Public Works Inspector I

Bowman Consulting; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowman Consulting in California seeks a Public Works Inspector I to perform field inspections of public works projects in San Bernardino, CA, including roads, bridges, parks and utilities.

Under supervision, you will interpret specs, track quantities, witness tests, and coordinate with engineers, contractors, and residents while ensuring safety and quality on multi-project assignments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 3+ years in construction or construction management/field services.
• APWA CPII and QSP certifications preferred.
• Experience with reading plans and specifications is expected.
• Valid CA driver's license and clean MVR preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interpret technical specifications, contract requirements, and engineering drawings.
• Ensure work complies with drawings and specifications.
• Perform daily field reporting and witness tests; document results.
• Review pay estimates for accuracy with contractors.
• Inspect public works projects including roads, water, and utilities.
• Coordinate between engineers, contractors, and residents.
• Prepare sketches/data for project changes.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Teamwork

Data analysis

Time management

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or civil engineering coursework

APWA CPII certification

QSP certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Short Description

Bowman has an opportunity for a Public Works Inspector I to join our team in San Bernardino, CA.

Purpose

Perform inspection duties on a variety of public works construction/rehabilitation projects, servicing public building facilities, bridges, roadways, parks, and municipal water, wastewater, storm drain, dry utilities, and other related public infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Direction

• Perform work under direct supervision of an experienced professional and follow established procedures and clearly defined processes. Receive direction on all aspects of assignments, specific tasks, and how to execute. Work is thoroughly reviewed by more senior staff to ensure application of sound techniques and principles.

At The Operational And Company Level

• Serve as liaison between engineers, contractors, and adjacent residents and businesses affected by projects.

Do the Work

• Interpret technical specifications, contract requirements, engineering drawings, and standard construction details on a variety of public works projects.
• Ensure that work is completed in general accordance with drawings and specifications.
• Perform daily field reporting, track contractor's installed quantities, witness tests, document test results and serve as liaison between engineer, contractor, and adjacent residents and businesses.
• Perform field inspections on a variety of projects involving the construction and/or rehabilitation of public building facilities, roadway (including slurry seal, rehabilitation of roads, and various types of asphalt), parks, and municipal water, wastewater, storm drain and dry utilities and other infrastructure. Work within the bounds of various construction methods, construction of water and wastewater treatment structures and equipment installation, as well as mechanical and structural rehabilitations.
• Prepare sketches and assemble data for field engineer's use in making project changes.
• Review periodic pay estimates for accuracy with contractor.
• Apply knowledge of construction methods of water, sewer, storm drain and dry utility pipe installations, including open trenching and trenchless methods such as jack and bore and directional drilling.
• Apply knowledge of trenchless sewer rehabilitation methods.
• May work on one or more projects simultaneously and perform other duties as assigned.

Success Metrics and Competencies

• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization and external partners.
• Highly motivated and problem‑solving attitude.
• Strong sense of urgency in responding to constituents.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
• Effective working relationship with internal leaders and peers, as well as external clients.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple time‑sensitive tasks.
• Data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Attention to safety on the job site.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree and/or civil engineering related coursework/certifications preferred.
• Three or more (3+) years in the construction field or construction management/field services required.
• APWA Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector (CPII) and Qualified Stormwater Pollution Prevention Practitioner (QSP) certifications preferred.
• Experience in municipal utility inspection a plus.
• Must be proficient at reading and interpreting plans and specifications and be knowledgeable of change orders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) preferred.
• Valid CA driver’s license and ability to successfully complete a motor vehicle records check (MVR) required.
• Completion of driver safety training course preferred.
• Will serve as an extension of assigned City staff.

Salary and Benefits

Salary and eligible variable compensation (if any) commensurate with experience. Range $35 - $45 hourly and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
• Discretionary bonuses and other performance‑based incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness initiatives, and employee discounts

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary based on position, location, and employment status.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Partly indoor professional office environment which may include bright/dim light, noise, fumes, odors, and traffic.
• Mobility around outdoor environments.
• Mostly outdoor work environment which may include adverse weather conditions, varying temperatures, excessive noise, and/or potential hazards.
• Mobility around a job/construction site to include walking, bending, crawling, climbing, squatting, or kneeling and wearing of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Primarily local travel during the business day, although some out‑of‑the‑area and overnight travel may be required according to the needs of the business.
• Occasional lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional pushing or pulling up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional reaching outward or above shoulder.

Job Description Disclaimer

Note: While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Bowman is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. If you’d like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here.

Safety Commitment

Bowman has an obligation to provide and maintain a safe, healthy, and productive environment for its employees and clients. We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol‑free workplace.