Permit Inspector

Brooklinema; Brookline (MA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Retirement pension plan

Generous vacation and sick time

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Brookline Department of Public Works (Brookline DPW) is seeking a Permit Inspector to issue and monitor construction permits in public ways, ensure safety standards, and support town property usages. You will perform field inspections, mark-outs, and adherence checks for ongoing projects, with emphasis on safety, accessibility, and compliance.

Ideal candidates bring 3–5 years in road/construction, an Associate’s degree equivalent, and a valid Massachusetts Class D license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with technical training equivalent to an Associate’s Degree, combined with 3 to 5 years of road construction, underground construction, trench compaction, and pavement restoration experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

Responsibilities

• Manage and issue permits to contractors performing construction in public ways, connecting to public utilities, or occupying town-owned property.
• Perform field inspections and emergency mark-outs, utilizing metal detectors for regular or emergency DigSafe utility locations.
• Monitor and evaluate contractor road work for asphalt, concrete, and trench compaction; resolve resident complaints about road conditions.
• Enforce Town Bylaws and accessibility regulations, including sidewalk snow/ice clearance and ramps post-snow events.
• Conduct regulatory inspections and final structural inspections for Certificates of Occupancy.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, guiding excavation layout decisions and coordinating meetings with town officials.

Skills

Road excavation

Construction & underground

Asphalt & concrete

Sidewalk patching

Cost estimation

Engineering standards

Engineering software

Education

Associate's Degree

Job description

Brookline DPW’s Engineering & Transportation Division is hiring a Permit Inspector to perform vital inspection and administrative work ensuring public safety and infrastructure integrity. This role centers on issuing, monitoring, and evaluating permits for construction work in public ways, utility connections, and town-owned property occupations, ensuring all projects align with Town bylaws and engineering standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage and issue permits to contractors performing construction in public ways, connecting to public utilities (water, sewer, drain mains), or occupying town-owned property (dumpsters, newsracks, signs).
• Perform field inspections and emergency mark-outs, utilizing metal detectors for regular or emergency DigSafe utility locations and serving as the designated Massachusetts Department of Public Safety open trench representative.
• Monitor and evaluate contractor road work to determine if asphalt, concrete, and trench compaction are acceptable, while proactively resolving resident complaints regarding poor road conditions like potholes.
• Enforce Town Bylaws and accessibility regulations, including sidewalk snow/ice clearance, leaf blower usage, and inspecting handicap accessibility ramps post-snow events to ensure state and federal compliance.
• Conduct regulatory inspections, performing field investigations for commercial outdoor seating safe passage and executing final structural inspections for Certificates of Occupancy.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, meeting with contractors to guide excavation layout decisions (curb cuts, conduit placement), verifying contractor bond statuses, and scheduling coordination meetings with town officials.

Qualifications

High school diploma with technical training equivalent to an Associate’s Degree, combined with 3 to 5 years of road construction, underground construction, trench compaction, and pavement restoration experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

Required licenses / certifications

Valid Driver’s License, Class D

Ideal Candidate

Strong understanding of road excavation principles, construction and underground construction, asphalt and concrete, sidewalk/road way patching, specification and cost estimation, engineering construction standards, and engineering software. Ability to work outside in varied weather and hazardous construction conditions, frequently moving or lifting equipment up to 50 pounds, and standing, walking, or crouching during field inspections.

Pay Information

Starting hourly range: $42.32 - $44.03 depending on qualifications and experience. Brookline offers comprehensive benefits including Health insurance, dental coverage, retirement pension plan, generous vacation and sick time, and opportunities for professional development.