Public Works Inspector I/II

DESCRIPTION

The full salary range for this position is as follows: Inspector I - $37.61 to $48.01 / Inspector II - $41.48 to $52.93. Expected hiring range is as follows: Inspector I - $37.61 - $41.82 / Inspector II - $41.82- $45.72.

The Public Works Inspector performs public works related construction and landscaping inspections for compliance with approved plans, specifications, and standards; monitors construction quality, construction safety compliance and materials used in a variety of public works construction projects, utility repairs, and residential subdivisions to ensure conformity with standard specifications and departmental regulations; and maintains records and generate inspection reports pertaining to encroachment permits.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Inspector I

This entry level class of the series is distinguished from level II by routine and repetitive duties performed according to established procedures and inspection policies. Incumbents are closely supervised in their initial assignments. As they gain experience, incumbents will work more independently in routine work.

Inspector II

Working under general supervision, the position is the journey level in the series. Employees at this level require specific experience and less supervision and review to complete assignments. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level, or if filled from the outside, require prior related experience.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Track CIP construction or project progress according to local, state, and federal laws, including but not limited to material compliance, labor and prevailing wages compliance, labor interviews, and material testing requirements.

• Review plans and specifications of assigned projects and permits; and attend pre-construction conferences, as assigned.

• Observe work during progress and upon completion; and ensure that safety procedures are followed.

• Monitor, inspect, and approve completion of work done under encroachment permits; and ensure that all specified conditions are met.

• Prepare appropriate documentation, paperwork, construction punch lists, permit releases, records, and reports through permitting software, if required.

• Coordinate design alterations/revisions/change orders between City staff and the contractor and/or developer.

• Assure proper and safe installations of routine and complex building systems, pipeline infrastructure facilities, and concrete structures.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Example Of Essential Functions When Assigned To:

Public Works

• Inspect work quality and the materials used in a variety of public works projects to ensure compliance with approved plans, specification, codes, and ordinances.
• Inspect materials for identification and conformity to specifications.
• Inspect various structures such as utilities, streets, sidewalks, gutters, and other offsite construction, check line, grade, size, elevation, and location of structures for conformity with specifications and regulations.
• Take samples of materials for examination or analysis by laboratories and perform routine materials and field tests to assure material/workmanship quality.
• Monitor, inspect, and approve completion of work done under encroachment permits; and ensure that all specified conditions are met.
• Record the amounts of materials used and the work performed; and prepare necessary reports for progress payments.
• Indicate the location of various appurtenances on as-built plans.
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of policies, procedures, goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for public works and landscape inspection activities.
• Perform field inspections of especially difficult, complex, or sensitive public works improvement projects.
• Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for staff, equipment, and supplies; monitor and control expenditures.
• Review plans and specifications for City and/or private development public works projects/improvements relative to code and technical conformance; prepare related cost analysis of such projects.
• Perform field inspections of especially difficult, complex, sensitive, or high-profile or visible public works improvement projects.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action to senior staff as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings as needed to include interested parties such as City staff, property owners, developers, contractors, utilities, and other outside agencies to resolve issues and prepare implementation agreements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a building and safety and/or respective department.
• Related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City, such as the Uniform Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes.
• Techniques and methods pertaining to reading and interpreting drawings and blueprints.
• Basic principles of field surveys and inspections.
• Principles, methods, materials, equipment and safety hazards of construction.
• 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.
• Methods and techniques of recordkeeping.
• Equipment, tools, and materials used to perform building inspection activities.
• Modern automated and computerized information systems, including use of word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications; and modern office equipment.
• Applicable laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies governing public works construction projects.
• Modern automated and computerized information systems, including use of word processing, databases, permitting software systems, construction monitoring software, Geographical Information System (GIS), Asset Management and spreadsheet applications; and modern office equipment.
• Permitting software systems at the proficiency level, i.e., Accela, VPM or other permitting software if applicable to the department.

Inspector II

In addition to Inspector I:

• Principles and practices of mathematics as applied to construction inspection work.
• Methods and techniques of construction inspection.
• Principles and techniques of building construction.
• Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction.
• Maintenance - Environmental - Occupational hazards and safe working practices pertinent to wastewater collection system maintenance, repair and construction including working around biohazards and in confined spaces.

Ability to:

• Learn applicable laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies governing the construction of assigned projects.
• Learn to understand and interpret engineering plans and specifications and prepare accurate engineering records.
• Detect and locate faulty materials and poor work quality and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied.
• Read, understand, and analyze complex technical information, construction plans, specifications, and maps.
• Prepare technical reports.
• Learn and apply building-related codes enforceable by the City, specifically, the International Building Code, the Uniform Housing Code, and the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.
• Learn and apply a variety of zoning, general land use, and related codes.
• Read and interpret building plans, specifications, and building codes.
• Make arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately.
• Follow verbal and written instructions and directions in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner.
• Use of electronic devices such as tablets, and cell phone
• Use equipment, tools, and materials used to perform public works inspection activities.

Inspector II

In addition to Inspector I:

• Interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, codes and departmental policies governing the construction of assigned projects.
• Understand and interpret engineering plans and specifications and prepare accurate engineering records.
• Conduct complex construction inspections.
• Provide training to other staff in an effective manner.
• Understand and carry out verbal and written directions.
• Advise on standard construction methods and requirements.
• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials, and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.
• Enforce Federal, State and Municipal Codes under the jurisdiction of the department.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Prepare precise written inspection correction lists and properly complete permit inspection records.
• Enforce necessary regulations with firmness, tact, and diplomacy.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

EXPERIENCE & TRAINING / LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two to six years of increasingly responsible full-time administrative, technical, and operations support experience, depending on level. Exceptions noted below.

