Construction Inspector

Class Characteristics
Under general direction, performs construction and safety inspection of development and capital improvement projects for the District’s potable water and recycled water distribution system and wastewater collection system infrastructure, participates in constructability reviews during the planning phase for both development and capital improvement projects, coordinates and oversees as-needed consultants as required, confers with developers, contractors, and representatives of other agencies regarding infrastructure development, performs advanced technical work in the inspection of large or specialized District construction projects and installations; and performs related duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Engineering Manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This journey-level classification is responsible for independently performing the full range of inspection duties as assigned, in support of engineering, construction, and safety efforts on development and capital improvement projects. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to perform quality-control and safety inspections. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

Essential Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Inspects project sites for conformance with plans, specifications, contract provisions, and compliance with Cal OSHA regulations and District safety standards and policies, inspects materials and performs routine field tests as needed.

Monitors and inspects assigned water, sewer, and reclaimed water construction projects and installations to ensure compliance with project documents including the installation of pipelines, manholes, fittings, valves, appurtenances, generation pumps, tanks, electrical conduits, panels, rebar, irrigation, landscaping, and grade alignment within the District.

Reviews plans and specifications of assigned construction project; confers with supervisors, consultants, contractors, and various District staff regarding conformance to standards, plans, specifications, and codes and on field design conflicts, construction requirements, and contract documents; conducts preconstruction meetings with developers and contractors.

Determines elevation of pipe, vault structures, and other utilities; verifies alignment and obtains measurements as pipeline and structures are being constructed.

Verifies concrete vault construction, including placement of reinforced steel, embedded items, concrete quality, placement of form work, expansion and sealant materials, and welded joints.

Conducts or monitors concrete and soil compaction tests, hydrostatic tests, paint thickness tests, holiday tests, chlorine content tests, and line pressure tests; collects or monitors collection of water samples for bacteriological testing; participates in pump performance testing; monitors electrical testing; monitors and inspects asphalt paving.

Records drawings, hydrostatic test data sheets, concrete-cylinder test data sheets, and various miscellaneous reports as needed; records amounts of materials used and work performed; prepares necessary reports for progress payments; prepares and maintains daily inspection reports, progress payments, change orders, claims, and other written documentation.

Inspects and verifies work in progress and completed work for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications; recommends plan and specification modification; verifies project completion; conducts final inspection in the company of District representatives, engineers and contractors; assists in developing District construction standards by drafting proposed revisions to existing standards and codes.

Assists in the inspection of large and complex construction projects; schedules specialized inspections and testing required with District departments and outside contractors; coordinates and supports the work of outside inspection contractors.

Interprets plans and specifications, executes field orders, negotiates change orders with contractors, oversees progress meetings as required, acts as a liaison between contractor and operations and maintenance staff for shutdowns and work on District facilities.

May train less-experienced staff in work assignments.
Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:

Materials, methods, principles, and practices used in the construction and repair of potable water, recycled water, and wastewater systems and facilities.

Principles and practices of water systems and facilities construction inspection.

Basic practices of construction contract administration in a public agency setting.

Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations in assigned areas of responsibility.

Technical principles and practices of engineering design, specification, and cost estimate preparation.

Commonly encountered defects and faults in construction.
Materials sampling, testing, and estimating procedures.

Mathematical principles and theories pertinent to engineering and construction.

Technical report writing and preparation of correspondence.
Compaction principles, methods and techniques.

District and local, state, and federal mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.

The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and programs, project and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

Inspect water systems and facilities projects to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.

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

Detect and locate faulty materials and workmanship and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied.
Review and analyze construction plans, specifications, maps, and legal descriptions for conformance with applicable standards and policies.

Coordinate activities with multiple contractors, engineers, agencies, and property owners.

Make accurate mathematical, financial, and statistical computations.
Record accurate and neat sketches during on-site field inspections.
Perform field tests following precise procedures and interpret observations and test results to determine acceptability.

Enforce specifications and safety regulations.

Effectively represent the department and the District in project meetings.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.

Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade

Experience:

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible construction trades work or construction inspection experience.

Prior experience in the field of water or wastewater is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

Possession of a valid Grade II (D-2) Water Distribution Operator Certificate, issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), to be maintained throughout employment.

Possession, or the ability to obtain within 1-year, a Field Testing Grade I certification by the American Concrete institute.