Senior Construction Inspector

The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region’s supplies, make major investments in the region’s water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region’s water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.

The Position

The Senior Construction Inspector plays a key role in supporting the successful delivery of the Water Authority’s capital improvement and rehabilitation projects. As the advanced journey-level classification in the Construction Inspector series, this position is responsible for independently performing the most complex and technically demanding construction inspection work while providing lead technical guidance to Construction Inspectors and other field personnel.

Senior Construction Inspectors monitor and inspect a wide range of water conveyance and infrastructure construction activities—including pipelines, valves, structural concrete, mechanical systems, metalwork, coatings, grading, and related facilities—to ensure full compliance with project plans, specifications, regulatory requirements, and safety standards. They serve as a critical field resource for identifying issues, interpreting design documents, and coordinating effectively with engineers, contractors, consultants, and permitting agencies.

This position is also responsible for reviewing contractor submittals and records, performing advanced calculations, assisting in resolving construction conflicts, and preparing clear, detailed inspection and progress reports. Senior Construction Inspectors may assign, review, and guide the work of lower-level inspection staff and support the development of consistent inspection practices across the construction program.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Senior Construction Inspector is the advanced, journey-level class in the paraprofessional Construction Inspector series. Under direction, incumbents are responsible for conducting the more difficult calculations, plan checking, contractor submittal review, construction inspection and related technical duties. This classification must possess a thorough knowledge of water conveyance facilities. Incumbents are expected to perform a full range of inspection duties independently. This class is distinguished from the Supervising Construction Inspector in that it does not have the full supervisory responsibilities of the latter class. This class is distinguished from the Construction Inspector II class in that this class is generally responsible for independently performing more complex inspections and providing technical guidance and project supervision to lower-level construction inspectors.

Representative Duties

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.
• Engages courteously and professionally with members of the public to address complaints or concerns pertaining to construction projects.
• 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.
• Reviews, evaluates, and comments on contractor requests for information and submittals.
• Determines appropriate action 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.
• Leads 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 related 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.
• Coordinates the permitting process necessary for Water Authority construction projects.
• Leads inspections during shutdown periods; performs lock-out tag-out duties during shutdowns.
• Leads 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.
• Performs constructability reviews of plans and specifications; makes recommendations for future plan and specification improvements and enforcing contract requirements.
• Assists construction managers and engineers in many aspects of construction administration.
• Develops construction cost estimates.
• Provides lead work direction to lower-level construction inspectors and staff; establishes work priorities and reviews work in progress to ensure quality of work and project milestones are met.

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

Work Schedule:

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.

Qualification Guidelines

The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

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 six years of progressively responsible paraprofessional engineering experience in construction management and public works construction inspection OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses / Certificates / Special Requirements

• A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority’s Vehicle Insurance Policy.
• Possession of a Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Controls, or within one year of appointment.
• Possession of a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) certification, or within one year of appointment.
• Possession of CWI, ICC, ACI, and ASNT NDT certifications are highly desirable.

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. 

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.

To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin. 

The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe/mos-translator.

Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.