café, bait shop, and the Pittsburg Yacht Club. Pittsburg has featured such events as the Seafood and Music Festival, car shows, movies in the park, kayaking, and fishing derbies.  With its commitment to a quality community environment, Pittsburg is an ideal city in which to live, work and recreate.

The City of Pittsburg is a full-service city following the council-manager form of government. The City has approximately 300 full time employees and at times, up to 350 employees total (depending on the season).  Pittsburg is currently organized into the following departments: City Management, Community and Economic Development (Building, Economic Development, Code Enforcement, and Planning), Community Services (Housing Authority, Pittsburg Power Company, and the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency, CDBG/Housing Rehabilitation, Environmental Services, Waterfront Administration, and Property Management), Recreation, Human Resources, Finance, Police, and Public Works (Engineering, Operations/Maintenance, Utilities, Facilities, Parks, and Water Treatment). Fire Protection services are provided by the Contra Costa County Consolidated Fire Department. 


EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inspects the construction, repair, and/or alteration work on assigned public works projects including streets, parks, gutters, curbs, sidewalks, parking lots, water and sewer systems, storm drains, underground improvements, street lighting systems, landscaping, landscaping irrigation systems, facilities, and other City capital projects; inspects materials, methods, and procedures for conformance with plans and specifications; enforces and observes testing of materials; reviews test reports; performs final inspection upon completion of project.
• Answers questions, provides information to, and confers with property owners regarding project schedule, hazards, and inconvenience; schedules service interruptions with the least interference and least inconvenience to property owners; coordinates work with other City departments and utilities to resolve interferences and conflicts.
• Prepares and processes progress payments for contractors; negotiates contract change orders and revisions to re-imbursement agreements; recommends approval of progress and final payment to contractors.  
• Compiles and maintains detailed data on construction progress, activities, and inspection results including project punchlists; issues notification letters to contractors; maintains a variety of records and files; prepares various reports and logs, daily diary, field records, contractor crew, equipment, material, quantities, on daily operations and activities. 
• Reviews and interprets construction plans, contract documents, specifications, encroachment permits, and other plans and technical data affecting assigned projects; provides quality assurance, constructability, and value engineering review during project design and construction phases; verifies record drawings for approval to ensure conformance with City standard; recommends and/or makes changes as necessary. 
• Facilitates communication of project progress with project managers, and appropriate Public Works Staff.
• Enforces and documents adherence to various environmental requirements.
• Uses clearly defined practices and procedures to inspect the methods and materials used in capital improvement projects, development of right-of-way improvements, and encroachment permit work; inspections include but are not limited to construction materials, line and grade elevations, all types of street paving treatments, open cut and trenchless methods to install underground utilities/facilities, construction safety precautions, minor concrete structures, street light installations, traffic signal installations, traffic control devices, and erosion and siltation control installations.  
• Responds to public inquiries at the front counter and over the phone in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Attends and participates in seminars, training sessions, and other meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in construction methods and materials; incorporates new developments as appropriate.
• Foster an environment that embraces integrity, service, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service. 
• Represent the City with dignity, integrity, and the spirit of cooperation in all relations with staff and the public. 
• Perform related duties as assigned.

 
Construction Inspector II (In addition to those duties as previously outlined)
 

• Participates in meetings to discuss construction details and resolves issues with contractors, other City departments, other agencies, and residents.  
• Identifies construction problems, monitors the corrections of project deficiencies, and recommends approval of necessary contract and/or plan adjustments to accommodate field conditions. 
• Operates transits, levels, and other survey instruments in establishing elevations, points, lines, and distances for topographic, property, and construction surveys. 
• Reviews and provides professional opinion and takes action on resident complaints to facilitate resolution of potential issues brought to the City by its residents. 
• Posts liens, required repairs, and construction notices in accordance with City Council actions. 
• Coordinates material testing and analyzes material test results including but not limited to relative compaction tests, graduation of aggregates, slump tests, and resistant value of soils.  Inspects producers of construction materials and its sources. 
• Reviews and approved material submittals and coordinates the approval of requested exceptions with the City Engineer.

Construction Inspector I Qualifications

Knowledge of:
Principles, techniques and terminology relating to construction inspection; construction quality, equipment/tools, materials, and workmanship industry standards; mathematics through plane geometry and trigonometry; construction OSHA safety practices; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment including relevant software programs; oral and written communication skills; business English including vocabulary, spelling, and correct grammatical usage and punctuation; principles and practices of excellent customer service.
 
