Customer Service Project Inspector (La Quinta)

Rennick Barrett Recruiting, Inc.; La Quinta (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Rennick Barrett Recruiting, Inc. is seeking a Customer Service Project Inspector for a 12-month contract with Imperial County/Coachella Valley.

The role requires electrical background and the ability to review proposals, inspect underground utilities, and ensure compliance with GO 95/128/165, Cal-OSHA, and IID standards. You will perform field inspections, coordinate with contractors, maintain records, and support project readiness while prioritizing safety and public protection.

Qualifications

• High school equivalency with electricity and math coursework.
• Two years of electrical, power line construction, or field electrical experience.
• Valid CA driver license and rubber glove certification within six months.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections of customer-funded underground projects for IID standards.
• Coordinate with contractors and IID personnel to monitor progress.
• Perform USA/DigAlert locating and mark underground facilities.
• Verify readiness of work before IID crews proceed.
• Maintain inspection records, photos, and progress updates.

Skills

Electrical theory

NEC knowledge

Inspection skills

Communication

Problem solving

Reading blueprints

Safety awareness

Record keeping

Education

High school equivalency with electricity courses

Tools

USA Dig Alert

GIS maps

Locating equipment

Job description

This is a 12 month contract assignment. Candidates MUST have an electrical background.

Primary Function

Under general supervision, reviews customer service proposals and inspects private electrical contractors’ projects for adherence to General Orders 95, 128, 165, district standards and Cal-OSHA regulations; locates district underground utilities, ensures public safety and directs contractors in preventing damage to district facilities; determines whether customer or contractor work is completed to where district crews can start. Prepares drawings, work plans, material lists and other documents as needed to facilitate completion of the project. Performs other duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The incumbent is required to be certified at 600v rubber glove to open secondary pull-boxes, 120/240V single phase. This position also shares standby and weekend duty responsibilities with other unit staff. It will be the responsibility of all employees in this classification to report for emergency duty if called. Lacking a bonafide excuse satisfactory to supervision, a second failure to report when called could result in discharge.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Field Inspections: Conduct field inspections of customer-funded underground electrical distribution projects to verify that construction complies with IID standards, approved plans, applicable General Orders (GO 95, GO 128, and GO 165), and Cal/OSHA safety requirements.
• Construction Coordination: Coordinate with contractors, developers, customers, and IID personnel to monitor construction progress, address field-related issues, and ensure projects are completed in accordance with approved plans and specifications.
• Underground Utility Locating: Perform Underground Service Alert (USA) and DigAlert locating requests by reviewing work orders, using IID GIS maps and other available resources to identify underground electrical facilities, and marking the locations in accordance with applicable requirements and deadlines.
• Construction Readiness Verification: Verify that customer and contractor work is sufficiently completed and meets IID requirements before scheduling IID crews to perform their portion of the work. Coordinate with construction scheduling personnel and notify the appropriate IID staff when projects are ready to proceed.
• Project Documentation: Maintain accurate field inspection records, including photographs, inspection notes, construction progress updates, and documentation of deficiencies or deviations from approved plans.
• Contractor and Customer Communication: Maintain regular communication with contractors, customers, and IID personnel to provide project-related updates, coordinate field activities, and help resolve construction-related issues.
• Safety and Compliance: Identify unsafe conditions, potential conflicts with existing IID facilities, and construction activities that may affect public safety or the reliability of IID's electrical distribution system. Report concerns to the appropriate IID personnel.
• Project Tracking and Reporting: Assist with tracking the status of active customer service projects, updating inspection records, and providing timely progress reports to supervisors and project coordinators.
• Additional Field Support: Assist with other field inspections, construction coordination activities, and related assignments within the scope of the Customer Service Project Inspector classification, as directed by supervision position.

Marginal Duties and Responsibilities

• Patrols and inspects overhead and underground power distribution lines to locate irregularities, physical defects and hazardous conditions.
• Visually inspects substation facilities including capacitors, oil circuit breakers and regulators to locate physical defects and hazardous conditions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• High school equivalency supplemented with college courses in principles of electricity and mathematics.

