Public Works Inspector I/II

City of Elk Grove; Elk Grove (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement benefits

Deferred compensation match

Job summary

The City of Elk Grove is hiring a Public Works Inspector I/II to join the Engineering Services Division's Permits Section. The role focuses on inspecting construction activities under encroachment permits in the City's public right-of-way, ensuring compliance with plans, specs, and codes.

Ideal candidates have experience in trenching, traffic control, utilities installation, and related restoration work, with the ability to manage multiple encroachment permits and maintain detailed daily reports

Qualifications

• Twelfth grade with vocational training or college coursework in engineering, drafting, surveying, construction, or related field.
• Two years of experience for Inspector I or three years for Inspector II in construction inspection.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain by appointment, a valid California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Inspect public works, infrastructure, and capital improvement construction projects for conformance with plans and contract provisions.
• Review plans and specifications to ensure conformance to standards and identify opportunities for changes.
• Maintain daily inspection reports, progress payments, change orders, and related documentation.
• Confer with utility representatives, contractors, engineers, developers, and other agencies regarding standards and codes.
• Conduct pre-bid and pre-construction meetings; prepare contract documents and cost estimates.
• Address community complaints and coordinate with City departments and utilities to resolve conflicts.

Education

Public Works Inspector I/II: completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by vocational training or college level coursework in engineering, drafting, surveying, construction, or related field.

Public Works Inspector I: Two (2) years of experience in construction, building trades, public works maintenance, or related experience.

Public Works Inspector II: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in construction inspection including inspection of public works infrastructure.

Job description

The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of

PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR I/II

Public Works Inspector I: $72,673 - $97,404 annually

Public Works Inspector II: $80,300 - $107,625 annually

The City of Elk Grove is seeking to fill a Public Works Inspector I/II position within the Permits Section of the Engineering Services Division. The position will primarily focus on inspecting construction activities performed under encroachment permits within the City’s public right-of-way.

The ideal candidate will have experience in inspection of variety of public works construction activities, including trenching, temporary traffic control, overhead utility installation, underground utility installation, boring, driveway and sidewalk construction, and associated restoration work. The ideal candidate will be able to manage oversight of multiple encroachment permit projects throughout the City. The candidate will maintain good working relationships with the applicants and their contractors to successfully complete encroachment permit work and represent the City in a positive light. The candidate will maintain daily reports with pictures, meeting minutes from pre-construction and post-construction meetings, other reports as necessary to document workday’s activities, conversations with the contractors, issues, and other items as necessary.

If you are a collaborative, forward-thinking professional with a passion for public service and a desire to make a lasting impact, we invite you to join our team at the City of Elk Grove Public Works Department.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)

Filing Deadline: November 30, 2026, by 11:59 PM

Oral Board Interviews: December 14, 2026 (virtual)

Selection Interviews: December 16, 2026 (in person)

The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more. Why work for the City of Elk Grove?

DEFINITION

Under immediate (Public Works Inspector I) to general (Public Works Inspector II) supervision, performs a variety of duties involved in inspecting public works, infrastructure, capital improvement, and private development construction projects for workmanship and conformance with approved plans, specifications, and contract provisions; ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, codes, and ordinances and City and departmental requirements; prepares and maintains inspection reports, progress payments, change orders, claims and other written documentation; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Public Works Inspector I) to general (Public Works Inspector II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Public Works Inspector I: This is the entry level classification in the Public Works Inspector series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine inspections and field observations. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult. Close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of positions at the II-level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Public Works Inspector II: This is the journey level classification in the Public Works Inspector series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Public Works Inspector class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II-level are normally filled by advancement from the next lower level upon management approval, after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class, subject to budgetary funds.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Inspects all phases of public works, infrastructure, and capital improvement construction projects including streets, parks, gutters, curbs, sidewalks, parking lots, water and sewer systems, storm drains, underground improvements, street lighting systems, landscaping, landscaping irrigation systems, facilities, and other City capital projects.
• Inspects materials, methods, and procedures for conformance with plans, specifications, contract provisions, and safe work practices in accordance with City, County, and State codes; inspects materials for identification; performs routine field tests as needed.
• Reviews plans and specifications of assigned construction projects to ensure conformance to industry and City standards; reviews City standards and requirements; identifies opportunities for changes and provides recommendations to management.
• Records amounts of materials used and work performed; prepares and maintains daily inspection reports for progress payments; recommends acceptance of completed construction work or requirement of additional work upon completion of project; prepares and records change orders; and coordinates design alterations between City staff and contractors.
• Confers with representatives of utility companies, contractors, engineers, developers, and other public agencies regarding conformance to standards, plans, specifications, and codes; explains requirements and evaluates alternatives.
• Conducts pre-bid and pre-construction meetings with contractors and developers; prepares contract documents, cost estimates and budgets for projects.
• Investigates complaints from the community; confers with property owners regarding project schedule, hazards, and inconvenience; coordinates work with other City department and utilities to resolve interferences and conflicts.
• Addresses public safety in construction zones; assists with detour planning, sign placement, and other traffic control measures.
• Acts as liaison between the City, contractors, other agencies, and businesses and the community affected by projects; maintains communication among the parties and responds to and resolves issues and concerns.
• Prepares a variety of correspondence, reports, correction notices, procedures, and other written materials.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Materials, methods, principles, and practices used in public works construction.
• Principles and practices of public works construction inspection.
• Basic principles and practices of engineering design and cost estimate preparation.
• Defects and faults in construction.
• Materials sampling, testing, and estimating procedures.
• Basic practices of construction contract administration in a public agency setting.
• Basic arithmetic.
• Occupational hazards and safety standards related to conducting construction inspections, including driving rules and practices, traffic control procedures and regulations, and working in confining spaces.
• The operation and minor maintenance of tools, equipment, and vehicles used in conducting construction inspections.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Determine safety implications of construction techniques.
• Review construction plans, specifications, maps, and legal descriptions for conformance with industry and City standards.
• Assess, detect, and locate unsafe construction work and faulty materials and workmanship, determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied, and files appropriate reports and records.
• Safely and effectively use and operate tools, vehicles, and equipment required for the work.
• Coordinate activities with City staff and multiple contractors, engineers, surveyors, and property owners.
• Identify and respond to issues and concerns of City management and staff, a variety of community and business groups, and the general public in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
• Make accurate mathematical computations.
• Gather field samples and take measurements accurately in the field.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Effectively represent the department and City in meetings with contractors; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

• Public Works Inspector I/II: C completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by vocational training or college level coursework in engineering, drafting, surveying, construction, or related field.
• Public Works Inspector I: Two (2) years of experience in construction, building trades, public works maintenance, or related experience.
• Public Works Inspector II: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in construction inspection including inspection of public works infrastructure.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.

Retired Annuitants: This is a regular full-time position. Retired Annuitants are not eligible for appointment to this position under Government Code Sections 7522.56, 21224, 21227, and 21229. Retired CalPERS members may apply only if they are planning to voluntarily reinstate from retirement.

Employment Sponsorship:

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or any other type of employment-based visa sponsorship.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

When assigned to a field environment: Must possess mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, and grasp; to climb and descend ladders; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confining spaces and around machines; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff. The work requires wear and use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and occasionally are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478- 2230.

City of Elk Grove participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.