Special Projects Advisor/DPW Inspector
Salary
$39,000.00 - $78,000.00 Annually
Location
Southfield, MI
Job Type
Non-career
Job Number
20260012
Department
Water and Sewer
Opening Date
05/20/2026
Closing Date
6/20/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Equal Opportunity Language
This announcement is only a summary of the position, its duties, job requirements and compensation. Further information is available from the Human Resources Department. The City of Southfield does not discriminate in its employment or any other programs or activities on the basis, of sex, race, color, age, height, weight, marital status, national origin, religion, arrest record, physical or mental disability, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected category. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability if requested. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/V/H, DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
ADA
Individuals with special needs who may require assistance with the application process should contact the Human Resources Department at (248) 796-4700 (voice) or via email at hrsupport@cityofsouthfield.com if auxiliary aids or services are needed. Reasonable advance notice is required.
Description
The Public Works Inspector assists the Department of Public Works (DPW) with construction inspection, field engineering, infrastructure coordination, surveying support, and compliance-related activities under the direction of the Lead Engineering Technician, Project Engineer, Compliance Manager or designated supervisor. This position is responsible for monitoring municipal construction projects, documenting field activities, verifying contractor compliance, and supporting engineering operations related to roadway, water, sewer, and utility infrastructure projects.
What You'll Do
Gain direct experience in municipal engineering and field operations
Work on active roadway, utility, and infrastructure construction projects
Develop skills in construction inspection, surveying, materials testing, and project coordination
Learn to interpret engineering plans, specifications, and municipal standards
Assist in documenting construction progress, quantities, and as-built conditions
Work closely with engineers, inspectors, contractors, and DPW leadership
Utilize field technology, survey equipment, and engineering software to support municipal operations
Professional Development Opportunities
Direct involvement in municipal engineering and infrastructure projects
Exposure to construction inspection, surveying, materials testing, and utility coordination
Experience with municipal standards, permitting, and compliance programs
Development of practical field engineering, documentation, and project management skills
Opportunities to work alongside experienced engineering and public works professionals
Representative Job Duties
Perform daily field inspections for municipal infrastructure and construction projects
Inspect and monitor roadway construction and maintenance, water main installation and repairs, sanitary and storm sewer work, sidewalk, curb, concrete construction, asphalt paving and restoration, and utility-related infrastructure improvements
Verify contractor work for compliance with approved plans, specifications, permits, and City standards
Prepare daily inspection reports, field notes, quantity tracking, and progress documentation
Record measurements, quantities, elevations, and as-built information for project records
Coordinate with contractors, consultants, utility companies, residents, and DPW personnel regarding field operations
Identify field conflicts, deficiencies, and safety concerns and communicate findings to supervisors
Review traffic control setups and verify work zone compliance with applicable standards
Assist with permit-related inspections including ROW permits, utility permits, and restoration inspections
Support municipal compliance programs such as water service line verification, cross-connection control inspections, lead and copper program support, and FOG (Fats, Oil and Grease) program activities
Assist with emergency response and field investigations related to municipal infrastructure
Maintain project records, inspection logs, photographs, reports, and related documentation
Participate in pre-construction meetings, progress meetings, and field coordination meetings
Assist with project closeout documentation and punch list inspections
Survey & Layout Support
Assist with field surveying and layout activities for municipal projects
Operate and support the use of survey equipment including GPS units, total stations, levels, and rods
Verify field elevations, grades, alignments, and locations against approved plans
Assist with construction staking and layout verification
Collect and document survey data for engineering and as-built purposes
Support field measurements and coordinate verification for infrastructure improvements
Materials Observation & Testing
Observe and document construction materials and workmanship
Assist with or perform field testing including concrete slump testing, air content testing, concrete cylinder preparation and curing, asphalt temperature verification, and asphalt density and compaction observations
Coordinate with testing laboratories and maintain testing documentation
Verify delivered materials meet project specifications and approved submittals
Job Requirements - As Determined By the City Of Southfield
Associate's degree or technical training in Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Technology, Surveying, or related field preferred
Relevant construction inspection or municipal field experience preferred
Valid driver's license required
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and construction site conditions
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in municipal construction inspection, water and sewer infrastructure projects, roadway construction, materials testing, and surveying/layout
Experience with water and stormwater compliance issues, such as cross connection controls, lead and copper, soil erosion permits, and more.
Familiarity with AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS systems, survey equipment, and Microsoft Office Suite
Knowledge of MDOT, ASTM, AASHTO, or municipal construction standards
Certifications or training related to construction inspection or materials testing preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to work independently and under supervision in field environments
Strong attention to detail in inspection, measurements, testing, and documentation
Good communication and coordination skills with contractors, residents, and team members
Ability to maintain accurate field records and reports
Basic problem-solving and decision-making skills
Ability to understand and enforce construction standards and specifications
Ability to safely work around traffic, utilities, and active construction zones
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions
Primarily field-based with some office-related work
Exposure to construction sites, moving traffic, utilities, and varying weather conditions
Requires standing, walking, climbing, bending, and occasional lifting
May require occasional extended hours based on project schedules or emergency operations
Employment Status
This is a seasonal position within the Department of Public Works (DPW). Employees in this role are not eligible for City benefits unless otherwise required by policy or law. Seasonal employees may be considered for returning seasonal employment opportunities in future years based on performance, departmental needs, and available funding.
Compensation
Hourly rate or salary will be based on qualifications, certifications, and experience in accordance with City of Southfield compensation policies.
The selection process will include a review of the applicants experience for posted requirements, a criminal history check, and an oral board interview. Each step of the process must be passed before the applicant will be moved to the next step. Applicants will be invited to further participate in the selection process based on the nature and extent of their related experience.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
Employer Southfield, City of (MI)
Address 26000 Evergreen Road
Southfield, Michigan, 48075
Phone 248-796-4700
Website http://www.cityofsouthfield.com