Ability to:
Act as field inspector on major and minor construction projects (assisting the Construction Inspector II on major construction projects); evaluate quality of construction and construction materials perform mathematical calculations through plane geometry and trigonometry; read and interpret topography maps and grading plans; determine and verify elevations using hand level and calculator; communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds both orally and in writing; resolve inter-personal conflicts; identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and arrive at logical decisions; read and interpret complex regulations and technical documents, including plans and specifications; prepare accurate notes, sketches, and daily reports; understand and use standard engineering and hand held tools used in construction inspection; understand techniques and terminology relating to surveying and use surveying and computing instruments; learn city ordinances as they relate to construction within the right-of-way; make field measurements of quantities in place; work weekends, holidays, and overtime as required; understand and carry out oral and written instructions and prioritize workload to meet deadlines; read, write and comprehend the English language at a level necessary for effective job performance exercising correct English usage, vocabulary, spelling, grammar and punctuation; maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in public works inspection, civil engineering, or a related field.

Experience:
Two years of increasingly responsible construction, inspection, or public works maintenance experience.

License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
 
Working Conditions:
Environment: Indoor and outdoor environments; travel from site to site; some exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, and inclement weather conditions; work around heavy construction equipment; work or inspect in confined spaces; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain; regular interaction with City staff, general public and other organizations; occasionally deal with dissatisfied individuals.
 
 Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and field environment; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb unusual heights on ladders; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
 
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
 
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
 
Construction Inspector II Qualifications
In addition to the qualifications for the Construction Inspector I:

Knowledge of:
Operations, services, and activities of a public works inspection program; methods and techniques used in the inspection of public works construction projects; principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of public works and building projects; principles, methods, materials, equipment, and safety hazards of construction; methods and techniques of detecting construction defects and faults; methods and techniques of materials testing; applicable laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and policies governing the construction of public works projects; mathematics principles and practices; occupational hazards and standard safety precautions; methods and techniques of engineering principles, construction plans, and specification review for compliance with established construction standards; methods and techniques of public relations; principles and procedures of recordkeeping and filing; technical report writing and preparation of correspondence; drafting and mapping; pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
 
 Ability to:
Perform inspections on a variety of public works projects; understand and interpret maps, engineering plans and specifications; prepare accurate engineering records; deal firmly and tactfully with contractors, engineers, and property owners; detect and locate faulty materials and workmanship and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied; interpret and apply laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and policies governing the construction of public works projects; perform various mathematical calculations; drawings, and reports related to construction activities; safely operate a variety of tools, equipment, and assigned vehicle; understand engineering principles and apply to construction projects; inspect and analyze construction procedures and interpret code violations; implement and maintain daily records; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
 
Education:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in public works inspection, civil engineering, or a related field.
 
Experience:
Three years of increasingly responsible construction, inspection, or public works maintenance experience comparable to a Construction Inspector I with the City of Pittsburg.

Special Requirements:
Possession at the time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license is required. A Public Infrastructure Inspector Certification is desirable.

Working Conditions:
Environment: Indoor and outdoor environments; travel from site to site; some exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, and inclement weather conditions; work around heavy construction equipment; work or inspect in confined spaces; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain; regular interaction with City staff, general public and other organizations; occasionally deal with dissatisfied individuals.
 
 Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and field environment; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb unusual heights on ladders; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
 
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
 
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
 
Applications may be submitted online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pittsburg. The City of Pittsburg utilizes a merit-based selection system. Such a system is competitive and based on broad outreach efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to take part in a process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position. Although, a resume and cover letter provide helpful added detail in reviewing qualifications, the job application may be rejected if the sections are considered to be incomplete. You will be notified of the next steps in the process via email! In the meantime, Let’s stay in touch through social media. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

What Happens Next?

• We will review your application and all supplemental materials to select the best qualified applicants to continue in the process. Screening will include a review of qualifications, application appraisal rating of education, training and experience and relevance of background qualifications related to the target job as well as supplemental questions if applicable.
• Applicants selected to move forward in the process may be asked to participate in any combination of the following (at any phase of the selection process): a written examination, job related exercise, physical test or job simulation, phone interview, in-person or video interview(s), and/or web-based testing.
• All offers of employment are conditional and new hires are subject to complete a pre-employment background screening that will consist of reference checks, livescan/fingerprint check and a civil check.  Some positions require a medical examination, psychological examination, credit check, polygraph, drug testing, and full background investigation depending on the job characteristics.  All new hires are required to show that they are eligible to work in the United States.   All of these processes must be successfully completed before employment begins.
• The final phase of the selection process is the probationary period, which in most cases is twelve months.

Reasonable Accommodations:
The City of Pittsburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws in its employment actions, decisions, policies and practices.

The City of Pittsburg Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the selection process to accommodate disabled applicants. Individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation in the process must inform the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.