SENIOR PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR

Code: 03539 Local Competitive

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, performs the more difficult, complex, and responsible tasks involved in making field inspections of a variety of public works construction projects to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, and standards of workmanship, and/or takes the lead over other public works inspectors in the performance of their work; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Inspects an entire project of limited size or complexity to ensure the procedures and materials comply with plans and specifications.
• Contact contractors to explain requirements, discuss plans for work accomplishment and scheduling, and assist contractors in complying with construction plans and specifications.
• Makes inspections of all public works utilities in new subdivisions and reviews site plans for such items as soil removal, detention basins, culverts, and slope grading.
• Keeps records of inspection reports, including hours worked on each project.
• Reviews sites for pool permit applications.
• Makes inspections to recommend release of road opening escrow monies.
• Writes monthly reports.
• Performs air tests on new sanitary items.
• Inspects subdivision site while construction is in progress for compliance with plans for public works facilities.
• Visits site of subdivision development prior to construction in order to verify the conditions stated in the construction application and to determine possible engineering problems prior to construction.
• Makes final inspection of a subdivision site with engineer prior to occupancy for required improvements to the public work facilities by the developer.
• Prior to release of a performance bond to the contractor for work on a subdivision, makes final inspection to determine that all public works improvements have been made, noting any defects in workmanship and so advising the developer so that necessary repairs can be made.
• Makes periodic inspections of street, sewer, water, sanitation, and/or other public works construction, maintenance, and repair work.
• Checks the work for the compliance with plans and specifications to see that proper procedures are being followed, that reasonable standards of workmanship and output are maintained, and that the desired objectives are achieved.
• Makes independent decisions in the field when difficulties arise.
• Oversees the work of contractors and public utility companies and may direct the contractor to decrease the use of personnel and equipment if the work project does not warrant the personnel and equipment employed.
• Reviews the plans and specifications prepared by the engineering department and checks same against the project site conditions.
• Reviews the plans and specifications submitted by outside contractors to determine whether the work proposed, and the plans conform with municipal requirements and codes.
• Prepares reports containing recommendations after review of plans and specifications for forwarding to the applicants.
• May assist a field surveying party to make property and topographical surveys in the gathering of engineering information for the preparation of engineering plans and specifications.
• Receives complaints and recommends proper remedial action.
• Issues permits for private activities relating to municipal public works, including street openings and sewer connections, and collects fees for such permits.
• Prepares reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• May take the lead over one or more public works inspectors and reviews their reports.
• Gives suitable assignments and instructions to public works inspector(s).
• Maintains essential 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

Two (2) years of inspection experience of the construction of public works facilities such as roads, water mains, or sewer lines, for compliance with plans, specifications, quality of workmanship, materials used, and adherence to safety regulations or 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 or some combination thereof.

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 the accepted practices and proper procedures used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of streets, sewers, water installations, sanitation, and other public works facilities. Knowledge of the proper methods of making inspections and investigations.
• Knowledge of the methods for handling complaints tactfully and promptly, and of keeping records and files.
• Knowledge of public works construction practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of public works inspection practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety practices in the public works construction industry.
• 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 take and maintain a firm and correct stand when controversies arise.
• Ability to prepare reports and to give suitable assignments and instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
• Ability to inspect materials, workmanship, and the construction and installation of various public works facilities.
• Ability to apply good judgment in the inspection situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the contractor, public officials, and user agency representatives.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to monitor construction projects to a successfully and timely completion.
• Ability to work effectively in stress situations.
• 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 the 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 the 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.