Public Works Inspector - Capital Projects

The Department
The Public Works Department is a dynamic organization that readily adapts to the needs of the Torrance Community in providing quality and reliable service to the public. The Department is made up of over 200 employees within five distinct divisions who provide service to residents, businesses, and other City departments to improve and maintain the City's streets, sidewalks, landscaping, traffic signals, sewers, waste collection, and water systems.

The Division
The Engineering Division is responsible for the development and implementation of several and various infrastructure projects included in the City's multi-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The Division's duties include: planning and budgeting for new projects; securing outside (i.e. federal, state, grant) funding; engineering design, administration of public bidding; and construction management of each project. The Division also provides traffic engineering services for the City including traffic studies, traffic signal system management, responding to citizen traffic requests and making traffic striping and signage improvements in compliance with state standards.

The Position
Under direction, a Public Works Inspector, Capital Projects provides oversight of contractor's forces on time and material extra work change orders, estimates quantities of extra work and verifies lump sum price quotations for fairness and accuracy; measures for payment all work under each bid item and reviews, processes, and recommends payments for work in place; and interprets contract documents and resolves disputes or uncertainties with the contractor.

The Public Works Inspector, Capital Projects also coordinates inspections and related activities with contractors, utility personnel, consultants and various City staff; Coordinates physical testing of construction materials (e.g., asphalt, concrete, aggregate, soil, plastic, plaster, etc.) to ensure compliance with specific standards; and prepares various status, analytical and technical reports and correspondence.

For more information about the duties of the position, click here.Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills required is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be: 

• Equivalent to graduation from high school, preferably supplemented by vocation/college coursework related to this field;
• Three years of responsible experience in engineering/ public works inspection work

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
• Must possess and maintain certification as Certified Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Practitioner (QSP) within six months of hire date.

Ideal Candidate:
In addition to the minimum requirements, the IDEAL candidate will possess the following:

• Strong organizational skills and self-motivation;
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, the public, contractors, utility companies, and public agencies;
• Prior experience with performing inspection duties on public works projects that include specific duties related to the use of federal and/or state funds; and
• Ability to work independently and display sound judgment at all times.

Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Application submissions will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled.  First review of applications will be those received by Friday, January 24, 2025 at 11:59p.m. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the testing process, which will consist of the following components:


Oral Interview: (Weighted 100% ) February 13, 2025Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the final filing date.

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and a pre-employment medical examination.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Salary : $6,185 - $8,292