Construction Inspector

Job Posted 4/21/2026
City of Rialto
Rialto, CA 92376
United States
Pay
$68,196.00 to $91,392.00 Per Year
Job Description

Classification Definition

DEFINITION

Under direction, to inspect work quality and materials used in a variety of public works projects within the public right-of-way including the construction, repair, maintenance or alterations of streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, sanitary sewers, storm drains, catch basins, street and traffic lights and related structures; to ensure conformance with City specifications and safety standards; to maintain records and prepare reports on projects inspected; and to perform a variety of duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Construction Inspectors are responsible for performing thorough construction project site inspections of public works construction and the materials and workmanship employed in a variety of both private development projects and public works capital improvement projects.  Incumbents ensure construction compliance with engineering plans, contract specifications and statutory standards. The Senior Construction Inspector is distinguished from the Construction Inspector in that incumbents in the former class have demonstrated proficiency in performing the full range of construction inspection duties, including inspection of the largest capital improvement projects and is capable of overseeing and supervising inspection and testing activities by subordinate inspectors and/or consultants.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from higher level management or supervisory staff. 

Essential Duties and Responsiblities

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

  1. Attends pre-construction meetings; inspects work quality of a variety of public works projects during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances and regulations; areas of inspection include sidewalks, driveways, sewer mains, lateral installa¬tions, underground pipelines, hydrants, curbs, gutters, retaining walls, earthwork, street excavation, patchwork, street lights, traffic signals and other facilities; approves and issues permits.  
  2. Inspects materials used in a variety of public works projects to ensure compliance with project standards and specifications.  
  3. Checks line, grade, size, elevation and location of structures for conformance with specifications and regulations.  
  4. Prepares detailed data of construction progress and inspection; prepares various reports on daily operations and activities.  
  5. Takes samples of materials for examination or analysis by laboratories; performs routine materials and density field tests to assure material and workmanship quality; coordinates results of tests and verifies approval of structure.  
  6. Observes work during progress and upon completion; recommends progress payments; ensures that safety procedures are followed; performs accident investigations as needed; advises contractors of changes in plans and variances.  
  7. Performs preliminary and final inspections prior to project acceptance.  
  8. Meets with contractors to interpret points, plans and specifica¬tions; provides technical guidance and interpretation; issues certificates as assigned; prepares legal descriptions as needed.  
  9. Provides assistance to private contractors and public agencies on construction specifications and procedures; ensure compliance with procedures and regulations.
  10. Participates in the work of a survey crew as assigned. 
  11. Investigates personal injury, property damage and personal vehicle damage claims submitted to the City Clerk’s office; writes reports and documents situations. 
  12. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

  • Operations, services and activities of a public works inspection program. 
  • Methods and techniques of public works inspection and plans examining work.
  • Public works construction methods, materials, practices, specifications and equipment. 
  • Accepted safety standards and methods of construction. 
  • Methods and techniques of detecting construction defects and faults. 
  • Methods and techniques of materials testing. 
  • Field engineering practices and basic design criteria. 
  • Computer applications related to public works inspection work. 
  • Applicable laws, regulations, codes, ordinances and policies governing the construction of assigned public works projects. 
  • Mathematics including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry as applied to construction inspection work. 
  • Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations. 
  • Modern office procedures including computers and supporting word processing and field related software programs.  
  • Occupational hazards and standard safety programs.

Ability to:

  • Perform skilled inspections of a variety of public works projects. 
  • Interpret and apply laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and policies governing the construction of public works projects.
  • Perform various mathematical calculations. 
  • Evaluate construction work performed to prepare progress payments. 
  • Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, ordinances and regulations. 
  • Read and interpret plans and specifications. 
  • Prepare clear and concise technical reports. 
  • Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices. 
  • Make mathematical computations rapidly and accurately. 
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 
  • Operate standard modern office equipment including a computer, tablet, copier, printer, and plotter; utilize standard office and specialized software programs. 

Experience and Training Guidelines:  Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

  • Three years of experience in engineering project construction inspection.

Training:

  • High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by college level course work in construction technology and inspection practices, engineering or a related field.

Licenses and Certifications:

  • Possession of a State of California driver’s license, and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s vehicle insurance program. 

Supplemental Information

Application Procedure:

A City application form and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.yourrialto.com. All other employment inquiries can be directed to The City of Rialto, Human Resources Department. 246 S. Willow, Rialto, CA 92376. Telephone: (909) 820-2540.

Selection Process: 
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting. 

Veterans Preference Credit Eligibility:
Veterans of the armed forces, who have been discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable (Government Code: 18540.4), shall receive an additional five (5) points to their final examination score for ranking purposes only. This preference will apply only to the first appointment to any regular full-time City appointment. A copy of your valid DD214 must be submitted on or before the final filing date in order to be eligible for Veterans Preference Credit. For more information, please see the City's Veteran's Preference Policy. 

E-Verify:
The City of Rialto is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.