Public Works Inspector

The City of Cupertino's Public Works Department is currently seeking a team member who is solution-oriented, thrives in a fast-paced environment, can easily pivot between tasks and has excellent communication, organization, and customer service skills to join the Development Services Division as Public Works Inspector. This division of the Public Works Department is responsible for reviewing the accuracy and completeness of private development plans through the permitting process as well as encroachment permit applications for work in the public right-of-way, and ensuring City infrastructure is installed or updated per City standard for these development projects

Under the direction of the City Engineer or his/her designee, this position conducts field inspections on the methods and materials used in public and private improvement projects to ensure compliance with City standards, permit conditions, approved plans and specifications, construction and safety practices; and performs other office and field related work as required.

This position is responsible for interpreting, analyzing, identifying and reviewing public/private construction projects for conformance with established engineering principles. The incumbent must be able to successfully communicate with developers, contractors, and property owners over the phone, online, and in face-to-face situations.

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 the methods and materials used in the construction of public improvement and private development projects such as streets and pavement restoration, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, storm drains, grading, traffic signal equipment, traffic control, small cell equipment, stormwater treatment, tree protection, subdivision improvements and other project-specific improvements as required.

Assists with the review, processing, and issuance of encroachment permits and phone/counter customer service when not in the field.

Assures contractors compliance to permit conditions, plans, specifications and applicable safety regulations.

Communicates with affected property owners regarding construction inconveniences or answers any related questions.

Investigates, responds to, and resolves complaints arising from construction activity.

Monitors progress of construction work schedules.

Documents constructed quantities of work completed.

Interprets and enforces construction plans and specifications and determines acceptable construction variations.

Applies remedial action within limits authorized by supervisor.

Directs field tests of soil, asphalt and concrete as necessary.

Assists engineers with needed field investigation assignments for various projects.

May act as project inspector on large construction projects; meet with contractors, surveyors, and interested parties.

Maintains records of work in progress, materials used, and prepares written daily inspection reports for all private development, public and capital improvement project inspection results.

Performs all functions incidental to public works inspections, makes final inspections and prepare formal reports for the acceptance of completed construction.

Performs other duties as assigned.

The principles and practices of engineering as related to construction and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, drainage, and other public facilities.

The methods and materials used in the installation of construction materials; the laws, codes and standards applicable to public works construction.

Office methods, procedures, equipment, and computer/laptop software applications including Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Teams. Knowledge of Accela is preferred but not required.

Basic mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry as applied to construction inspection work.

Deal tactfully and work effectively with contractors while enforcing permit conditions.

Read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.

Make engineering computations.

Gather data, assemble reports and maintain accurate records.

Work cooperatively with other employees, contractors, and the general public.

Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with the general public, contractors and City staff.

Work outdoors in various weather conditions.

Have sufficient mobility to inspect construction projects in the field.

Provide outstanding customer satisfaction (internally and externally).

Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.

Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.

Operate a computer/laptop using Microsoft Office and City software applications and other office equipment.

Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

Any combination equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade and two years of responsible…