Public Works Inspector

Position Description

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW:

Thank you for your interest in our Public Works Inspector position. We look forward to the opportunity to consider you as an applicant.

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 70,693 located in the heart of California's Central Valley. The organization, staffed with 389 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.

We are currently recruiting to fill one immediate vacancy and an eligible list will also be established to fill future vacancies in this classification for a period of up to six months.

To be considered for this outstanding career opportunity applicants must submit a detailed application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills.

In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to respond to the supplemental questions associated with the application. Responses to the supplemental questions will be used to help us evaluate applicants’ qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application or in lieu of detailed responses to the supplemental questions.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under general supervision, performs a full range of technical engineering inspection work involving public works construction and improvement projects to ensure compliance with plans, codes, specifications, and contract provisions; ensures compliance with City’s standards and specifications; enforces safe work practices at construction sites; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Senior Civil Engineer. No supervision of staff is exercised.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a journey-level classification responsible for performing a wide range of field engineering inspection duties of public works projects. Incumbents are expected to work independently exercising initiative and judgment with general direction. This class is distinguished from the Senior Civil Engineer in that the latter is responsible for the most complex engineering inspections and has lead-level responsibilities over the Public Works Inspectors.

Examples of Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs journey-level technical engineering inspections of public works projects including streets, traffic signals, street lights, curbs, gutters, storm drains, sewer mains and lateral installations, underground pipelines, retaining walls, sidewalks, alleys, and related structures; inspects projects performed under contract for compliance with plans and specifications.
• Coordinates testing and reports on construction materials; verifies quantities; reports work not in accordance with specifications and recommend work stoppage for non-compliance; consults with supervisors on major deviations from specifications; recommends progress payments.
• Prepares written daily reports of inspections and construction change orders; composes correspondence regarding violations and illegal encroachments.
• Ensures compaction testing is performed; and verifies results for compliance with standards and specifications.
• Inspects a variety of underground structures, ensuring construction, trenching, grading, pipe alignment, and quality of joints meet the applicable city specifications and standards.
• Inspects ponding basins for location, elevation, slope, grade, and outlet structures; inspects well and septic abandonments.
• Inspects backfilling and paving of utility trenches.
• Ensures effective corrective measures by utilizing individual judgment in interpreting legal requirements and standards of methods, materials, and workmanship.
• Maintains field records including sketches, photographs, drafting, and narrative notes; prepares written reports of inspections.
• Utilizes a variety of tools and equipment including measuring rods, tapes, surveying transits, calculators, and other tools to determine distance, location, dimension, depth grade, and calculate volumes.
• Meets and confers with contractors, public agencies, and the general public; responds to inquiries and investigates complaints from the public concerning public works improvements, codes, and standards.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, materials, equipment, and safety requirements of public works and utility construction and construction inspection.
• Modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding engineering and construction.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of construction inspection.
• Confined space entry procedures, and related safety equipment.
• Designs, plans, and specifications used in public works construction.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Applicable State and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Basic surveying principles and practices.
• Methods and techniques of material testing.
• Field engineering practices and basic design criteria for public works projects.
• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person, and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Perform difficult and thorough field engineering construction inspections.
• Understand, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
• Detect flaws in construction methods and materials.
• Make accurate mathematical and geometric calculations.
• Read, understand, and interpret engineering and construction blueprints, plans, and specifications.
• Maintaining accurate records and files of work performed.
• Use tact and firmness in working with contractors to ensure conformity of construction with the interest of the public and the safety of employees.
• Interpret and enforce a variety of codes, ordinances, and special requirements related to construction work.
• Perform accurate mathematical computations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Identify and take appropriate action when unusual operating problems occur.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Qualifications / Requirements

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by specialized course work in construction technology, civil engineering, drafting, surveying, or related field, and two (2) years of increasingly responsible public agency engineering, public works infrastructure construction, inspection, or related experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect various commercial and residential development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs and other temporary or construction access points; to attend meetings and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and make inspections; color vision to review plans, maps, and specifications; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work primarily in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold, and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, substantial heights, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical, and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62)to new PERSmembers beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERSmembers with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55formula with single highest year.
  
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
  
• Life insurance -$20,000 coverage.
  
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
  
• 12 days sick leave per year.
  
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
  
• Flexible benefit program - IRSSection 125 Plan.
  
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
  
  

Closing Date/Time: 9/22/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Tulare, California United States View Map