Description:
The Department Palo Alto is the only city in California that offers a full array of utility services to its citizens and businesses. Because of this, the City has a unique opportunity to partner with the Palo Alto community to enjoy the benefits and achievements of reliable, home-grown, and environmentally-focused utilities. Palo Alto has a tradition of over 100 years of successful public utility operations. It is a tradition that continues to provide the Palo Alto community with safe and reliable utilities service, local decision-making over policies, utility ratemaking, environmental programs, and customized services.
Career Opportunity Under direction, assists the Utilities Water-Gas-Wastewater Engineering and Operations Divisions as assigned in performing work in materials testing and technical inspection of the construction, alteration, maintenance and repair of projects to ensure construction is in compliance with the approved plans, specifications, and Utility Standards. Exercises independent judgement while inspecting utilities projects and coordinates inspections with other departments and outside testing laboratories as required. Additional responsibilities include completion of reports and as-built documentation and reporting deficiencies in the field. This position will monitor and report safety practices on the job site. The posting may close at any time, so make sure to get your application in as soon as you can.
This position is part of the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU)
Ideal Candidate Ideal candidates are highly observant, clear communicators (verbal and written), computer savvy, and able to make sound decisions in the field. Have knowledge of general construction standards and an in-depth understanding of one or more of the Water, Gas, or Wastewater utility installation principles. We are looking for an individual who is energetic and passionate about utility construction and serving the City.
Essential Duties:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Inspects and monitors activities of City crews and/or contractors to ensure that work done is in compliance with project plans, specifications and Utility Standards.
- Monitors project schedule and reports if work is not progressing per approved project schedule.
- Reviews plans, contracts, utility standards, project submittals, and specifications for conformance to established standards for Utility projects.
- Provides inspections for capital and maintenance work generated by the Water-Gas-Wastewater Operations and Engineering Division.
- Inspects and monitors City, State, County, Special Districts, and private utility projects under construction that impact City utility facilities.
- Consults with public and private engineers, contractors and sub-dividers regarding construction projects.
- Assists in the tabulation of quantity of work completed, verifies Contractor's "Daily Extra Work Reports", and assists in review of Change Orders.
- Reports contractor's conformance/non-conformance to applicable safety regulations as well as City and State standard specifications in a timely manner.
- Assists in developing Utility specifications and standards
- Recommends changes to work orders and Contract Field Orders.
- Approves minor field contract changes.
- Serves as a liaison with employees and external organizations; represents the City at a variety of meetings, public events, training sessions, on committees, and/or other related events.
- Coordinates with inter-department and external testing laboratories as required.
- Communicating construction issues effectively with Contractors, Engineering and Operations staff.
- Maintains complete project files and records including the preparation of Daily Reports, record drawings, as-builts, and all other documentation as required.
- Provide technical guidance and training to staff when requested.
Related Functions - Assists in coordinating materials testing.
- Establishes and maintains working relations with City Departments, contractors, property owners and the general public.
- Participates in surveying and locating of utilities when required.
- Performs related duties and responsibilities as required
- Provides safety inspections for Utilities, identifies and reacts to abnormal operating
conditions (AOC) and monitors and coordinates all repairs. - May be assigned as fusion qualification tester.
Minimum Qualifications:
The WGW Inspector position requires the sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate the following knowledge skills and abilities, which would typically be acquired through:
- Two years of college in Engineering or Construction related field and three years' experience in either water, gas or wastewater utility construction, or
- High school graduate or GED; and five year’s experience in either water, gas or wastewater utility construction.
Special Requirements • Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
• Ability to pass DOT drug and alcohol testing.
- When assigned to Utilities Water-Gas-Wastewater Operations only: Within 1 year of appointment, incumbent will be required to obtain Certified Nuclear Gauge Operator & Radiation Safety Officer Certification for soils and materials testing. Certification must be maintained annually by successfully completing a field test.
- Within 6 months of appointment and maintained thereafter, incumbent will be trained and required to pass all Operator Qualification requirements prior to inspecting natural gas utility work.
- Other City, State, or Federal required certification or training
Supplemental Information:
The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both perspective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
The City of Palo Alto offers its employees a generous benefit package, featuring family medical coverage, retirement, life insurance, plus 12 paid holidays per year. - Participation in a Governmental 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
- Fully paid employee and dependent Dental Plan
- Fully paid employee and dependent Vision Plan
- Fully paid Life and AD&D insurance equal to annual salary
- Flat Rate City paid medical contribution which may allow employees to select a fully paid health plan
- Fully paid Life Insurance equal to one-times annual salary
- Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability plan
- 12 annual paid holidays
- Two to five weeks vacation annually depending on years of service per MOA
- 96 hours annual sick leave
- Direct Deposit
- Flexible Spending Account for Healthcare and Childcare expenses
Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)
- 2% at60 formula for Classic Employees
- One-year final compensation for 2% at 60 employees
- 2% at 62 formula for New CalPers Members
- Three-year final compensation for 2% at 62 employees only
- Retiree Medical benefits for employee and dependents after 10 years of service
Please note: The City does not participate in CA State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Social Security.Since they City does not participate in SDI, City employees are not eligible to claim against the State's Pregnancy Disability Leave or Paid Family Leave programs.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous
