Public Works Construction Inspector

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Description

Performs inspections of municipal construction projects for compliance with plans, specifications, and federal, state, and local statues and ordinances. Performs routine inspections throughout the duration of the project; performs other routine inspections associated with City and private projects; and serves as liaison between city, contractors and property owners during construction.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

When Assigned to Public Works:

Monitors progress of construction of municipal projects by performing on-site inspections; performing visual observation of construction practice; negotiating plan change orders or construction alterations between city and contractor; assisting the contractor with technical support; reviewing and approving pay requests of contractors and filing daily construction inspection reports for projects; and maintaining records of work performed.
Conducts safety inspections of bridges by reviewing previous inspection reports; scheduling and performing inspections; assisting in stream profiles when needed; climbing underneath bridges or culverts; climbing on top of structures; taking photos for inspection reports; and spending office time filing reports and submitting them to the city engineer.
Inspects curb cut, excavation, storm drain, erosion, and sediment control permits by receiving copies of permits; traveling to location of permits; inspecting the features that the permits cover; approving or disapproving the features as required; and reporting and recording finding on the permits.
Provides emergency response during severe weather (snow, floods, storms, etc.)

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Performs additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
High School Diploma or GED and six months to one year of post-secondary study; two to four years of experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above

Certifications/Licenses

Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record according to City Criteria.
Certified in trench safety and confined space

When working in Public Works:

Certified bridge safety inspector
Certified erosion and sediment control inspector
Asphalt field inspector
Nuclear density
Concrete field inspector
NIMS certification.

Job Knowledge
Intermediate knowledge to perform most work in normal situations. Comprehension of standard situations and includes knowledge of most of the significant aspects of the subject.

Reading
Intermediate: Ability to read papers, periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries, and thesauruses.

Writing
Intermediate: Ability to write reports, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Math
Intermediate: Ability to deal with a system of real numbers; and practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement.

Communication Skills
Decisions regarding interpretation of existing policies may be made. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas

Independence and Decision-Making
Normally performs the duty assignment after receiving general instructions as to methods, procedures, and desired end results. There is some opportunity for discretion when making selections among a few, easily identifiable choices. The assignment is usually reviewed frequently.

Technical Skills
Work requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.

Fiscal Responsibilities
Prepares accounting, budget, employment actions, purchasing documents; and does research to justify language used in documents for a unit or division of a department.

Supervisory Responsibilities
May occasionally direct helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns or temps.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires medium physical effort, exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.
Adequate vision, hearing and talking to drive, use computer, and communicate effectively with others.
Requires constant walking.
Requires frequent standing, fine dexterity, bending, twisting, and balancing.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
Regular and predictable attendance is expected.
May frequently experience performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as part of a team, and noisy/distracting environment.
May occasionally experience time pressure, emergency situations, frequent change of tasks, irregular work schedule/overtime, and tedious or exacting work.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
Typically requires use of computer and related software and hardware; various inspection tools, such as levels, tape measure, rolling measure devices; and any other equipment as appropriate or required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is performed outdoors where there is daily exposure to respiratory and physical hazards, extreme temperature, wetness/humidity, and noise and vibration. There is frequent exposure to chemical and mechanical hazards, and to physical danger or abuse, and occasional exposure to explosives. There is rare exposure to electrical and fire hazards, and communicable diseases.

The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (hard hat, safety vest, steel toe shoes, etc.); and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.

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5 Questions You Should Ask During the Interview

Here are 5 questions we think you could ask during your interview. Use them as a guide to help you write your own questions.

Remember: Always have at least 5 questions prepared for the interview. If you do not, you run the risk of looking unprepared.

What does success look like in this role, and how is it measured?

Why ask this? You want to ensure you have a clear understanding of expectations before accepting the role. Knowing how success is measured helps you hit the ground running and avoid surprises about performance evaluations. It also signals to the employer that you're results-driven.

Can you describe the team dynamic and the company culture?

Why ask this? Skills and experience matter, but if the work environment isn’t a good fit, you won’t be happy or productive. This question helps you gauge whether the company values collaboration, how teams interact, and whether the culture aligns with your work style and values.

What are the biggest challenges facing the person in this role right now?

Why ask this? Every job has challenges, and it’s better to know them upfront. This helps you assess whether the role is a good fit for your strengths and whether the company is realistic about its expectations. If they hesitate to answer, it could be a red flag.

How does the company support work-life balance and employee well-being??

Why ask this? Burnout is real, and some companies expect employees to sacrifice personal time for the job. By asking this, you’ll get a sense of how they value work-life balance, flexibility, and well-being—things that are crucial for job satisfaction and long-term success.

These questions help you make an informed decision while also showing your professionalism and strategic thinking!

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