Construction Inspector I​/II

About Carlsbad and the Public Works Branch

Carlsbad is a nearly 40 square mile city in north San Diego County with an approximate population of 115,000. It offers a great climate, beautiful beaches, lagoons, and abundant natural open space. The Public Works Branch plans, provides, and maintains infrastructure supporting quality of life. The branch includes Environmental Sustainability, Fleet & Facilities, Construction Management & Inspection, Transportation, and Utilities departments and has over 195 staff and an annual budget over $123 million.

Construction Inspector I – Entry level in the inspection series. Performs routine inspections and develops inspection techniques, procedures, and record‑keeping practices, with advancement to Construction Inspector II contingent on demonstrated knowledge and abilities.

Construction Inspector II – Under general supervision, inspects routine through complex maintenance and construction projects to ensure quality control and compliance with approved plans, specifications, standards, or maintenance contract provisions. May serve as resident inspector on major projects.

• Conduct inspections of private development grading, private development improvements, public improvements, right‑of‑way permits and public construction projects; inspect materials and workmanship to ensure compliance with approved plans and specifications; and inspect conditions throughout construction.
• Provide administrative oversight and field inspection services for potable water, recycled water, sewer, storm drain, roadway, street lights and signals, traffic & mobility, and parks.
• Review assigned project plans, specifications, and submittals with city staff and consultants; make recommendations on modifications.
• Act as lead project inspector, assist in contract administration, submit recommended change orders, and review and submit pay estimates.
• Oversee, inspect, and ensure proper installation of water transmission lines, mains, services, pump stations, pressure‑reducing stations, disinfection, testing, and hydrostatic testing.
• Oversee, inspect, and ensure proper installation of taps, valves, hydrants, manholes, and related appurtenances and structures.
• Coordinate, monitor, and inspect the disinfection/chlorination of newly constructed facilities to ensure regulations are followed.
• Oversee, inspect, and ensure proper installation of sewer mains, trunk lines, services, lift stations, and related equipment.
• Schedule and coordinate shutdown of city and district facilities for repairs or connections; ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
• Inspect storm drain systems and other public works facilities for compliance and conformance with plans, specifications, rules, regulations, and performance standards.
• Conduct inspections of abandoned wells, septic tanks and other facilities.
• Perform administrative closeout of private development projects, including obtaining final soils, BMP certifications, resolving punch lists, completing as‑built processes, and securities release.
• Maintain and develop project documentation through daily reports, field notes, digital photographs, and other records.
• Issue enforcement actions or stop‑work notices for non‑compliance.
• Enforce routine on‑site safety.
• Schedule and facilitate preconstruction conferences and progress meetings with contractors, engineers, developers, city staff, district staff, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate, negotiate, and resolve field issues effectively; respond to and resolve citizen complaints.

Knowledge of

• Maintenance and construction principles, proper construction techniques, use of materials, building, streets, landscape trades, traffic control, and safe work practices.
• Fundamentals of civil engineering.
• Applicable state, federal, and local codes and regulations.
• Contract administration and project management process and practice.
• Procedures for estimating construction cost.
• Project management techniques and strategies.
• Water system operation, installation, and applicable district procedures.
• Construction materials and equipment and their proper application.
• Relevant laws, statutes, codes,…