Experience

• Two years of electrical, power line construction, power operations/dispatching or field electrical experience.

Licensing

• A valid driver license issued by the State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles is required.
• Successfully complete Rubber Glove Certification for 120/240V, single phase within the first six months of probationary period.

Knowledge of:

• Electrical theory and practices related to power transmission and distribution systems.
• National Electrical Code (NEC), General Orders 95 and 128, Title 8, and Cal/OSHA regulations.
• Dig Alert California Government Code 4216 and California Underground Facilities Safe Excavation Board requirements.
• Utility construction methods, procedures, materials, and IID standards, including Standards 181 (Sections 4.1-4.15), 202 (Sections 6.17-6.18), and other applicable policies and procedures.
• Accepted utility construction and safety standards.
• District power system operations, including circuit maps and related documentation.
• Electrical safety work practices and procedures.
• Roadways, highways, and streets throughout Imperial County and the Coachella Valley.

Skills and Abilities

Ability to:

• Perform visual inspections and assess the condition of substations, overhead transmission and distribution lines, and underground utility facilities.
• Respond to Dig Alert customer requests in compliance with California Government Code 4216.
• Complete and maintain required Dig Alert certifications and training.
• Use locating equipment to identify, locate, and mark District-owned underground facilities to prevent damage during excavation activities.
• Open and inspect secondary pull boxes used in Imperial and Riverside Counties in accordance with District Standards 181 and applicable secondary voltage requirements (120/240V, single-phase).
• Read and interpret:
  • Customer service proposals
  • Construction plans
  • Blueprint drawings
  • Schematic diagrams
  • Electrical orders
  • Safety regulations and operating procedures
• Communicate effectively with employees, contractors, customers, and public or private agencies regarding utility-related issues and irregularities.
• Prepare clear, concise reports and maintain accurate records.
• Prioritize workload and meet established schedules and deadlines.
• Perform electrical calculations and apply algebraic and trigonometric principles.
• Accurately prepare, update, and interpret project maps, circuit drawings, and scaled sketches.
• Apply sound judgment and problem-solving skills when working with standardized procedures and multiple variables.
• Utilize computers, software applications, and related technology.
• Work safely around energized equipment and electrical facilities.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Foster positive working relationships with coworkers, contractors, customers, agency representatives, and the public.

Tools and Equipment Used

Employees may be required to operate and utilize:

• Computer, telephone, and general office equipment
• Two-way radio and digital camera
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Locator equipment, voltmeter, amp meter, transit, level, and measuring devices
• Mandrel, measuring tape, measuring wheel, wood stakes, lath, and spray paint
• Construction plans, maps, logbooks, and computer-generated reports
• Hand tools, including hammer, hatchet, shovel, and manhole lid opener
• Pole rope, gloves, step ladder, binoculars, and hard hat
• District vehicle and related field equipment

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Work Environment

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

While performing the duties of this position, employees regularly:

• Work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Are exposed to direct sunlight and temperature extremes.
• Work near energized electrical equipment and may be exposed to electrical shock hazards.
• Work near moving mechanical equipment and construction activities.
• Are exposed to dust, fumes, airborne particles, vibrations, and wet or humid conditions.
• Work around open trenches and active construction sites.
• Occasionally work in confined spaces.
• May be exposed to combustible, toxic, or caustic substances.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

While performing the duties of this position, employees regularly:

• Use hands to handle, grasp, manipulate, and operate tools and equipment.
• Sit, stand, walk, climb, and maintain balance.
• Reach in all directions, including overhead and below waist level.
• Communicate effectively through speaking and listening.
• Use hands and feet to safely operate equipment and vehicles.

Additional requirements include:

• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 70 pounds.
• Visual acuity sufficient to perform close work, distance viewing, color recognition, depth perception, peripheral vision, and focus adjustment.

Degree of Physical Effort

Physical Effort Level 4. This position requires moderate to heavy physical activity with demands for strength, coordination, and manual dexterity occurring from several times per day to throughout the workday.