Public Works Inspector I​/II

Position Summary

The City of La Mesa is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Public Works Inspector to oversee projects, streamline operations, and support effective decision-making within our Community Development Department
. If you want to be part of an exciting, forward-thinking team making a difference in local government, then the City of La Mesa invites you to apply! Applications will be accepted for the first 200 submissions only, so we encourage you to apply promptly.

The Community Development Department consists of Planning, Land Development, Building, Housing, and Code Compliance, all working together to create a safe and healthy city through land use, permits, affordable housing initiatives, and code enforcement.

The Public Works Inspector will ensure construction projects meet City of La Mesa standards and all applicable construction, local and state codes. Inspections will include grading, infrastructure (water, sewer, surface & drainage improvements) and stormwater compliance for private developments. Field inspections will verify construction quality and plan adherence, resolve issues, schedule, keep records, and collaborate closely with contractors, engineers, consultants, other agencies, the community, and other City departments, focusing on compliance for public infrastructure and private development impacting public areas.

The successful candidate will perform a wide variety of diverse professional-level analytical and administrative duties as requested by management in the Community Development Department, including other specialized functions as assigned: coordinate and perform a variety of recordkeeping and administration duties; prepare reports or research to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations; coordinate assigned activities with other departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the general public;

provide information and assistance to the public regarding assigned services and general inquiries. Please note this position includes both field and in‑office work.

• Excellent organizational and multi‑tasking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills.
• Experience in reviewing and interpreting plans, specs, standard drawings, codes, and ensuring construction compliance.
• Hands‑on leadership experience to plan, schedule, and communicate with a wide range of people including contractors, consultants, coworkers, other agencies, and the public.
• Expertise in record keeping, documentation of findings, and reporting, including proficiency with computer software for scheduling, record keeping, and reporting.
• Problem‑solving skills related to field conditions, construction constraints, public complaints, and recommending solutions for project challenges.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Inspect work quality of and materials used in a variety of public works projects within City right of ways during various stages of construction; areas of inspection including streets, sewers, storm drains, streetlights, traffic signals, parks, landscape medians and related structures; ensure compliance with standards, specifications and applicable codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Take samples of materials for examination or analysis by laboratories; perform routine materials and density field tests to assure material and workmanship quality; coordinate results of tests and verify approval of structure.
• Check line, grade, size, elevation and location of structures for conformance with specifications and regulations.
• Compile detailed data of construction progress and inspection results; prepare various reports on daily operations and activities.
• Attend pre‑construction meetings; represent the City’s needs and requirements to developers, contractors and engineers; review plans and specifications to gain familiarity with construction projects.
• Observe work during progress and upon completion; recommend progress payments; conduct safety inspections to ensure that safety procedures are followed; advise contractors of changes in plans and variances.
• Perform preliminary and final…