Project Inspector AF

Project Inspector AF Salary $45,635.20 - $57,033.60 Annually

Location: City Hall (3200 Civic Center Circle NE) Job Type: Full Time AF Job Number: 2026-00040 Department: Public Works Division: PW Engineering Opening Date: 03/11/2026

Description Benefits Questions Position Summary

The Project Inspector classification is a three-part career progression model comprised of the following working titles: Project Inspector I, II, and III. A Project Inspector conducts inspections of surface and subsurface installations of public infrastructure projects, subdivisions and private construction projects. Depending on assigned Division, inspections may include water and sewer distribution systems, water/wastewater treatment systems, reservoirs (tanks), lift stations, other facilities, roadway construction including subgrade preparation, base course placement, asphalt and concrete placement, curb and gutter installation, sidewalks and ADA ramps placement, signage and striping for permanent traffic control, and grading. Other ancillary duties include, but not limited to, observing collection of water samples, pressure tests, etc. The Project Inspector III may oversee or lead the work of other Inspectors depending on assignment.

Education, Training, Experience, Certifications, Licenses and Registrations

Project Inspector I Education / higher education: High School Graduate or equivalent Minimum number of years of directly related experience: Two years of experience or training related to surface/subsurface civil engineering, and/or work experience in water/wastewater utility construction or operations. Education and/or experience preferences: College/Technical School coursework in construction management, Civil engineering, water/wastewater utility construction or operations, or a related field.

Project Inspector II Minimum number of years of directly related experience: Two years as a Project Inspector I or equivalent with the City of Rio Rancho.

Project Inspector III Minimum number of years of directly related experience: Four years as a Project Inspector II or equivalent with the City of Rio Rancho.

==============================================

Project Inspector I Driver's License requirement: Frequent Driver -- Regular Drivers License Note -- For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards. Required certifications, licenses or registrations: none Preferred certifications, licenses or registrations: Level 1 or higher Water or Waste water Operator Certifications; Sampling Certification, Traffic Control Certification, Temporary Traffic Control Supervisor Certification, Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), Aggregate, Soil, or Concrete certifications offered in the NMDOT's Technician Training and Certification Program.

Project Inspector II Driver's License requirement: Frequent Driver -- Regular Drivers License Note -- For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards. Required certifications, licenses or registrations: Traffic Control Certification, Temporary Traffic Control Supervisor Certification, Soils from NMDOT's Technician Training and Certification Program.

Project Inspector III Driver's License requirement: Frequent Driver -- Regular Drivers License Note -- For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards. Required certifications, licenses or registrations: Traffic Control Certification, Temporary Traffic Control Supervisor Certification, Soils from NMDOT's Technician Training and Certification Program, Asphalt and Concrete from NMDOT's Technician Training and Certification Program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Water and wastewater specifications
• Construction operations and specifications
• Materials standards, as set forth in the AWWA Standards, APWA, NMDOT and City standard details and specification
• Reading and interpreting engineering plans, City codes and ordinances
• Developing reports
• Water sampling and pressure testing procedures
• Engineering terminology
• Codes, standards and specifications for design and construction of roadway (surface and subsurface) and drainage projects
• Occupational hazards and safety standards and practices applicable to construction sites
• Mandrel tests, test for contaminants, poly and steel weld testing, cathodic potential meter, Multi-Meter for Continuity test, Holiday detector, hot tapping equipment
• Must understand and interpret engineering plans, specifications, schematic drawings, etc.

Skills:

• Must be able to type rapidly and accurately enough to successfully produce documents/spreadsheets, communicate via e-mail, or perform data entry as necessary to accomplish the essential functions of the position.
• Use of technology, equipment and software typically used in the office environment.
• Operation of a personal computer using word processing, spreadsheet, database, engineering, and computer mapping software; calculator; thermometers.

Abilities:

• Read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, and documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Write routine reports and correspondence.
• Speak effectively before groups of customers or employees.
• Use math concepts to present data in charts, graphs, and presentations.
• Analyze traffic control requirements in roadway construction areas for compliance with MUTCD.
• Measure quantities of completed earthwork, paving materials, pipe lengths, concrete flatwork and structures; calculate surface areas, linear distances, volumes, etc.

Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities

Internal:

• Works with department managers and staff on construction and maintenance projects.
• Maintains harmonious, courteous, and understanding relationships, while fostering a collaborative teamwork environment.

External:

• Works with vendors and contractors to ensure utility construction and maintenance projects are completed per specifications.
• Presents a friendly, courteous image for the City to the general public, customers, and public officials.

Essential Functions

The following functions are typical for this position. The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Inspects subsurface and surface installations for roadway, water and wastewater and drainage projects and subdivisions, ensuring accuracy, safety and quality in accord with Federal, state and local regulations.
• Conducts on-site inspection of construction projects, and maintains written progress reports, daily logs, picture, video records and maintain daily quantities, etc.
• Reviews construction plans and cost estimates for the construction project, attends bid openings and pre-construction meetings and coordinates construction projects with contractors, City staff, and clients.
• Verifies all field changes for "as-built" drawings on field plan set or ensures the contractor and/or engineer are recording changes on final drawings.
• Observes hydrostatic tests on pressure lines and ex-filtration tests on gravity lines, manholes and water containment structures.
• Assist in scheduling soil, concrete and asphalt testing with labs.
• Approves or denies installations based on contract compliance.
• Coordinates project closeout with City staff and contractors.
• Performs Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) infrastructure compliance inspection on public infrastructure within the public right of way.

An Inspector II and Inspector III are differentiated from an Inspector I by the assignment of duties of moderate difficulty.

To view a summary of benefits offered by the City of Rio Rancho click here.

01 Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent? Yes No

02 Do you have two years of experience or training related to surface/subsurface civil engineering, and/or work experience in water/wastewater utility construction or operations? Yes No

Required Question

Employer: City of Rio Rancho Address: 3200 Civic Center Circle NE Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 87144 Phone: 505-896-8750 Website: https://rrnm.gov/