County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

This series specification describes three levels of Public Works Inspector, Construction. Incumbents receive close supervision at the lower level and work under general direction at the upper levels.

The Public Works Inspector, Construction performs field work inspecting the construction of capital projects, improvements and repairs to flood control facilities, roads, highways, sidewalks and water supply systems, overseeing the work of outside contractors enforcing compliance with plans and specifications for the construction projects, supervising the removal of hazardous materials and signing off on completed hazardous material clean-up work.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Public Works Inspector, Construction is distinguished from that of Facilities, Public Works Inspector, Facilities in that incumbents in the latter option are responsible for inspecting existing flood control facilities, pavements and drainage of County maintained roads for functional adequacy and public safety, while incumbents of the former option inspect new construction of capital projects, repairs and improvements to flood control facilities, roads, highways and water supply systems, overseeing the work of outside contractors. Further, Public Works Inspector, Facilities is distinguished from the Public Works Inspector, Construction in that incumbents of this option are required to respond to hazardous material spills and possess a Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response First Responder Awareness or Operations Certificate from the State of California.

Public Works Inspector III’s, Construction, are considered the advanced journey-level and lead inspectors having full responsibility for their assigned construction projects; and they may train and provide field supervising to less experienced inspectors and assigned staff to effectively deal with unusual projects and projects that require special attention to detail.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Performs liaison work with other public agencies, utilities and city inspection and maintenance people.

2. Checks with contract specifications to see that the contractor complies with related plans and specifications in regard to construction methods, equipment, standards, workmanship, quantity and quality of materials involved in the job.

3. Prepares and maintains records of the details and progress of construction work.

4. Monitors progress, evaluates schedules and production methods in the preparation of contract payment forms.

5. Establishes and maintains good relations with property owners and the general public and other agencies; contacts property owners, contractors and subcontractors.

6. Collects and records tallies of materials used or delivered.

7. Collects samples of aggregates and other construction materials, and requests field testing of materials as required.

8. Inspects and approves phases of construction projects upon completion; monitors work site safety; monitors employees of contractors and subcontractors to ensure contract compliance.

9. Checks grade to verify quantity of materials and ensure proper placement of improvements.

10. Review pre-construction plans, sights and/or specifications and make necessary recommendations to Design Engineer.

11. Provides information regarding changes and modifications to construction projects requiring change order to Design Engineers.

12. Recommends to Design Engineers construction or design changes based on field conditions.

13. Confers with design engineers to resolve problems as they arise during construction.

14. Confers with contractors’ representatives regarding work or materials that deviate from contract plans and specifications, sees that appropriate measures are applied, and prepares record drawing.

15. Researches records and reports gathering information for response to public inquiries or possible legal actions as needed.
When Assigned

16. Investigates reported complaints, reports findings and makes corrective recommendations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of two years’ full-time experience as a Public Works Inspector II, Construction or an equivalent or higher level class in the Alameda County classified service (non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts) that provided the required knowledge and abilities.

Or II

The equivalent of five years of full-time journey-level construction inspection experience.

Or III

The equivalent of four years of full-time journey-level construction inspection experience and one year of surveying and/or materials testing and completion of a plane surveying course or equivalent experience. (A certificate of Achievement of Public Works Inspection from an accredited college may be substituted for the equivalent of one year of experience.)

Special Certificate:

Within six months of employment, Public Works Inspectors must meet Operations Level or higher training requirements and/or competencies sufficient to respond, recognize and manage hazardous materials cleanup. These requirements are typically met by possession Hazardous Water Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) First Responder Operations (FRO) level certification. HAZWOPER FRO training requirements and competencies are defined in the California Codes of Regulations Title 8, Section 5192 (q) (6) (B) or 29CCR 1910.120 (q) (6) (i).

License (required for all levels): Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

Knowledge of:

· Construction practices including carpentry, cement masonry, ironwork, plumbing, pipe laying, pile driving, earthwork, paving equipment, landscaping and safety.
· Engineering practices OSHA Regulations.
· Materials testing procedures that include hazardous response and erosion control specifications.
· Basic design criteria.
· Public Works construction contracts, labor compliance, and related documents and specifications.
· Surveying.
· Basic computer and software applications related to the work.

Ability to:

· Keep accurate records, measure and calculate quantities for preparation of progress payments.
· Interpret plans and specifications.
· Work independently.
· Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
· Be flexible.
· Make accurate cost estimates for negotiation of change orders.
· Identify problem areas.
· Interpret and enforce a variety of codes, ordinances and special requirements.
· Apply basic drafting techniques.
· Train and provide field supervision to personnel on special projects.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

PR:lfm/3/12/82
TAT:pb/Revised 1/25/89
TAT:pb/Revised 7/31/90
BS:jc/Revised 3/27/91
DF:lm/Revised 2/29/96
DF:jc/Revised 3/17/97
DF:cla/Revised 4/30/97
TT:jc 6/4/99
pwkinsp2.doc 1/27/2000
Cadssec: -0333h - Old Doc: 2160.doc
co:2/24/00 co:2/29/00
New doc: 2160-2161-2162.doc
ys/4/01
CSC Date: 3/1/00
AM:pf Rev/Retitle 1/23/02
[old title: Public Works Inspector I,II,III]
CSC Date: 10/9/02

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.