Construction Inspector I/II

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

The San Diego County Water Authority is seeking Construction Inspectors I or II to support capital improvement and maintenance projects. You will perform field inspections of water conveyance facilities, pipelines, and related infrastructure, ensuring adherence to plans, specs, and safety standards.

Under supervision or journey-level responsibility, you will document conditions, review submittals, and coordinate with engineers, contractors, and permitting agencies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of public works construction practices.
• Ability to interpret basic engineering drawings.
• Strong attention to safety and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to maintain thorough daily inspection reports.

Responsibilities

• Inspect pipelines, valves, and structural components for conformance with plans.
• Evaluate contractor compliance with specs and contract documents.
• Document daily activities and prepare progress reports.
• Coordinate inspections with engineers and project managers.
• Address field issues and support project delivery.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Documentation

Public works construction

Regulatory compliance

Teamwork

Job description

JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!

We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply

The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 22 member agencies serving the region's $268 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.

The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.

The Engineering Department

The Engineering Department is responsible for the design and construction of regional water facilities in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP); identifying and employing value engineering design concepts to optimize facility and aqueduct system performance; managing major emergency facility repairs; and providing overall CIP programmatic monitoring and controls. It also manages the Water Authority's real-estate interests by acquiring, disposing of, and leasing real property; patrolling and managing 168 miles of right of way; and providing survey services. In addition, the department provides technical support to other agencies, departments, and member agencies. The Water Authority’s Energy Program also resides within the Engineering Department, focused on developing low-cost energy supplies, generation, and storage opportunities; improving the Water Authority’s energy resilience; fostering collaborative energy relationships; and supporting the Water Authority’s legislative energy initiatives.

The Construction Section

The Engineering Department's Construction Group is responsible for supporting engineering project and construction managers in the planning, design, and construction phase of projects; providing a full range of detailed construction inspections of concrete, welding, structural, masonry, and soils, for multi-disciplinary public works, waterworks and facility construction projects; interpreting plans and specifications to ensure construction contract compliance and documenting findings on a variety of software applications; providing lead work direction to lower-level technicians and staff; establishing work priorities and reviewing work in progress to ensure critical project milestones are met, and performing related duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Construction Inspector I/II classification is a technically skilled, detail-oriented, and safety-focused professional who brings knowledge of public works construction practices and a commitment to high-quality infrastructure delivery.

At the Construction Inspector I level, the ideal candidate is motivated to learn and grow in the field of construction inspection, demonstrates a foundational understanding of construction methods and materials, and shows the ability to interpret basic engineering drawings, follow established procedures, and document work accurately. This individual is eager to develop proficiency in Water Authority standards, inspection techniques, and regulatory requirements while working under close supervision.

At the Construction Inspector II level, the ideal candidate has journey-level proficiency and experience independently performing construction inspections on public works, waterworks, or similar infrastructure projects. This person is well-versed in inspecting pipelines, valves, flow control facilities, structural concrete, welds, earthwork, and related facilities; evaluating contractor compliance with plans, specifications, and contract documents; and identifying construction issues requiring corrective action. The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, initiative, and strong problem-solving skills in the field.

Across both levels, the ideal candidate:

• Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills and interacts professionally with contractors, engineers, project managers, member agencies, and the public.
• Is highly organized, thorough in documentation, and diligent in maintaining accurate daily inspection reports, progress records, and as-built information.
• Understands the importance of regulatory and administrative compliance, including safety protocols, environmental requirements, and public contract provisions.
• Is self-motivated, dependable, and capable of working effectively in the field with varied personalities, conditions, and project demands.
• Exercises good judgment when addressing field conflicts, raising potential issues early, and supporting successful project delivery.
• Values teamwork and contributes positively to a collaborative, solutions-oriented construction environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are committed to public service, enjoy working on complex and meaningful infrastructure projects, and take pride in ensuring quality construction that serves the region for decades to come.

Salary Information

Construction Inspector I: $39.42 - $53.02 / hour ($82,010.24 - $110,296.16 Annually)

Construction Inspector II: $43.52 - $58.53 / hour ($90,523.68 - $121,744.48 Annually)

The position may be filled at either level, depending on candidate qualifications.

The Construction Inspector I/II plays a vital role in supporting the successful delivery of the Water Authority’s capital improvement and maintenance projects. This position is responsible for performing technical, paraprofessional construction inspection work to ensure that all construction activities comply with approved plans, specifications, contract requirements, and industry standards.

