Senior Public Works Inspector

Job Summary

Conducts public works construction inspections of increasing complexity to ensure safety, quality and compliance with codes and regulations, plans and specifications, and policy and program requirements. Advises City staff on public works construction problems and issues.

Works under the administrative supervision of professional, supervisory or management staff, who outlines work assignments, occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work. May exercise technical supervision over others, as assigned.

Representative Duties

Performs a variety of routine and complex inspections on public works construction projects to ensure conformance with plans, specifications, permits and municipal code requirements.

Inspects public improvement construction projects, such as sidewalks, streets, alleys, parkways and other public right-of-ways, and complex capital improvement projects, including City-owned underground utilities, such as replacement of water, sewer, storm drain lines, and traffic signal and street lighting conduits.

Leads, trains and coordinates the work of others responsible for conducting construction inspections on public work projects.

Advises and provides technical guidance on public works construction processes, issues, problems and concerns to City staff.

Reviews field conditions and provides information regarding construction project changes to staff for revision of drawings and specifications. Makes recommendations regarding changes and modifications to plans and specifications.

Tracks the work of contractors and ensures that field work is constructed in compliance with the California Building Code, applicable federal and state laws and local ordinances, contract documents, and proper construction practices.

Conducts surveys for verification of grades and filed conditions. Utilizes various software applications to complete and maintain reports, forms and correspondence.

Reads and interprets property ownership maps and legal descriptions.

Inspects and monitors public right-of-ways for compliance with regulatory requirements and issues notices related to safety concerns, public inconveniences and public right-of-way detours to community and property owners.

Assists department and other City staff in the coordination of the construction permit process.

Investigates reported problems, violations or other deficiencies in construction projects and communicates findings orally and in writing to appropriate City staff.

Maintains accurate and current as-built construction and inspection records of public works improvement projects.

Researches and evaluates records of existing public right-of-way field conditions and submits analysis to staff and other City departments.

Investigates and resolves complaints and violations. Prepares reports regarding encroachment on public property, and appears in court as a witness, as required.

Follows applicable safety rules and regulations.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

Construction inspection techniques and practices.

General engineering construction methods.

Materials and equipment used in maintenance and construction activities.

Standard specifications for public works construction.

Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Safety standards and safe work practices.

Mathematics used in construction engineering.

Report writing techniques.

Recordkeeping principles and procedures.

Basic supervisory techniques.

Effective training and coordinating techniques.

Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:

Lead, train, and coordinate the work of others.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Use independent judgment and initiative.

Read, interpret and explain blueprints, plans and specifications.

Learn and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and project management software applications.

Identify complex construction problems and develop solutions.

Apply and enforce various rules, regulations, codes and ordinances.

Prepare and maintain clear and concise records and reports.

Provide effective customer service.

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public.

Skill in:

Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level.

Using a personal computer and applicable software applications.

Education, Training and Experience :

Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree or 60 semester units or the equivalent of college level coursework in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a closely related field.

Four years of recent, paid work experience inspecting public works construction projects and/or performing general construction work inspections. At least two years of the required experience must include inspections of complex public works construction projects. Additional recent, related work experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year for year basis. (Successful completion of 30 semester units or the equivalent is equal to one year of the additional work experience.) One year of recent work experience performing street inspections, including underground utilities, is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates :

Possession of a valid class C driver license.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is primarily performed outdoors in the field. Work is also performed in an office environment. Outdoor work requires exposure to moving equipment, dust, noise, odors, slippery surfaces and seasonal weather conditions. Physical demands include walking, bending, kneeling, and standing.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:
Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

If you wish for your education experience to be considered, you must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being disqualified.

Selection Process:
All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of any of the following:

• Evaluation of qualifications
• Oral interview

Background Investigation:
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 2/5/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of Santa Monica

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