Public Works Inspector I

The City of Dana Point seeks a talented, highly motivated, and customer-oriented individual interested in being part of a positive work culture and wishes to help support the City’s mission and values. 

The current vacancy is in the Public Works Department. The position will assist with the City's inspection and capital improvement functions. 

Candidates with construction and/or public works experience are encouraged to apply.

This is a Continuous Recruitment that is subject to close once a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.

DEFINITION:

Under direct or general supervision, performs a variety of duties involved in inspecting the workmanship and materials used in a variety of public and private development/construction and capital improvement projects of City infrastructure, such as street and park work, utilities, grading, landscaping, traffic control, water quality, and public safety; ensures conformance with applicable federal and state laws, codes, local ordinances, plans, specifications, and departmental regulations; administers a variety of systems and programs for the City; and performs related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

The Public Works Inspector I is the experienced level in the public works inspection class series that performs a variety of routine inspections of the work of contractors constructing or modifying City infrastructure to ensure safety and conformance with plans and specifications. Position also performs a variety of semiskilled tasks in maintaining and repairing roads, flood control, and other public works facilities. Work generally requires some understanding of construction methods or some specialized public works operations and incumbents are expected to perform work without constant supervision.

This position is non-exempt under FLSA standards.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Essential Job Functions: may include, but are not limited to, the following: (Management reserves the right 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.)

1. Conduct public works inspections for public/private/utility company projects located within the public right-of-way; review and inspect plans and projects of private contractors and utility companies and ensure compliance; assess safety conditions and recommend mitigation measures for major construction and development projects.

2. Performs a variety of semi-skilled tasks in repairing and maintaining a variety of public works facilities; uses hand and pneumatic tools and equipment; installs posts signs; assists in building and placing forms to precise grade and reinforcing steel for concrete structures; does finish concrete work; may operate pumps, compressors and other equipment,

3. Coordinate public right-of-way construction & maintenance work performed by City forces or under contract including, but not limited to, traffic signals, traffic signs and striping, diversions, pump stations, street and safety lights, capital projects, park improvements, sidewalk repairs, street repairs, and public/private utility/street work.

4. Communicate on a daily basis with applicants and/contractors and others to ensure compliance with the terms of City Contract Plans and Specifications as applicable and City encroachment permits; coordinate the process of establishing regular and special contractor meeting schedules; attend meetings; and ensure that follow-up actions are implemented.

5. Participate and make recommendations to senior management staff relative to the acceptance of the completed construction project or encroachment permit work, verification of any contract scope changes, and preparation of “as-built” drawings.

6. Respond to emergency calls after hours if needed; and work outside regular work hours (nights) or weekends when construction schedules or senior management dictate.

7. Assist the Public Works Operations team as needed on a variety of tasks, such as setting traffic control, removing graffiti, picking up trash and debris on City streets, , trash and debris clean up in parks and other areas, graffiti removal, sidewalk and hardscape ramping and patching, street repairs, responding to major accidents or incidents, landslide clean ups, etc.

8. Investigate field problems affecting property owners and contractors; provide information to the public; respond to citizen inquiries and complaints; perform field investigations, take photos, and prepare reports and presentations for the assigned area of responsibility.

9. Organize and maintain project records. Prepare detailed documentation and report on construction progress and inspections; prepare various reports on daily operations and activities; ensure that all conditions of approval are met. Prepare Inspection Reports using City databases and technology to document activities in a digital fashion.

10. Oversee the inspection of forms and subgrades prior to placement of improvements such as asphalt paving and concrete.

11. Enforce routine on-site safety.

12. Prepares a variety of correspondence, reports, correction notices, procedures and other written materials.

13. Perform other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Principles, practices, methods and techniques of public contract administration and local government operations related to public works and engineering operations.

Principles and practices of the construction industry; principles of organization, and basic knowledge of engineering cost estimating practices; and project management systems.

Pertinent construction related federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations, such as NPDES, and laws and regulations governing land development, construction and public projects.

Current public works terminology and construction practices including safety, surveying, inspection and engineering methods and materials as applicable.

Basic methods and techniques for writing, business correspondence and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques and procedures.

Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computer use and software programs.

Safe work and driving principles and practices.

ABILITY TO:

Read and understand design data and information such as construction plans and specifications, codes and standards, ordinances, inspection reports, correction notices, project schedules, construction permits, work sheets, policies, procedures, construction manuals, engineering manuals and educational curricula.

Effectively perform construction inspections of assigned public and private projects.

Prepare, maintain and interpret records and reports.

Resolve difficult situations requiring diplomacy and tact.

Work nights, weekends and holidays, as necessary

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties, including staff, the public, contractors, engineers, landowners and law enforcement.

Interpret, apply and ensure compliance with federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, for differing audiences. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Write clear, concise and accurate reports, correspondence and memoranda, agreements and accurate records.

Generally, understand traffic control plans and field implementation of traffic control devices per State and Local Standards.

Operate a motor vehicle safely.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The following combination of education and experience is most typically likely to provide the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities:

Equivalent to completion of two (2) years of college-level courses or technical school training in construction technology, construction inspection, or construction management, or a related field and supplemented with two (2) years of construction inspection experience, including contract administration experience. Additional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.