Construction Inspector II (Storm Water)

City-of-Norfolk,-V; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Norfolk, Department of Public Works, Division of Environmental Storm Water Management, is seeking a Construction Inspector II to oversee stormwater construction projects and ensure compliance with plans, specs, standards, and environmental laws. You will perform field inspections, prepare reports, and coordinate with contractors to keep projects on schedule.

The role requires documentation, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to resolve field issues.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in stormwater or construction inspection.
• Certification in Virginia DEQ Storm Water Inspector and Erosion & Sediment Control Inspector within 1 year of employment.
• Special Police Commission within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections of drainage infrastructure, BMP installations, pipe and structure replacements, and CIP projects.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports and maintain accurate records for auditing and project closeout.
• Review construction documents and ensure accurate field implementation.
• Coordinate with engineers, contractors, and city staff to resolve field issues and enforce standards.
• Issue Notices of Violation or Summons when required and represent the City in hearings.
• Attend progress meetings and provide updates on milestones, findings, and corrective actions.

Skills

Field inspections

Regulatory compliance

Documentation

Interpersonal communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

CITY OF NORFOLK: Department of Public Works, Division of Environmental Storm Water Management is seeking a Construction Inspector II responsible for overseeing and monitoring stormwater construction projects to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, city standards, and environmental regulations. This position conducts field inspections of drainage infrastructure, BMP installations, pipe and structure replacements, and capital improvement projects, documenting all work progress, deficiencies, and corrective actions. The inspector coordinates with contractors, engineers, and city staff to resolve construction issues, verify quality of materials and workmanship, and ensure projects remain on schedule. The role also includes preparing detailed inspection reports, maintaining accurate records, supporting project closeout processes, and providing knowledgeable guidance on stormwater construction requirements. Through consistent field presence and thorough documentation, the Construction Inspector II helps ensure the successful delivery of reliable, durable, and environmentally compliant stormwater infrastructure.

The Department of Public Works builds, maintains, and operates the physical facilities that support and enhance the lives of Norfolk’s citizens, businesses, and visitors, including the City’s Street Network, Traffic Management System, Storm Water System, Waste Management, and Recycling.

The Division of Environmental Storm Water Management is responsible for reducing the threat of flooding and improving water quality throughout the City of Norfolk. The division’s crews maintain and operate the city’s stormwater infrastructure, including underground pipes, drainage structures, roadside and off-road ditches, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and pump stations. The division also plays a critical role in meeting environmental regulatory compliance requirements such as MS4 permit obligations, TMDL mandates, and pollution-prevention standards. The division supports Capital Improvement Program (CIP) stormwater projects by coordinating field assessments, providing technical expertise, and ensuring projects align with regulatory and water-quality goals. Strong customer service is also central to the division’s mission, as staff respond to resident concerns, conduct site visits, and provide education regarding drainage issues, flooding risks, and BMP maintenance. Through these combined responsibilities, the division works to minimize flooding impacts, protect public safety, enhance water quality, and ensure the continued function and resilience of Norfolk’s stormwater system.

Departmental Hiring Salary Range: $51,099-$56,654

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Maintains thorough digital documentation of all inspections using computer-based tracking systems by entering field notes, photographs, measurements, and corrective actions into the City’s inspection and asset-management software. Ensures all inspection records are organized, up-to-date, and compliant with regulatory and auditing requirements.
• Reviews and interprets construction documents, including engineering drawings, technical specifications, performance standards, and construction contracts, to ensure accurate implementation in the field.
• Evaluates materials and workmanship on-site, confirming that pipe, structures, backfill, pavement, BMP components, and erosion and sediment controls meet required standards; rejects substandard work and documents deficiencies.
• Participates in pre-construction meetings to communicate expectations, discuss project requirements, clarify documentation needs, review staging and access plans, and outline compliance and safety considerations.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Act, the Virginia Storm Water Management Law, OSHA work zone safety requirements, and proper traffic control standards.
• Performs enforcement duties, issuing Notices of Violation or Summons, preparing related documentation, and representing the City in court hearings when violations require formal resolution.
• Coordinates with engineers, contractors, environmental regulatory staff, and project managers to resolve field issues such as utility conflicts, design discrepancies, erosion control failures, and schedule impacts; recommends corrective actions or design adjustments when necessary.
• Attends progress meetings and provides detailed updates on project milestones, inspection findings, compliance concerns, and required corrective actions; maintains tracking logs for multiple active projects.
• Maintains accurate inspection documentation, including daily field reports, test results, correspondence, photographs, and site assessments; ensures records meet auditing and regulatory reporting standards.
• Provides technical support to operational crews and environmental compliance staff by interpreting plans, recommending construction methods, identifying deficiencies, and assisting in the development of corrective or preventive solutions.
• Evaluates field problems such as drainage failures, utility conflicts, improper grading, and safety hazards; recommends cost-effective solutions and coordinates implementation with contractors and city staff.
• Represents the division in meetings with consultants, contractors, civic leagues, elected officials, utility providers, and other City departments; provides professional communication regarding project impacts and schedules.
• Responds to citizen inquiries and complaints, performs on-site investigations, determines causes of drainage or flooding concerns, develops solutions, and communicates findings and next steps to residents and stakeholders.
• Prepares written correspondence, including letters, emails, meeting minutes, inspection reports, violation notices, and other project documentation; maintains organized digital and physical records.
• Performs mathematical calculations such as area, volume, slope, grade, flow, elevations, and structural dimensions to verify construction accuracy.
• May direct or assist with supervision of helpers, seasonal workers, interns, or temporary employees; mentors junior inspectors and provides on-the-job training on inspection practices and safety requirements.
• Coordinates project activities with utility companies and other city crews, ensuring proper sequencing, preventing conflicts, and maintaining safe work zones.
• Performs work safely in high-traffic environments requiring normal hearing, depth perception, and peripheral vision; ensures proper placement of signage, cones, and barriers for site safety.
• Performs physical fieldwork, including walking long distances, climbing into excavations, lifting equipment, standing for extended periods, and navigating uneven or wet terrain, construction sites, and shoreline areas.
• Supports emergency operations, including mobilization for snow, ice, flooding, and debris removal; directs field crews and ensures safe, coordinated response during emergency conditions.
• Participates in the mandatory Miss Utility On-Call rotation, responding to after-hours utility locate requests and ensuring timely marking of stormwater infrastructure to protect public safety and prevent damage to underground assets.

Work requires knowledge of a specific vocational, administrative, or technical nature which may be obtained with six months/one year of advanced study or training past the high school equivalency. Junior college, vocational, business, technical or correspondence schools are likely sources. Appropriate certification may be awarded upon satisfactory completion of advanced study or training.

Two years experience.

• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Storm Water Inspector certification must be obtained within 1 year of employment.
• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector certification must be obtained within 1 year of employment.
• Special Police Commission must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am to 3:30 pm; 40 hours per week every week; Work schedule will occasionally need to be flexible to accommodate construction projects.