Job Description

Salary Range

6,845.00 - 8,750.00As one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is building a city of the future through innovation, sustainable development, excellent leadership and effectively working with an engaged community. Our growth is guided by our core values of livability, sustainability and resiliency, innovation, and equity and inclusion, and we accomplish our work through collaboration, innovation, compassion and empowerment.

If who we are speaks to you, and if you’re the type of person who is interested in joining a team whose work impacts ensuring the safety of the Vancouver community then the City of Vancouver may be for you.

We’re currently recruiting for a Limited term Construction Inspector. The primary responsibilities for the job are to perform on-site inspection for privately funded development construction projects and City-funded capital construction projects involving the construction of transportation, pavement management, facilities, buildings, vertical structures, traffic signals, water, sewer, and storm water utility improvements. Lead and provide complex administrative and technical engineering support to layout, design, constructability, and cost estimating. Ensure that investments in infrastructure are constructed to comply with the project plans, specifications, City standards, and applicable permits. Work on projects with low cost and complexity, with high a level of influence on potential financial and schedule impacts exceeding $100,000/year.

This is a full-time, limited term, non-exempt union position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the OPEIU union. The schedule for this position is M-F, 7:30am to 4:30pm.

This limited term position is expected to last approximately 3 years.

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY:
Salary for this position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement with negotiated step increases based on seniority. Candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the position will be at the beginning of the listed range, equal to Step 1. Directly related experience, certifications and relevant credentials exceeding minimum requirements will be considered for step credit at hire, with such credit not to exceed Step 4, the approximate midpoint of the listed range, unless otherwise stipulated in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

First review of applications on July 16, 2026.

Essential Functions:

• Act as lead inspector and the City’s field representative on City funded or developer-funded construction projects of lower complexity / construction costs.
• Monitor work for acceptability and conformance to plans and specifications.
• Work with the construction project engineer to ensure that the project is built on time, within budget, and in conformance to plans and specifications. Research field issue to understand applicable plans and specifications.
• Work with City’s Development Engineer and various City Departments to resolve discrepancies in project plans.
• Act as a liaison between the City, contractors, and the project’s neighbor as well as the general public to address questions and concerns about the project.
• Track and document quantities per City procedures and assist office staff in the preparation of monthly contractor pay estimates for City-funded projects.
• Act a sole inspector on smaller projects and possibly secondary inspector on larger projects
• Collect and create photos and written documentation of work as it progresses for City records.
• Perform compaction testing of rock and asphalt after installation to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Perform constructability reviews of Capital project plans and specifications.
• Drive a city vehicle in a safe and appropriate manner in order to travel between various worksites.
• Review and monitor traffic control plans for construction projects.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

Experience:

• Two (2) years of responsible construction inspection or technical engineering experience.

Education:

• Equivalent to a Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering or related field.

*Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office products.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Possession of:

• Valid driver's license.

Ability to obtain:

• Nuclear Densometer Gauge Operator’s Certification within 3 months.

Knowledge

• Principles and practices of civil engineering including hydrology, hydraulics, soils, water and sewer utility design, transportation design, and basic structures
• Design and construction theory and engineering design standards
• Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques of drafting, computer aided design, and geographic information systems
• Civil engineering principles and practices related to the inspection of public works construction
• Principles, methods, equipment, and safety standards of construction zone traffic control practices , including those applicable to pedestrian and bicycle facilities
• Engineering maps and records
• Basic principles and practices of surveying
• Construction plans, specifications, materials, and techniques

• Pertinent federal, state and local laws that pertain to: Public works construction project management
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

• Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations
• Interpret, and apply survey field notes in the performance of construction inspection
• Understand and interpret engineering plans and specifications
• Research records, maps and other data to obtain engineering data
• Deal tactfully with contractors, developers, engineers, property owners, neighbors and parties of interest
• Work independently in the absence of supervision
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Demonstrate good judgment and decision making
• Perform work in accordance with sound safety practices

• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Always provide a high level of customer service
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software

• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check and a driving abstract

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us

Job Posting End Date

Open Until Filled