Job Description

Posting number: 2026-46

Department: Public Works

Job classification: Public Works Inspector

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Public Works, Purchasing, Construction Maintenance, Project Management

Summary

The City of Westminster is recruiting for a Public Works Inspector to be part of the Public Works Department.

4% Salary Increase effective July 2027

4% Salary Increase effective July 2028

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs routine inspections at various public works construction and capital improvement projects of City infrastructure, such as encroachment, grading, landscaping, traffic control, and public safety; 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 general supervision from the City Engineer. Exercises no supervision of staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a journey-level classification that performs the full range of duties related to conducting public works inspections for the City. Responsibilities include conducting inspections of construction sites, enforcing compliance with regulatory codes, laws, and ordinances, and ensuring conformance with approved plans, specifications, standards, permits, and licensing. 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.

Examples of duties

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.

• Inspects all phases of a variety of public works construction projects for conformance with plans, specifications, contract provisions, and safe work practices in accordance with City, County, State, and Federal codes; inspects materials for identification; performs routine field tests as needed.
• Reviews plans and specifications of assigned construction projects, including streets, water, storm drains, curbs, gutters and sidewalks, and street and alley pavement and grading.
• Records amounts of materials used and work performed; prepares necessary reports for progress payments.
• Inspects adjacent properties for damage from construction activity.
• Inspects City sidewalks and asphalt roads for hazards in need of repair; measures and records displacements; submits locations for repair.
• 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.
• Initiates minor field changes on contract projects not involving structural or architectural features.
• Writes “stop work” notices for work being done without permits or in an unsafe manner.
• 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; prepares work orders in response to complaints.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of correspondence, reports, correction notices, and other written materials.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Materials, methods, principles, and practices used in public works construction, including streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, pavement, water, drainage, streetlights, and related facilities and appurtenances.
• Principles and practices of public works construction inspection.
• Basic practices of construction contract administration in a public agency setting.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including administrative and department policies and procedures.
• Technical principles and practices of engineering design, specification, and cost estimate preparation.
• Defects and faults in construction.
• Materials sampling, testing, and estimating procedures.
• Mathematical principles and theories.
• Technical report writing and preparation of correspondence.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Basic computer software related to work.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, 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 applicable Federal, State, County, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Detect and locate faulty materials and workmanship and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied.
• Review and analyze 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.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• 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:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by two (2) years of college training in architecture, civil, or construction engineering, and four (4) years of responsible experience as a contractor, inspector, or journeyman in Public Works with a Federal, State, County, or Municipal government.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.

Supplemental information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to work in the field and inspect various commercial and residential development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to attend meetings and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and make inspections; color vision to identify materials, structures, wires, and pipes; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. 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. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and partially in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, 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.