• Maintenance-Environmental: One year experience in industrial waste inspection OR One year of responsible, journey-level experience in the construction trades or as a contractor in a variety of building construction activities supplemented by building inspection, plan check, and/or relevant specialized training or experience which would provide basic familiarity and knowledge of grease removal devices and associated plumbing fixtures. Experience in a position that included physically screening and inspecting permitted facilities governed by Title 13 of the City of Palmdale's Municipal Code is highly desirable.

Education:

High school diploma or G.E.D. or an equivalent combination of education and experience, unless noted below.

• Supervising Inspector, Economic and Community Development: an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in construction inspection, structural or civil engineering, or architecture or a related field.
• Supervising Inspector, Public Works: an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, engineering, construction, or a related field.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements:

Possession of a valid California driver's license by time of appointment is required.

Special licenses that may be required:

• Inspector I
• Economic and Community Development: Possession of an ICC Certification as a Combination Dwelling or certification as a CA Residential Inspector is required within one year of appointment.
• Public Works: Possession of construction-related certificates, such as material testing, safety and OSHA, traffic control, or others, is desirable.

• Inspector II
• Economic and Community Development: Possession of an ICC Certification as a Combination Dwelling or certification as a CA Residential Inspector and one additional certification in electrical, plumbing or mechanical is required within one year of appointment.
• Maintenance - Environmental: Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a CWEA Environmental Compliance Inspector Certification Grade 1 within 1 year of appointment.
• Public Works: Possession of construction-related certificates, such as material testing, safety and OSHA, traffic control, or others, is desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:

Mobility: frequent standing for long periods of time; frequent climbing, bending and squatting; frequent climbing ladders, working at heights, and walking on uneven ground.

Lifting: frequently up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.

Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.

Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions.

Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.

Environmental: frequent exposure to noise; frequent exposure to dust, gases, chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is often performed in an outdoor construction environment with year-round exposure to varying weather conditions. Work is subject to construction site noise and environment including exposure to dust, loud equipment and machinery; the incumbents may be required to wear personal protective equipment. Work is performed at various locations.

Incumbents in this class may be required to work irregular hours on an occasional basis, including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel on an occasional basis.

The City of Palmdale is noted for its highly skilled workforce, with a large concentration of aerospace firms located at Air Force Plant 42 and nearby Edwards Air Force Base. Its family-oriented and culturally enhancing venues, such as the Palmdale Playhouse, DryTown Water Park and Palmdale Amphitheater, make Palmdale "a place to call home."

Palmdale is located approximately one hour north of Los Angeles off the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR-14). It encompasses 106.6 square miles and has a population of approximately 165,450. The City is served by several school districts and has a growing retail and commercial base. For more information, visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov.

BUSINESS HOURS: Normal operating hours are from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday - Thursday. CLOSED on Friday.

UNION: The Teamsters Local 911 represents certain positions in the City's Public Works Maintenance division.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

APPLICATION MATERIALS must be submitted by the closing date listed in the job bulletin. Resumes cannot be accepted in lieu of a City online application.

RESIDENCE within the City is not required.

AN ELIGIBILITY LIST of the most qualified applicants will be compiled based on the results of the selection process. The list will remain in place for a period to be determined by Human Resources.

The benefits listed here apply to full-time and benefited part-time positions, not to unbenefited part-time employees unless described.

A PROBATION PERIOD of six months minimum applies to initial employment with the City.

VACATION, HOLIDAYS AND LEAVE: The City provides 15 paid holidays per year and 80 hours vacation (years one through four) with a maximum accrual of 240 hours (160 hours for benefited part-time employees). Administrative employees accrue 80 hours of administrative leave per year with a maximum accrual of 240 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Employees accrue 96 hours per year with a maximum accrual of 800 hours (400 hours for benefited part-time employees). Unbenefited part-time employees receive 28 hours of paid sick leave per fiscal year.

RETIREMENT: The City is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Full-time and benefited part-time employees will be enrolled in either the New Member or Classic plan, as defined by CalPERS. New Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 formula and pay the full 7.75% employee contribution. Classic Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 60 formula and pay the full 7% employee contribution.

All other part-time employees are covered under the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS).

WELLNESS PROGRAM: The program includes gym membership discounts, healthy eating programs, exercise classes & other programs.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: Direct Deposit is mandatory for all new employees.

CREDIT UNION: F&A Federal Credit Union & Logix Federal Credit Union (formerly Lockheed) are available options.

INSURANCE: The City offers group health, dental/vision, long term and short term disability, and a $50,000 life insurance policy for full-time employees. The City contributes towards the employee's health insurance.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: The City participates in the ICMA-RC Deferred Compensation Plan, which enables benefited part-time and full-time employees to contribute on a tax deferred basis.

OVERTIME COMPENSATION: Overtime is accrued at time-and-a-half for eligible employees for time physically worked in excess of the regular 40-hour work week.

PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: Unbenefited part-time employees are reviewed for merit salary advancement but are not eligible for any other benefits listed. Benefited part-time employees are eligible for CalPERS retirement, sick leave, holidays, and vacation on a prorated basis.

MILEAGE PAY: Any employee may be reimbursed for work related mileage at 54 cents per mile when assigned to use their private vehicle on City business.

SOCIAL SECURITY: The City does not participate in Social Security and does not deduct Social Security payments from any employee's salary. The City deducts 1.45% of salary for Medicare and makes a 1.45% matching contribution.

*Benefits can change at any time.

Closing Date/Time: 10/9/2025 12:00 AM Pacific

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• City of Palmdale

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