1 LEAD CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR
Bargaining Unit: Professional Employee Group
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Class Code: 3026
Created: 11/8/2022
Updated: 4/3/2026
DEFINITION:
Under general supervision of the Supervising Construction Inspector, the Lead Construction 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.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
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.
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 • Provides day-to-day field direction, coordinates work assignments, and offers input to supervisory staff regarding inspector performance and project staffing needs.
• 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.
• 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. 2 • Reviews plans and specifications of assigned projects; identifies potential constructability issues and communicates concerns to engineering and supervisory staff.
• 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 including utilities, streets, sidewalks, gutters and other off-site construction and related infrastructure; checks line, grade, size, elevation and location for conformance to specifications and regulations.
• Observes work during progress and upon completion; ensures adherence to safety practices and applicable regulations.
• Monitors, inspects and documents work performed under capital improvement projects and encroachment or grading permits; verifies compliance with approved plans and permit conditions.
• Records quantities of materials used and work performed; prepares reports and documentation to support progress payments and project records. • Performs basic engineering calculations related to quantities, grades, and elevations; compares field measurements to design plans. • Coordinates and communicates field-related design clarifications between City staff, engineers, contractors, and developers.
• Responds to routine field-related inquiries and concerns from the public; refers complex or sensitive issues to supervisory staff.
• 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. 3 LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.
Certification as a Construction Inspector by the American Public Works Association (APWA), or equivalent, to be obtained within one (1) year of appointment.
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.
• 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.
During the course of performing the functions of this position, the employee may encounter the following conditions: working 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, 4 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.