CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR 1 / 2

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs field inspections of construction work in progress to ensure
compliance with plans, specifications and accepted construction methods; performs record
keeping; and performs other related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Construction Inspector 1 is the first level position in the construction inspection series. At this
level, incumbents learn and perform the less complex and specialized field inspection and other
related work, under closer supervision, with less latitude for independent action. Construction
Inspector 1's may also perform basic drafting and mapping; assist in reviewing plans covering
all discipline areas, e.g., civil, electrical, mechanical, etc.; perform simple construction-related
surveying; conduct water quality sampling; perform basic engineering calculations and
computer data entry; keep a variety of records and logs; perform quantity take-offs, monitor
project status; read and understand plans and specifications covering all disciplines, e.g., civil,
electrical, mechanical, etc.; prepare customer job orders; and prepare a variety of reports.

Construction Inspector 2 is the experienced, journey-level position, in the construction

inspection series. At this level, incumbents perform the full range of assigned tasks, under less
supervision, while exercising discretion and independent judgement within established
guidelines.

These classes are flexibly staffed. Advancement to the 2 level is based on demonstrated
proficiency in performing assigned functions, possessing required knowledge, skills, and
abilities, meeting the experience and certification requirements, and upon recommendation of the
immediate supervisor and approval by the department head.

Incumbents report to an assigned engineering supervisor.

TYPICAL TASKS - Positions in this class may perform any or all of the below listed duties.
These should be interpreted as examples of the work, and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

1. Acts as the District=s representative in monitoring and overseeing the activities of

contractors
performing work on construction projects.

2. Conducts field inspections of all or major portions of construction projects covering all
disciplines, e.g., civil, electrical, mechanical, etc.; after appropriate consultation, may
stop work in progress or refuse to issue inspection certificates for failure to conform to
plans and specifications, and require corrective measures.
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Construction Inspector 1 / 2
Page 2

3. Checks to see that a contractor complies with appropriate construction methods,

equipment,
standards, workmanship, and quantity and quality of materials involved in the job.

4. Performs water quality sampling and basic water quality testing.

5. Inspects delivered materials in the field; inspects shop fabrications of materials to be

incorporated into construction projects.

6. Performs specialized inspections within civil, mechanical and electrical disciplines,

including, but not limited to, the batching of concrete, concrete structures, structural steel
fabrication, welding of pipe, linings and coatings of pipes, tanks, and other
appurtenances and facilities; pump and valve installations, electrical and signal conduit,
conductor and switchgear installations, and process piping.

7. May operate surveying instruments and review surveying data and procedures to see that
line, grade and location have been properly established and that they are followed during
construction; selects samples and makes tests of concrete, aggregate and other materials;
submits materials for testing; ensures that contractors or others are taking soil samples
and performing required soil compaction testing.

8. Reviews and interprets specifications and plans and confers with contractor=s field
representative and appropriate District staff regarding work or materials that deviate from
contract plans and specifications and sees that appropriate corrective measures are
applied.

9. To the degree specified by supervisor, utilizes judgement in permitting field changes in

matters not requiring engineering re-design; for more significant field changes beyond
inspector=s authority, consults with appropriate supervisor or engineer and transmits these
instructions to contractor.

10. Operates water distribution system components as necessary to facilitate distribution

system related construction work activities.

11. Performs basic standard drafting and mapping; updates maps; prepares record drawings
and survey notes; performs engineering calculations; Keeps records and logs, including
details and progress of construction work; makes monthly estimates of quantity of
construction completed; and prepares a variety of reports.

12. Operates a District vehicle to travel to and from sites in connection with inspection
duties; operates a digital camera to record field conditions; uses mobile radio and
telephone to communicate with others. Uses a computer for e-mail communication, word
ACWD Class Specification
Construction Inspector 1 / 2
Page 3

processing, spreadsheet entry and record keeping as required.

13. May train or assist in training lesser skilled employees on specific assignments.

14. Performs other related work as required.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS - Any combination of education and experience that would

likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain
the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be the equivalent of:

Education and Experience:

Construction Inspector 1: Possession of a high school diploma, or its equivalent,

including course work in algebra and geometry. Three years of full time experience in
the construction trade or the engineering technician field. Supplementary college course
work in mathematics, drafting, surveying and pre-engineering is highly desirable.
College education in an approved pre-engineering or related curriculum may substitute
for up to two years of the experience requirement.

Construction Inspector 2: In addition to the above requirements, successful

demonstration of skills equivalent to those that would be obtained by the satisfactory
completion of at least four college courses in a pre-engineering curriculum (Classes may
include mathematics, drafting, surveying, and pre-engineering) and at least three years
experience equivalent to the District=s classification of Inspector 1. One full-time year of
college in an approved pre-engineering or related curriculum may substitute for one year
of the experience requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: The methods, materials, equipment and tests used in the construction and
installation of pipelines and structures, and mechanical and electrical systems; appropriate
standard specifications; water distribution and transmission systems and facilities; surveying
principles and methods as applied to construction work; relevant OSHA regulations and safe
work practices; factors affecting water quality in a water distribution system and basic water
quality sampling techniques and testing methodologies; both English and metric measuring
systems. Skill in: Making accurate mathematical calculations relative to construction and
surveys; operating a surveying level, computer, mobile radio and telephone, and various camera
equipment; effectively communicating with laborers, contractors, developers, engineers,
managers, customers and others both verbally and in writing. Ability to: Carry out thorough and
complete field inspection activities; effectively represent the District where relations may be
strained; read and interpret engineering drawings, construction plans and specifications, and
work orders; use computer programs including word processing, spreadsheet, project scheduling,
and presentation software; make volume, leakage, quantity and other mathematical calculations;
communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; maintain detailed, complete and accurate
records; prepare clear and concise written reports; establish and maintain effective working
ACWD Class Specification
Construction Inspector 1 / 2
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relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; and work independently and reliably
in the field.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: Ability to perform the essential functions of the job,
including ability and willingness to work out of doors under a variety of climatic and geographic
conditions; work long or unusual hours when the situation demands; crawl or climb into large
diameter pipelines and confined spaces; climb ladders to inspect construction sites; dexterity to
operate a computer and sit for extended periods of time when performing office tasks.

Other Requirements: Possession of a valid Class C California driver=s license and a satisfactory
driving record.

Construction Inspector 1 must obtain a Grade 1 Water Distribution Operator Certification

within 18 months of employment. Failure to obtain a Grade 1 Water Distribution Operator
Certification within 18 months will result in termination of employment.

Construction Inspector 2 must obtain a Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate within
18 months of employment at this class. Failure to obtain a Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator
Certification within 18 months will result in termination of employment or demotion to
Construction Inspector 1.

Adopted: 12/82
Revised: 05/02; 06/02; 06/06

Approved: ______ Human Resources Manager