PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR
Public Works Inspector sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's local-government civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It asks for 1 year of relevant experience.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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Public Works Inspector is a local service title. It is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, not by State departments. Those employers set pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule, which is why most local titles carry no salary range here.
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Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction, makes field inspections of a variety of public works construction projects to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, and standards of workmanship; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
- Inspects and oversees construction of bridges, buildings, dams, highways, and other types of public works construction work to ensure that procedures and materials comply with plans and specifications.
- Measures distances to verify accuracy of dimensions of structural installations and layouts.
- May verify levels, alignment, and elevation of installations using surveyor's level and transit.
- Observes work in progress to ensure that procedures followed and materials used conform to specifications.
- Prepares samples of unapproved materials for laboratory testing.
- Examines workmanship of finished installations for conformity to standard and approves installation.
- Interprets blueprints and specifications for contractor and discusses deviations from specified construction procedures to ensure compliance with regulations governing construction.
- Records quantities of materials received or used during specified periods.
- Maintains daily log of construction and inspection activities and compares progress reports.
- Computes monthly estimates of work completed and approves payment for contractors.
- Prepares sketches of construction installations that deviate from blueprints and reports such changes for incorporation on master blueprints.
- Makes field inspections of all outside utilities construction work such as curbs, roads, water lines, sanitary sewer lines, sidewalks, and storm drains and appurtenances thereto and checks the quality and amount of work done.
- Inspects slope cuts as to grading and alignment.
- Prepares daily activity reports and compiles same.
- Investigates complaints received regarding public works construction activities and recommends appropriate remedial action.
- May issue permits relating to street openings and sewer connections and may collect fees for issuance of such permits.
- Prepares reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Maintains records and files.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
One (1) year of experience in the construction or installation of roads, water mains, sewer lines, or similar public works construction activities involving the reading and interpretation of blueprints, plans, specifications, and engineering drawings or surveying techniques directly related to public works construction.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of practices and procedures used in construction, maintenance, and repair of streets, sewers, water installations, sanitation, and other public works facilities.
- Knowledge of safety requirements and practices in public works construction.
- Knowledge of public works inspection practices and procedures.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
- Ability to inspect materials, workmanship, and construction and installation of various public works facilities.
- Ability to apply good judgment in an inspection situation.
- Ability to handle complaints tactfully and promptly.
- Ability to maintain records and files.
- Ability to communicate effectively with contractors.
- Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written directions.
- Ability to learn quickly from oral and written explanations and from demonstrations.
- Ability to apply local ordinances, resolutions, and codes relating to public works to specific cases.
- Ability to note and correctly appraise significant facts and conditions in making inspections.
- Ability to observe prescribed inspection procedures.
- Ability to prepare reports.
- Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.