Construction Inspector I/II

The Engineering Department is responsible for the design and construction of regional water facilities in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP); identifying and employing value engineering design concepts to optimize facility and aqueduct system performance; managing major emergency facility repairs; and providing overall CIP programmatic monitoring and controls. It also manages the Water Authority’s real-estate interests by acquiring, disposing of, and leasing real property; patrolling and managing 168 miles of right of way; and providing survey services. In addition, the department provides technical support to other agencies, departments, and member agencies. The Water Authority’s Energy Program also resides within the Engineering Department, focused on developing low-cost energy supplies, generation, and storage opportunities; improving the Water Authority’s energy resilience; fostering collaborative energy relationships; and supporting the Water Authority’s legislative energy initiatives.

The ideal candidate for the Construction Inspector I/II classification is a technically skilled, detail-oriented, and safety-focused professional who brings knowledge of public works construction practices and a commitment to high-quality infrastructure delivery.
At the Construction Inspector I level, the ideal candidate is motivated to learn and grow in the field of construction inspection, demonstrates a foundational understanding of construction methods and materials, and shows the ability to interpret basic engineering drawings, follow established procedures, and document work accurately. This individual is eager to develop proficiency in Water Authority standards, inspection techniques, and regulatory requirements while working under close supervision.

At the Construction Inspector II level, the ideal candidate has journey-level proficiency and experience independently performing construction inspections on public works, waterworks, or similar infrastructure projects. This person is well-versed in inspecting pipelines, valves, flow control facilities, structural concrete, welds, earthwork, and related facilities; evaluating contractor compliance with plans, specifications, and contract documents; and identifying construction issues requiring corrective action. The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, initiative, and strong problem-solving skills in the field.

Across both levels, the ideal candidate:
Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills and interacts professionally with contractors, engineers, project managers, member agencies, and the public.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are committed to public service, enjoy working on complex and meaningful infrastructure projects, and take pride in ensuring quality construction that serves the region for decades to come.

These positions require strong communication skills, a commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, and the ability to work effectively in active construction environments. Construction Inspectors are essential to ensuring that high-quality infrastructure is delivered for the region and that construction activities align with the Water Authority’s standards and operational objectives.

Construction Inspector I: The Construction Inspector I is the entry-level class in the paraprofessional Construction Inspector series. Initially under direct supervision, incumbents develop knowledge of Water Authority facilities, design and construction methods, and engineering records/files. This class is distinguished from Construction Inspector II in that the latter is the skilled, journey-level class in the series.

Construction Inspector II: The Construction Inspector II is the skilled, journey-level class in the paraprofessional Construction Inspector series. Under general supervision, incumbents are responsible for conducting routine-to-difficult calculations, plan checking, contractor submittal review, construction inspection and/or related technical duties. This classification must possess a general knowledge of water conveyance facilities. This class is distinguished from the Senior Construction Inspector in that the latter is the advanced journey-level class in the series responsible for independently performing more complex inspections and providing technical guidance and project supervision to lower-level construction inspectors.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.

• Monitors and inspects a variety of water conveyance construction projects and installations to ensure compliance with project documents, including the installation and construction of pipelines, water conveyance facilities, valves, metalwork fittings and welds, earthwork, asphalt paving and structural concrete.
• Interprets engineering plans, documents and construction specifications; makes recommendations on change orders; confers with supervisors, consultants, contractors and various Water Authority staff on field design conflicts, construction requirements and contract documents.
• Reviews, evaluates, and comments on project documents and construction sites prior to the start of construction. Performs construction site visits prior to initiation of construction to record and document site conditions, right-of-ways, and access roads using still and video photography and written reports.
• Performs in field inspection of Water Authority planning, design and construction projects for capital improvements and repair/replacement of existing facilities.
• Monitors and inspects construction sites for compliance with State Construction Stormwater General Permit.  Makes recommendations to correct noncompliant installations.
• Determines elevation of pipe, flow control facilities and other structures; verifies alignment and obtains measurements as pipeline and structures are being constructed; verifies concrete construction, including placement of reinforced steel, embedded items, concrete quality, placement of form work, expansion and sealant materials; verifies welding including joint configuration, welding procedure specifications, welder qualifications, and weld testing.
• Prepares inspectors’ daily report and periodic progress reports on construction and installation work including still and video photography.
• Prepares, reviews, and evaluates records drawings, hydrostatic test data sheets, vertical traverse sheets and various miscellaneous reports as needed.
• Engages courteously and professionally with members of the public to address complaints or concerns pertaining to construction projects.
• Reviews, evaluates, and comments on contractor requests for information and submittals.
• Reviews and provides recommended actions on issues of contractor noncompliance.
• Reviews contractor change orders and makes recommendations for changes or approval; assists construction managers with change order preparation; conducts project research as directed.
• Reviews and prepares contractor pay estimates for construction managers.
• Maintains job site project and computer files.
• Reviews consultant invoices for contract compliance and accuracy; makes payment recommendations to the contract manager.
• Coordinates the work of consultants retained for material testing, inspection, soil compaction analysis, geotechnical investigations and site environmental analysis/mitigation.
• Performs and leads punch-list walks with the Operations and Maintenance Department.  Verifies completion of punch-list items in accordance with contract documents.
• Assists with acceptance testing, equipment testing, troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical systems and facility start-up and commissioning.
• Drafts and maintains accurate, up-to-date as-built drawings to depict current status and changes of projects.
• Reviews water facilities plans and specifications for conformance with Water Authority standards.
• Coordinates construction inspection duties with Water Authority departments, member agencies, and regulators.
• Documents post-construction conditions of sites, right-of-ways, and access roads using still and video photography and written reports.
• Maintains inventory and procures technical and field supplies as directed.
• Assists with the permitting process necessary for Water Authority construction projects.
• Assists with inspections during shutdown periods; performs lock-out tag-out duties during shutdowns.
• Performs scheduled or emergency facility inspections and damage evaluations.
• Meets and confers with representatives of utility companies, contractors, engineers, and member agencies regarding construction plans and specifications; assists in coordinating facility locations between contractors and the Water Authority.
• Assists with constructability reviews of plans and specifications.
• Assists construction managers and engineers in many aspects of construction administration.

For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for the class specification, please click on the following links: Construction Inspector I / Construction Inspector II 

Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa office work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. This position is not eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Construction Inspector I
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by college-level course work in civil engineering, construction management, engineering mathematics or related fields OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college-level course work in civil engineering, construction management, engineering mathematics or related fields; and four years of paraprofessional engineering experience in construction management and public works construction inspection OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.