Construction Inspector

• First review of applications will be on August 20th*

Under the direction of an engineering supervisor, inspect all phases of public and private construction and improvement projects to assure compliance with plans and specifications, applicable codes, standards, ordinances and regulations; investigate complaints or concerns and follow through with an appropriate course of action.

Inspect all phases of public and private construction and improvement work to assure quality control and compliance with plans, specifications, permits, codes, standards, ordinances and regulations.

Inspect construction of sewers, streets, street lighting and traffic signal systems, utilities, bridges, retaining walls, commercial and residential projects.

Check for the proper use and placement of traffic control and signs at road construction and work sites.

Inspect grades and coordinate the testing of construction materials such as sand, gravel, concrete, aggregates etc.

Inspect trenching, placing and backfilling for utility work performed in the right-of-way.

Review traffic control and project plans and specifications for completeness and accuracy.

Coordinate and conduct pre-construction meetings.

Prepare pay estimates and maintain records for work performed by the contractor for public projects.

Advise and communicate with the public as necessary to investigate complaints or concerns, determine and follow through with appropriate course of action.

Operate a variety of equipment such as land survey equipment, mechanical testing equipment, metal detectors, pressure gauges and two-way radios; operate vehicles such as automobiles and pick-up trucks.

Update and maintain inspections in the City's computer permit tracking program.

Coordinate with others to facilitate construction and installation projects and to adjust project plans as necessary.

Prepare and maintain various records and reports.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Any equivalent combination to: graduation from high school supplemented by college-level courses related to inspection work and 5 years (preferably 7 years) of increasingly responsible civil engineering inspection experience.

Licenses, Certificates, and Other Requirements: Valid Washington driver's license.

Knowledge of:

• City codes, Public Works Development Standards and other applicable regulations related to construction inspection.
• Construction specifications and plans including WSDOT standard specifications and King County Surface Water Design manual.
• Basic principles and practices of engineering.
• General site/civil construction methods and practices.
• Construction site safety precautions, procedures and equipment.
• Methods, procedures and materials used in construction.
• Proper public works inspection methods.
• Basic math as applied to construction inspection.
• Technical aspects as applied to field of specialty.
• Record keeping techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Oral and written communication skills.

Ability to:

• Perform construction inspections and tests.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Read and interpret construction drawings, plans and specifications.
• Perform required engineering computations.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Maintain and update permit tracking computer program.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Operate a motor vehicle.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Physical ability to perform the essential job functions.
• Demonstrated ability to positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal.

Environmental Conditions/Physical Effort: Work is performed primarily in a field environment in all weather conditions and requires travel to a variety of locations to perform work. Associated paperwork and documentation is performed in an office environment. Work involves walking around construction sites over rough terrain, and employee may be exposed to traffic hazards, conditions and hazards from obstacles, heights, open trenches, and general conditions associated with construction sites. Employee may also be exposed to potentially hazardous materials and equipment, and fumes or vapors. Employees may also be required to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, and to enter tight and confined spaces by crawling, or descending into the space.

Working Conditions: Work includes indoor and outdoor environment; subject to driving from site to site. Position may require lifting, pushing and climbing. May be exposed to hazardous chemicals and traffic hazards.