INSPECTOR, CONSTRUCTION
In New Jersey, Inspector, Construction is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
Qualifying turns on 3 years of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $52,308 and $75,954.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →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 of a Senior or Principal Inspector, Construction, or other supervisor, in a state department, institution, or agency, makes field inspections of building construction including the installation of necessary utilities and the development of surrounding areas and sites, to see that plans and specifications are observed, that only permitted deviations are allowed, and that reasonable standards of quality of work are observed; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
- Checks materials to be used in construction to see that they are of the type, brand, and grade specified in plans and specifications.
- Sees that quality of work conforms to reasonable standards.
- Inspects the placement of materials and equipment to be used in building or related construction work.
- Keeps records of equipment delivered to the building site and of the number and types of workers employed.
- As required, keeps records of construction materials and workmanship of projects for site improvement and development; of grading, fertilizing, and seeding; of tree removal and other field operations; of water, sewage, and electric utilities; and for roads, access ways, paths, terraces, and other construction.
- Prepares weekly progress reports showing the progress of work on each project, the number of workers employed, weather conditions, and the percentage of the project completed.
- May compose correspondence to obtain information and instructions and to accompany and interpret reports.
- Maintain the records, reports, and files required to show the details of each project inspected.
- 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
Three (3) years of experience as a craftsperson in the construction trades and/or in inspection or contracting work of considerable size such as, public, industrial, commercial, and/or residential buildings.
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 the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of the requirements of varied types of building and construction projects as expressed in rough and detailed plans and specifications.
- Knowledge of the qualities, limitations, and proper use of modern building construction materials.
- Knowledge of the proper placement of materials and equipment to be used in building construction.
- Knowledge of the problems encountered by contractors in carrying on construction work and the respects in which deviations from plans, specifications, and standards are likely to be attempted.
- Ability to organize assigned building construction inspection work and develop effective work methods.
- Ability to read and interpret rough and detailed building construction plans and specifications.
- Ability to work harmoniously with associates.
- Ability to identify and determine the type, brand, and quality or grade of building materials and equipment and determine whether the quality of the workmanship conforms to the plans and specifications and reasonable standards.
- Ability to see that deliveries of material and equipment are placed for the convenient use of the contractor.
- Ability to check invoices, bills, payrolls, and other records.
- Ability to take and maintain a firm and correct stand when differences of fact or opinion arise.
- Ability to prepare progress and other necessary reports of building and project construction reports.
- Ability to keep the records and files needed at the building site during the progress of the construction work.
- 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.
- CODES: I16- (40 hrs.) CAH 7/12/94 I15- (NL)
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.
Applicants who do not meet the experience requirements may substitute twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in Engineering, Architecture, or related technical subjects from an accredited college or university for each year of the indicated experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.