1 LEAD CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR
Bargaining Unit: Professional Employee Group
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Class Code: 301853026
Created: 11/8/2022Created:
11/8/2022 Updated: 4/3/2026
Updated: 1/22/20264/3/2026
DEFINITION:
Under general supervision of the Supervising Construction Inspector, the Lead Constructionor Inspector performs complex and specialized inspection work related to public works construction projects. Responsibilities include inspecting work quality and materials to ensure conformance with approved plans, specifications, codes, and regulations; coordinating field activities; providing technical guidance to inspection staff; and maintaining records and preparing reports related to assigned projects.work involved in the inspection of work quality and materials used in a variety of ublic construction projects and related areas to ensure conformance with approved plans, specifications and departmental regulations; and to maintain records and prepare reports pertaining to projects inspected.
CLASS CHARACTERISITICS:
This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Construction Inspection series that serves as a technical field lead. Positions in this class are expected to exercise a high degree of independent judgment, initiative, and technical expertise in the performance of assigned duties.
This classification is distinguished from the Public Works Inspector by its responsibility for performing the most complex and difficult inspection assignments and for providing day-to-day field direction, guidance, and mentoring to inspection staff.
This classification is distinguished from the Supervising Construction Inspector in that it does not have full supervisory responsibility for staff, including performance evaluations, discipline, or program administration, but may provide input on staff performance and assist in coordinating field activities. Positions in this class perform at journey-level, complex inspections requiring independent planning, judgement, and initiative. The Lead Construction Inspector classification is distinguished from the Public Works Inspector class by the responsibility to perform journey-level, complex work for the entire spectrum of the Public Works constructions projects and provide training and technical expertise to Public Works Inspection staff. Exercises indirect supervision over inspection staff.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only):
• Serves as a technical lead in the field, providing guidance and expertise to inspection staff on complex or non-standard construction issues Leads and 2 provides guidance and technical expertise to other Public Works Inspection staff and
• Provides day-to-day field direction, coordinates work assignments, and offers input to supervisory staff regarding inspector performance and project staffing needs. assists in the supervision, scheduling, coordination and evaluation of inspection staff.
• Provides on-the-job training and mentoring to inspection staff in proper inspection techniques, interpretation of plans and specifications, and application of codes, standards and regulations. Provides training to Public Works Inspection staff; ensures uniform application of the appropriate codes, rules and regulations, and conducts joint field inspections when needed. • Promotes consistent application of codes, rules, and regulations through field coordination and communication with inspection staff and supervisory personnel. • Coordinates and performs contract administration activities for assigned projects, including reviewing submittals, tracking quantities, and assisting with change orders, extra work orders, contractor claims, and progress payments.Administers construction contracts through the review and approval process, including arrangements for material quality control tests through outside laboratories, the preparation of extra work orders, change orders, contractor claims, progress schedules, city acceptance, and final payments. • Reviews plans and specifications of assigned projects; identifies potential constructability issues and communicates concerns to engineering and supervisory staff. arranges and conducts preconstruction meetings for construction projects.
• Participates in and may facilitate preconstruction meetings with contractors, developers, and project stakeholders.
• Inspects work quality and materials used in a variety of public works projects to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, codes and ordinances. • Inspects materials and various structures—such including as utilities, streets, sidewalks, gutters and other off-site construction and related infrastructure; as well as checks line, grade, size, elevation and location of structures—for identification and conformance to specifications and regulations. • Observes work during progress and upon completion; ensures that adherence to safety practices and applicable regulations.procedures are followed. • Monitors, inspects and documents work performed under capital improvement projects and encroachment or grading permits; verifies compliance with approved plans and permit conditions.approves completion of work done under an encroachment permit grading permits and capital improvement projects; ensures that all specified conditions are met.
• Records amounts quantities of materials used and work performed; prepares necessary reports and documentation to supportfor progress payments and project records.
• Performs basic engineering calculations related to quantities, grades, and elevations; compares field measurements to design plans.Makes engineering calculations of quantities and grades involving math, records and compares 3 quantity of materials used to theoretical quantities; prepares activity records and reports.
• Coordinates and communicates field-related design clarifications between City staff, engineers, contractors, and developers. design alterations between City staff and the developer.
• Responds to routine field-related inquiries and concerns from the public; refers complex or sensitive issues to supervisory staff.Receives and responds to citizen issues and concerns.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, construction management, or a closely related field, is preferred but not required.
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible construction inspection experience in public works or related infrastructure projects;
AND
• One (1) year of experience providing technical direction, lead responsibilities, or advanced-level inspection support on public works construction projects.
Possession of a bachelor’sBachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field.
AND
Three Four (34) years of increasingly responsible construction inspection experience in street/highway construction and training in a field related to the inspection of constructionpublic works or related infrastructure project.
Two One (21) years of experience providing technical direction, lead responsibilities, or advanced-level inspection support on public works construction projects.in a lead role in public works construction projects or construction inspection.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record. 4 Certification as a Construction Inspector by the American Public Works Association (APWA), or equivalent, to be obtained within one (1) year of appointment.State registration as a Construction Inspector must be obtained within one (1) year of employment from American Public Works Association (APWA).
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge Of:
• Principles, methods, materials, equipment and safety hazards of construction. • Applicable laws, regulations, codes and departmental policies governing the construction of assigned projects.
• Defects and faults in construction.
• Basic mathematics including algebra, geometry and trigonometry as applied to construction inspection work.
• Basic soil mechanics and geology.
• Principles of engineering as applied to construction inspection. • Engineering mechanics of structures.
Ability To:
• Understand and interpret engineering plans and specifications and prepare accurate engineering records.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to Public Works Inspector staff in field operations. Be a Team Leader in the operations of the Public Works Inspector staff.
• Deal firmly and tactfully with contractors, engineers and property owners. • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Detect and locate faulty materials and poor work quality and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied. • Analyze construction plans, specifications and maps; prepare correspondence and technical reports.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
The City of Union City is an equal opportunity employer. The City will comply with all applicable laws to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.The City of Union City is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Union City will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.
During the course of performing the functions of this position, the employee may encounter the following conditions:
5 Wworking indoors, working outdoors, temperature changes, ladder use, moving machinery, dust, fumes/smoke/gasses, chemicals, noise, electrical energy, computer monitor use, solvents, greases, oil, vibration, open flames, explosives, traffic hazard, work hazard, biohazards, confined spaces, working alone or with other individuals.
Travel: Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.