Public Works Inspector I/II

Definition The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities.
When you interact with a City employee, you will find our collaborative, driven and efficient staff working together to provide strategic solutions for the community and each other.
We are a city focused on external and internal customer service and try to find a way to say “yes,” while not compromising the City’s or our own integrity.
Our efforts are guided by our core values: Integrity Stewardship Service Community Innovation Teamwork Our employees are passionate about innovation, collaboration and growth, which is supported by the City’s Council and Executive Team.
We are an environment that thrives on making changes, pivoting quickly, and is full of movers and shakers.
We are constantly striving to improve processes and better our approach so that we can better support the needs of the City.
If you have growth mindset and find change exciting, the City of Palm Desert may be your ideal working environment! The City of Palm Desert's Capital Projects Department is looking for a Public Works Inspector I/II.
As a Public Works Inspector, you will supervise and ensure that all construction and maintenance work in the City complies with approved plans, specifications, and departmental regulations.
This challenging job requires high dedication, technical expertise, and attention to detail.
If you are searching for a challenging and rewarding career opportunity in the public works sector, this role may be an excellent fit for you.
Apply now to join the City of Palm Desert and make a meaningful impact in your community! Under direct or general supervision, performs a variety of duties involved in inspecting the workmanship and materials used in a variety of public works construction, capital improvement projects of City infrastructure, and construction projects of privately-owned buildings; ensures conformance with applicable federal and state laws, codes, ordinances, plans, specifications, and departmental regulations; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives direct or general supervision from the City Engineer.
Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
Class Characteristics Public Works Inspector I: This is the entry-level class in the public works inspection series.
Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic public works construction and/or inspection experience perform work such as maintaining inspection records, performing basic public works construction and capital improvement project inspections, and conducting field observations and inspections.
As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.
Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.
Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.
Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.
Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.
Public Works Inspector II: This is the full journey-level class in the public works inspection series.
Incumbents perform the full range of technical work in all areas: inspecting the workmanship and materials used in a variety of public works projects, ensuring conformance with plans, specifications, and departmental regulations, and overseeing the work of contractors to achieve quality control and proper use of materials.
Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative.
Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
This class is distinguished from the engineering class series in that the latter is a professional level requiring completion of a four-year degree.
Positions in the Public Works Inspector class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Public Works Inspector II level are normally filled by advancement from the Public Works Inspector I level; progression to the Public Works Inspector II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Public Works Inspector II level.
Examples of Typical Job Functions (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Positions at the Public Works Inspector I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.
Inspects all phases of a variety of public works, infrastructure, and capital improvement construction projects for conformance with plans, specifications, contract provisions, and safe work practices in accordance with City, County, and State codes; inspects materials for identification; performs routine field tests as needed.
Reviews plans and specifications of assigned construction projects, including streets, storm drains, curbs, gutters and sidewalks, street and alley pavement and grading, traffic signals and street lights, excavations, utilities, water mains, services, and various other projects.
Records amounts of materials used and work performed; prepares necessary reports for progress payments.
Inspects adjacent properties for damage from construction activity.
Reviews, approves, and ensures completion of encroachment permits.
Confers with contractors and developers regarding conformance to standards, plans, specifications, and codes; explains requirements and evaluates alternatives.
Consults with engineering staff regarding problems and change alternatives.
Prepares and maintains daily inspection reports, progress payments, change orders, claims, and other written documentation.
Takes samples of materials used; performs basic tests or submits to testing laboratories to ensure appropriate composition.
Conducts pre-construction meetings with contractors and developers; conducts preliminary inspections of land; assists in the location and identification of underground utilities, including sewer lines, storm drains and street lighting; ensures that lines are clearly marked.
Investigates resident complaints; confers with property owners regarding project schedule, hazards, and inconvenience.
Monitors the work of soil engineers and geologists; ensures conformance with engineering specifications; performs routine materials and density field tests.
Acts as liaison between the City, contractors, other agencies, and businesses and residents affected by projects; maintains communication among the parties and responds to and resolves issues and complaints or refers them to the proper office for resolution; responds to claims, researches files, and reviews job sit conditions.
Assists in developing specifications for future contracts; gathers quantity information for contract bids and billing; approves billing upon project completion.
Prepares a variety of correspondence, reports, correction notices, procedures, and other written materials.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Positions at the Public Works Inspector I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.
Knowledge of: Materials, methods, principles, and practices used in public works construction, including streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, drainage, streetlights, and related facilities and appurtenances.
Principles and practices of public works construction inspection.
Technical principles and practices of engineering design, specification, and cost estimate preparation.
Defects and faults in construction.
Materials sampling, testing, and estimating procedures.
Basic practices of construction contract administration in a public agency setting.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, standards, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Mathematical principles and theories.
Technical report writing and preparation of correspondence.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Record keeping principles and procedures.
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Ability to: Inspect standard capital improvement and public works projects to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, standards, and procedures relevant to assigned programs and functions.
Analyze construction plans, specifications, maps, and legal descriptions for conformance with City standards and policies.
Detect and locate faulty materials and workmanship and determining the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied.
Review construction plans, specifications, maps, and legal descriptions for conformance with City standards and policies.
Coordinate activities with multiple contractors, engineers, and property owners.
Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records; prepare clear and concise technical reports.
Make accurate mathematical, financial, and statistical computations.
Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Effectively use computer systems, software, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.
A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Public Works Inspector I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in civil engineering, drafting, surveying, public works construction, or related field.
Public Works Inspector I: One (1) year of increasingly responsible public agency engineering, public works infrastructure construction, inspection, or related experience.
Public Works Inspector II: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible public agency engineering, public works infrastructure construction, inspection, or related experience, or two (2) years of experience equivalent to Public Works Inspector I at the City of Palm Desert.
Licenses and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required.
Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
When in the field, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.
The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.
Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
Environmental Elements Employees partly work in the office and partly in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
The City of Palm Desert offers a competitive benefits package to all employees.
These benefits include: Competitive salary (Salary Schedule) Medical, dental and vision coverage for employee and dependents (up to 100% paid by employer) 12 paid holidays annually 12 paid sick days annually Two weeks of annual paid vacation, additional vacation available for Management positions The City does not participate in the Social Security program, except for the mandatory 1.
45% Medicare contribution.
2% @ 62 CalPERS retirement, 2% @ 55 for Classic Members IRC 125 Cafeteria Plan (flexible spending plans) Life insurance (equal to annual salary) Longterm Disability Plan Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage Retiree Health Savings Plan: 1% Employee Contribution, 1% Employer Match Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program Tuition Reimbursement Program Employee Assistance Program Rideshare Incentive Program Qualified employer for PSLF Program eligibility