What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Inspector I/II (Open and Promotional) position at County of San Mateo?
The Road Maintenance Division of County of San Mateo's Department of Public Works is responsible for routine and emergency repairs to over 315 miles of road surfaces, culverts, shoulders, drainage facilities, and roadside vegetation on roads within the public right-of-way of San Mateo County's unincorporated districts.
Under general supervision, Construction Inspectors inspect a variety of construction projects associated with the repair and alteration of roads and streets and associated curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and drainage structures being carried out by private contractors to ensure conformance to County specifications. Construction Inspectors investigate and report on complaints of illegal encroachment on roads or associated structures in need of repair or posing a hazard to the public.
The ideal candidate for this position will have
- Experience with concrete/asphalt driveways, drainage ditches, trench backfill, and asphalt paving.
- Technical experience using computers and smartphones in the field or the ability to quickly learn to use this equipment.
- The ability to prioritize and organize work efficiently in order to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks and assignments at one time.
Construction Inspector II is the journey level class in this series serving as resident engineers on smaller projects or acting as assistants to the resident engineer on large or complex projects. Construction Inspectors II also perform complaint investigation work, acting independently, determining corrective steps to be taken.
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Review plans and specifications and sites for construction projects.
- Inspect and/or supervise others in the inspection and construction of engineering projects such as roads and streets or improvements thereto, sanitary sewers, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters, etc., including the work of grading, preparing subgrade, and paving.
- Inspect work on pipes, culverts, concrete structures, water systems, and other incidental construction work.
- Issue notices of work stoppage as necessary.
- Interpret slope stakes and grade stakes, specifications and plans; keep records and prepare reports.
- Monitor contractor work and issues notices of work stoppage as necessary.
- Assign work to and instruct other inspectors and supervise their work.
- Investigate and resolve citizen complaints and make records of findings.
- Issue encroachment permits.
- Investigate requests for permits in right of way.
- Prepare special reports and other written correspondence; perform soils and materials testing and compaction tests.
- Locate County drainage systems via Underground Service Alert (USA).
- Perform related duties as assigned.
- Approved practices and methods and materials used in construction of and improvement of roads, streets, sanitary sewers, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters, and other related projects.
- County specifications covering construction of such items.
- Principles of surveying as related to such construction work.
- Principles relating to right-of-way.
- Methods and materials used in the construction and improvement of roads, streets, sanitary sewers, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters.
- Compute grades and quantities of materials.
- Make computations incidental to such construction work.
- Check apparent discrepancies between survey stakes and the project plan.
- Read and interpret plans and specifications.
- Keep accurate records and write correspondence and reports.
- Enforce County standards and ensure compliance.
- Use personal initiative to analyze and solve problems.
- Work effectively and courteously with the public and with co-workers.
- Check survey stakes and plans on projects.
- Read and interpret plans and specifications.
- Bend, sit, climb and walk for extended periods of time; lift and carrying equipment and supplies used in the course of the work, such as test cement cylinders and measuring wheels.
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
Construction Inspector I: Three years experience which has provided a knowledge of standard construction methods, basic engineering techniques used in construction of roads, streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and sewers.
Construction Inspector II: Two years experience in inspection of construction projects associated with the construction of roads, streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and related drainage structures.
Licensure/Certification:- Possession of a class C California driver license or equivalent.
The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidate's application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or a screening committee may select those applicants whose education and/or experience appear to best meet the needs of the position. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All tests will be held in the County of San Mateo, California. Applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
Tentative Recruitment Timeline
Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Application Screening: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Panel Interviews: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels.
HR Analyst: Sarah Huynh (04012025) (Construction Inspector I/II - N060/N062)
Salary : $101,171 - $126,402
