1 PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR
Bargaining Unit: SEIU Local 1021
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Class Code: 3025
Created: 9/15/2004
Updated: 6/8/2026
DEFINITION:
Under general supervision of the Supervising Construction Inspector, performs a variety of field and office work related to the inspection of public works construction projects.
Inspects work quality and materials to ensure conformance with approved plans, specifications, codes, and regulations; reviews plans and specifications; maintains records; and prepares reports related to assigned projects.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the journey-level classification in the Construction Inspection series. Positions in this class perform a broad range of standard public works inspection duties and are expected to work with increasing independence while applying established procedures and guidelines. With guidance from the Lead or Supervising Construction Inspector, incumbents also perform non-routine complex inspections.
This classification is distinguished from the Lead Construction Inspector in that it does not perform the more complex inspection assignments independently and does not have full responsibility for providing ongoing technical directions to other inspection staff.
Incumbents may provide general instruction and guidance to less experienced staff as needed. Positions at this level may receive technical guidance and direction from higher-level staff.
Incumbents are expected to handle routine inspections, exercising judgment in applying standards and procedures, while elevating the more complex or sensitive issues to higher-level staff.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only):
• Inspect varied public works projects including streets, curbs and gutters, bridges, sidewalks, underground utilities, structures, landscaping and park facilities, traffic controls, and other projects for conformance to plans, specifications, OSHA standards, codes, workmanship, and quality and quantity of materials involved.
• Review and interpret plans, specifications, and drawings noting errors and omissions; make “as-built” notations.
• Requests and interprets results of soils, materials, and operational tests, including compaction test reports.
• Confer with contractor’s or developer’s representatives or with staff from other agencies or utilities regarding work in progress; may approve deviations from 2 specifications within established guidelines or stop work in progress if specifications are not met.
• Maintain records of work performed and contract progress, and confirm periodic progress payment to contractors.
• Perform a variety of related work including investigating citizen complaints and permit applications, obtaining informal bids for minor projects, and entering data into an automated record-keeping system.
• Perform other related work as required.
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:
Completion of High School or equivalent.
Two (2) years of construction inspection or closely related experience.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge Of:
• Basic and advanced construction.
• Techniques and materials, including materials sampling and testing techniques. • Surveying principles and practices.
• CAL OSHA requirements.
• Basic engineering mathematics.
• Methods, materials and construction procedures found in typical municipal construction projects.
Ability To:
• Determine quality, workmanship and conformance with plans and specifications through inspection and testing techniques.
• Read and interpret plans, specifications, codes, survey notes, test reports and job drawings.
• Make accurate and complete notes, computations and records of work performed.
3 • Take samples and perform accurate field tests.
• Use independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines. • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, developers, staff from other agencies and utilities, and others contacted in the course of the work, even if relations might be strained. • Follow oral and written directions.
• Instruct less experienced inspection staff.
• Independently inspect a variety of routine and moderately complex public works projects found in a municipal setting, referring the more complex or nonstandard assignments to higher-level staff.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
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: 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, 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.