Construction Inspectors work closely with engineers, project managers, contractors, and permitting agencies throughout all stages of construction. Typical assignments include inspecting water conveyance facilities, pipelines, valves, metalwork, structural concrete, earthwork, and related infrastructure; verifying alignment, elevations, materials, and workmanship; documenting daily construction activities; and identifying issues that require corrective action. Inspectors also review project documents and contractor submittals, interpret engineering drawings, and participate in pre-construction and progress meetings.

These positions require strong communication skills, a commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, and the ability to work effectively in active construction environments. Construction Inspectors are essential to ensuring that high-quality infrastructure is delivered for the region and that construction activities align with the Water Authority’s standards and operational objectives.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Construction Inspector I

The Construction Inspector I is the entry-level class in the paraprofessional Construction Inspector series. Initially under direct supervision, incumbents develop knowledge of Water Authority facilities, design and construction methods, and engineering records/files. This class is distinguished from Construction Inspector II in that the latter is the skilled, journey-level class in the series.

Construction Inspector II

The Construction Inspector II is the skilled, journey-level class in the paraprofessional Construction Inspector series. Under general supervision, incumbents are responsible for conducting routine-to-difficult calculations, plan checking, contractor submittal review, construction inspection and/or related technical duties. This classification must possess a general knowledge of water conveyance facilities. This class is distinguished from the Senior Construction Inspector in that the latter is the advanced journey-level class in the series responsible for independently performing more complex inspections and providing technical guidance and project supervision to lower-level construction inspectors.

Representative Duties

• Monitors and inspects a variety of water conveyance construction projects and installations to ensure compliance with project documents, including the installation and construction of pipelines, water conveyance facilities, valves, metalwork fittings and welds, earthwork, asphalt paving and structural concrete.
• Interprets engineering plans, documents and construction specifications; makes recommendations on change orders; confers with supervisors, consultants, contractors and various Water Authority staff on field design conflicts, construction requirements and contract documents.
• Reviews, evaluates, and comments on project documents and construction sites prior to the start of construction. Performs construction site visits prior to initiation of construction to record and document site conditions, right-of-ways, and access roads using still and video photography and written reports.
• Performs in field inspection of Water Authority planning, design and construction projects for capital improvements and repair/replacement of existing facilities.
• Monitors and inspects construction sites for compliance with State Construction Stormwater General Permit. Makes recommendations to correct noncompliant installations.
• Determines elevation of pipe, flow control facilities and other structures; verifies alignment and obtains measurements as pipeline and structures are being constructed; verifies concrete construction, including placement of reinforced steel, embedded items, concrete quality, placement of form work, expansion and sealant materials; verifies welding including joint configuration, welding procedure specifications, welder qualifications, and weld testing.
• Prepares inspectors' daily report and periodic progress reports on construction and installation work including still and video photography.
• Prepares, reviews, and evaluates records drawings, hydrostatic test data sheets, vertical traverse sheets and various miscellaneous reports as needed.
• Engages courteously and professionally with members of the public to address complaints or concerns pertaining to construction projects.
• Reviews, evaluates, and comments on contractor requests for information and submittals.
• Reviews and provides recommended actions on issues of contractor noncompliance.
• Reviews contractor change orders and makes recommendations for changes or approval; assists construction managers with change order preparation; conducts project research as directed.
• Reviews and prepares contractor pay estimates for construction managers.
• Maintains job site project and computer files.
• Reviews consultant invoices for contract compliance and accuracy; makes payment recommendations to the contract manager.
• Coordinates the work of consultants retained for material testing, inspection, soil compaction analysis, geotechnical investigations and site environmental analysis/mitigation.
• Performs and leads punch-list walks with the Operations and Maintenance Department. Verifies completion of punch-list items in accordance with contract documents.
• Assists with acceptance testing, equipment testing, troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical systems and facility start-up and commissioning.
• Drafts and maintains accurate, up-to-date as-built drawings to depict current status and changes of projects.
• Reviews water facilities plans and specifications for conformance with Water Authority standards.
• Coordinates construction inspection duties with Water Authority departments, member agencies, and regulators.
• Documents post-construction conditions of sites, right-of-ways, and access roads using still and video photography and written reports.
• Maintains inventory and procures technical and field supplies as directed.
• Assists with the permitting process necessary for Water Authority construction projects.
• Assists with inspections during shutdown periods; performs lock-out tag-out duties during shutdowns.
• Performs scheduled or emergency facility inspections and damage evaluations.

Licenses and Other Requirements

• A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
• Possession of a Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Controls in-training, and/or Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) certification, and/or Certified Welding Inspector are desirable.

Work Schedule

Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa office work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. This position is not eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.

Tentative Exam Schedule

Application Deadline: 08/04/2026

Written Exam: 08/18/2026

Tentative Interview Date: 09/01/2026

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.

The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org.

Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe/mos-translator.

Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at [phone].