Public Works Construction Inspector

POSITION SUMMARY

The Construction Inspector performs inspections of public and private infrastructure projects for transportation, water, wastewater, stormwater, facilities and parks. Ensures contractors' compliance with plans and specifications. Documents all aspects as required of the construction of infrastructure projects. Reviews draft specifications and engineering plans for conformance with accepted standards. Coordinates with multidisciplinary teams through the engineering and construction phases of infrastructure projects. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

1. Perform inspections of public infrastructure projects such as transportation, water, wastewater, stormwater, and municipal facilities to ensure compliance with contract documents. 
2. Monitor construction progress, document field conditions (daily’s, photos, videos), and assist with resolving basic construction or compliance issues in coordination with senior staff. 
3. Ensure contractor required submittals are collected and stored per the City’s Public Works records and file management requirements. 
4. Explains and gives interpretations of City Code and Standard Specifications to construction industry personnel and community members.
5. Review technical drawings and construction documents for completeness and assist in verifying that they meet applicable City, State and Federal standards.
6. Track project schedules, budgets, and deliverables; help ensure project documentation is complete and organized for project closeout.
7. Coordinate with staff to ensure proper data collection and entry into the asset management system for new infrastructure.
8. Respond to public inquiries and service requests with professionalism; document complaints and assist in resolving concerns regarding infrastructure projects and right-of-way impacts.
9. Review and approve Public Works Right of Way permits
10. Participate in contract administration activities including assisting with the preparation of bid documents, specifications, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and procurement documentation.
11. Participate in team meetings and departmental initiatives, contributing ideas to improve processes and service delivery.
12. Stay current on applicable engineering practices, construction regulations, and construction administration tools through training, reading, and mentoring.
13. Follow all City safety rules and procedures and maintain a safe work environment during site visits or project activities.
14. Perform other related duties as assigned in support of Public Works project and operational needs.

Perform inspections of public works construction maintenance and improvement projects for both City and private development projects to ensure compliance with City standards and specifications; provide a direct communication link between the contractors and the City; maintain construction logs; monitor safety requirements at construction sites; monitor sampling and testing of all construction materials including density testing of base materials, concrete and pavement surfaces, and trench backfill, as well as pressure and mandrel testing of piping systems and vacuum and hydrostatic testing of manholes; provide inspection of erosion and pollution control measures. Ensure that adequate best management practices for erosion control are maintained during construction projects. 

Research and gather data for special projects as assigned; prepare reports, graphs, and data summaries; review data to identify and assess trends; maintain data in various manual and computerized systems; develop maintenance protocols and schedules for infrastructure projects. 

Provide assistance to the public, contractors, and developers, in person and over the phone, regarding inspections, public right-of-way issues, and authorize public works permits.

Follow all safety rules and procedures established for work areas.

• Associates Degree in Construction Management or related field
• Three (3) years of infrastructure inspection or Construction Management and documentation control experience 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain and retain, an Oregon driver license by the time of hire.

• Oregon Department of Transportation General Construction Inspector Certification or related inspector certifications
• Previous construction inspection and administration experience in a municipality is desirable. 
• Knowledge of Bluebeam, Microsoft Office Suite and GIS computer software and systems. 

SUBSTITUTION

Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the job proficiently may substitute for the above requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE:

• Common methods, materials, and tools used in the maintenance and construction of public infrastructure such as water systems, sewer systems, storm drainage, streets, and public facilities.
• Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to construction, public procurement, and safety (e.g., OSHA, ADA).
• Fundamental budgeting principles and cost estimation methods related to municipal projects.
• General research methods, recordkeeping, and basic data analysis used to support project tracking and reporting.
• Office and administrative practices including file management, document control, and standard operating procedures.
• Proficiency with common computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with or willingness to learn project management, database, and GIS software.

SKILLS:

• Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Identify areas of divergency from plans and specifications, by physically inspecting construction sites
• Write concise, comprehensive reports and memoranda
• Maintain written construction activity journals
• Identify potential construction problems and delays
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships between contractors, architects, agency personnel and the general public
• Review construction documents prior to bid for completeness
• Ability to reconcile contractor pay requests with work done
• Coordinate multiple tasks and information at same time
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

ABILITIES:

• Work independently on routine assignments and seek support for more complex tasks.
• Adapt to changing project priorities, work schedules, or department goals with flexibility.
• Operate standard office equipment and utilize software tools for project tracking and communication.
• Maintain attention to detail in reviewing project documents and ensuring compliance with procedures.
• Demonstrate initiative and a willingness to grow professionally through training and field experience.
• Read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.  

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force;work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work may have exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as dust, smoke, fumes, hazardous materials, and varied weather conditions.  
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting; however, some work occurs in a field environment.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.