The City of Kirkland Public Works Department is seeking to hire a Temporary Construction Inspector!
Note: This position is classified as temporary and currently funded through 12/31/2024.

Why Kirkland?

Inspects for compliance both public capital improvement projects and private construction projects. Performs material tests and develops precise and accurate records.
Principal Accountabilities 
Is responsible for assuring that all public improvement construction is performed in compliance with APWA, Washington DOT, and/or City of Kirkland construction standards and ordinances, and those of other regulatory agencies and Departments as may be applicable to any given project. Prepares and maintains accurate records of projects including test results and "as-built" information.
Essential Duties
Reviews public and private construction drawings for compliance with all applicable construction standards and technical specifications, together with Planning and Community Development Notices of Approval for required public improvements. Recommends design revisions to the Development Engineering Manager or Development Engineer.

• Performs daily and final field inspections of all public improvement installations, such as: water mains, sewage lift stations, sanitary and storm sewers, temporary erosion control facilities, and streets and sidewalks, to assure compliance with all construction standards and City requirements. Inspection services are provided for all projects whether City or developer funded.
• Determines and implements necessary field revisions to approved designs in order to satisfy site conditions as may be encountered.
• Maintains records to document inspections, test results, and other related pertinent information. Prepares periodic project status reports and a final inspection report upon project completion.
• Conducts material testing of concrete mixes and soil compactions. Conducts air or water tests of sanitary sewers including side sewers, pressure and purity tests of water systems. Also tests storm systems requiring pumps and alarms and sanitary sewers requiring same.
• Responds to public inquiries or complaints relating to construction activities, standards, and administrative procedures.
• Maintains knowledge of current construction codes and changes in industry standards related to construction material and procedure developments.
• Conducts preconstruction meetings.
• Supervises the coordination between development projects and Public Works Maintenance and Operations Division (water, sewer and streets).
• Coordinates traffic control plans with the City Traffic Engineer as they pertain to construction projects in the City right-of-way.
• Conducts site investigation/research for proposed development projects and provides utility and street improvement design considerations to the Development Engineering Manager or Development Engineer.

Peripheral Duties 

• Provides inspection and testing services, as directed, for projects under the jurisdiction of other departments.
• Performs inspection and testing of side sewer installations under permit by the Public Works Department.
• Performs surveying and drafting work as necessary to generate field data for inspection reports, as-built drawings, and related items.
• Assists in processing payments due to contractors on city funded Public Works' projects.
• Assists project engineers with city funded project management.
• Coordinates the activities of other utilities and contractors to assure effective and timely completion of projects.
• Requisitions materials as authorized and as needed for a project from the Department of Public Works inventory stock.
• Assists the Development Engineering Manager, Development Engineer, and Project Engineers in the development of engineered solutions to certain problem items as directed.
• Inspects for safety hazards on job sites and modifies procedures as required to insure safe working conditions for contractors, employees, and the public.
• Helps develop and maintain standard plans and specifications for the City of Kirkland.

Other Duties 

• As requested by the Development Engineering Manager or Development Engineer, review plans, prepare comments/conditions and attend development pre-application conferences on behalf of the Public Works Department. 
• Provide project management for private development projects as assigned by the Development Engineering Manager or Development Engineer including: 
  • The review of plans for compliance with permit conditions and City standards.
  • Reviewing and/or completing improvement evaluation packages (engineering estimate) for Land Surface Modifications, Multi-family and Commercial building permits.
  • Communication with civil engineers either in writing or orally in requesting revisions to proposed projects.
  • Establishes permit fees, bond amounts and conditions for the Public Works Department as they apply to a particular permit.
  • Updating “Permit Plan” actions for each case associated with a project.
  • Issue the permits for Public Works.
  • Manage the project from issuance of the permit to final inspection including all field changes.

• Must have the ability to work with contractors and the public in a professional, courteous, and knowledgeable manner.
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, make quantity takeoffs, and keep accurate as-built information.
• The ability to use a computer and be familiar with Microsoft based products and “Permit Plan.”

Minimum Qualifications 

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in public works construction or inspection.
• Be familiar with standard material testing practices, (compaction, pressure testing of pipe, concrete strength).
• Be familiar with construction standards such as WSDOT, APWA, Asphalt Institute, and AASHTO.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License.

Working Conditions 
The work is at construction sites a majority of the time under all weather conditions. Hazards at construction sites include: falling objects, loose footing, construction equipment, and vehicular traffic. The incumbent may be required to climb ladders, work on scaffolding, in trenches, and other underground or confined spaces.

Selection ProcessPosition requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 425-587-3111.