Construction Inspector

City of Modesto; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education incentive (Bachelor's degree

Education incentive (Master's degree)

Job summary

The City of Modesto is seeking a Construction Inspector to oversee Capital Improvement Projects and ensure workmanship meets plans, specs, and standards. This is field‑oriented work in a municipal setting where problem solving and attention to detail are essential.

Candidates should have two years of inspection/management experience, an Associate’s degree in a related field, and a California driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Two years of increasingly responsible experience in construction inspection or construction management.
• Associate’s degree in civil engineering, construction technology, or a related field.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Inspect structures and construction projects for conformance with specifications and regulations.
• Monitor traffic control problems at construction sites and coordinate corrections.
• Record materials used and prepare reports for progress payments.
• Review plans and specifications; attend pre-construction conferences.
• Coordinate work with other City departments.

Skills

Construction inspection

Public works coordination

Education

Associate’s degree in civil engineering or related field

Job description

Join the City of Modesto as a Construction Inspector and play a key role in shaping the community’s most impactful Capital Improvement Projects! If you love being out in the field, solving problems, and making sure every project is built to last, this is your chance to put your expertise to work. Bring your two years of construction inspection or management experience and your technical training and help us build a better Modesto—one project at a time!

Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:

• 2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree)
• 5% Education Incentive (master's degree)

The Construction Inspector is responsible to inspect workmanship and materials used in a variety of Capital Improvement Projects for conformance with plans, specifications, and local/state/federal standards; and to assist with project administration activities.

Application Process

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words "SEE RESUME." Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.

Tentative Testing Schedule

• In-person Written Exam
• November 20, 2026

All interviews and testing will be held in-person. Any travel expenses incurred to attend testing or interviews will be at the candidate's expense.

The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate’s experience.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

• Inspect various structures and construction projects for conformance with specifications and regulations; check line, grade, size, elevation, and location of structures; perform a variety of field tests.
• Monitor traffic control problems at construction sites and coordinate corrections if necessary.
• Record amounts of materials used and work performed; prepare necessary reports for progress payments.
• Review plans and specifications of assigned projects; attend pre-construction conferences, as necessary.
• Inspect materials for identifications as conforming to specifications.
• Observe work during progress and upon completion; monitor contractor workforce for adequate staffing levels.
• Inspect adjacent properties for damage from construction activity.
• Confer with the public regarding project schedule, hazards, and inconvenience.
• Coordinate work with other City departments.

Marginal Functions:

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, materials, equipment and safety hazards of construction inspection.
• Defects and faults in construction.
• Basic mathematics including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Basic soil mechanics and geology.
• Materials sampling and estimating procedures.
• Engineering mechanics of structures.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations, including those governing the construction of assigned projects.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

• Understand and interpret engineering plans and specifications and prepare accurate reports.
• Detect and locate faulty materials and workmanship and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied.
• Address issues from contractors, engineers, and members of the public in an assertive and tactful manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

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:

Two years of increasingly responsible experience in construction inspection or construction management that includes project administration for public works or similar construction projects.

Training:

Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college with major course work in civil engineering, construction technology, or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Mobility:

• Frequent standing for long period of time
• Frequent bending and squatting
• Frequent climbing

Lifting:

• Frequent lifting up to 25 pounds
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds

Vision:

• Constant use of overall vision

Dexterity:

• Frequent grasping, holding, and reaching

Hearing/Talking:

• Frequent hearing and talking in person
• May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions

Emotional/ Psychological:

• Frequent coworker contact
• Occasional working alone

Environmental:

• Frequent exposure to loud noise
• Frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is often performed in an outdoor construction environment on a year-round basis and is subject to construction site noise and environment including exposure to loud equipment and machinery; exposure to varying weather conditions. Work is performed at various remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.