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Definition

Under immediate supervision, learns and performs inspection of public works street, highway, bridge and tract right of way construction projects; performs related duties as required.

Class Characteristics

This entry-level classification in the Construction Inspector series reports to a Senior Civil Engineer through a Construction Coordinator in the Construction Inspection Section of the Public Works Engineering Division. It is characterized by the responsibility to learn and to inspect public works construction projects for compliance with codes and specifications. Incumbents' assignments, objectives and work methods are specified; issues of fact are referred to the supervisor; review of work is ongoing and responsibility for achieving work objectives rests with a supervisor. Incumbents' work will gradually be done on a more independent basis subject to occasional review in progress through questions/problems and consultation with the supervisor and the section head. It is distinguished from the next higher classification of Senior Construction Inspector by the latter's technical expertise, performance of fully qualified journey level work with a minimum of supervision, and responsibility to provide training and technical expertise to Construction Inspector incumbents.

 

Essential Functions

• Reviews construction plans, specifications, encroachment permits, and other plans affecting assigned projects.
• Participates in meetings to discuss construction details and resolves issues with contractors and other agencies.
• Conducts on-site inspections of construction materials, grade elevations, underground facilities, construction safety precautions, minor concrete structures, street light installations, traffic signal installations, traffic control devices, and erosion and siltation control installations to determine compliance with contract plans and specifications, and with city and other governmental regulations.
• Makes field measurements.
• Ensures conformance with applicable safety standards and regulations.
• Assists in coordinating materials testing.
• Identifies problems.
• Monitors the correction of project deficiencies.
• Identifies and recommends approval of necessary contract and/or plan adjustments to accommodate field conditions.
• Maintains daily diary and field records of material and quantities used.
• Calculates and recommends formal approval of appropriate progress payments to contractors for work completed.
• Investigates citizen complaints related to encroachment and/or grading violations.

Marginal Functions

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: Surveying and construction staking (grade-setting) practices; standard construction practices including specifications, methods, materials and equipment; mathematics through plane geometry and trigonometry; methods and techniques of materials testing; soil types and characteristics; standard specifications and construction details book (both City and State); construction safety standards; OSHA and CalTrans Traffic Control Devices Manual; traffic safety.

Skill in: Driving an automobile on paved and unpaved surfaces; operating surveying equipment; and preparing field sketches.

Ability to: Evaluate quality of construction and construction materials; determine safety implications of construction techniques; perform mathematical calculations through plane geometry and trigonometry; read blueprints; read public works construction and topography maps and grading plans; determine and verify elevations using hand level and calculator; communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds both orally and in writing; resolve inter-personal conflicts; identify problems, evaluate alternatives and arrive at logical decisions; read and interpret complex regulations and technical documents, including plans and specifications; understand and use standard engineering and hand held tools used in Public Works Construction Inspection; learn city encroachment and underground ordinances.

Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.

Education/Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be: Graduation from high school and four years experience in a field related to street/highway construction; 60 semester units of college education in engineering, construction techniques and methodologies or building inspection may be substituted for two years experience in construction.