Senior Construction Inspector

County of Orange; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Orange is seeking a Senior Construction Inspector within OC Public Works' Subdivision/Permits Inspection team. The role involves independent inspection and construction management of horizontal public works projects such as roads, bikeways, bridges, and flood control channels, serving as the main county contact on sites.

The ideal candidate will hold a construction-related degree or certification, possess knowledge of standards and plans, and obtain QSP certification within one year.

Qualifications

• Possession of a degree or certification in a construction-related field is desirable.
• QSP Certification within one year of appointment is required.
• CISEC Certification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Enforcing project compliance with approved contract plans, specifications, codes, and ordinances.
• Interpreting construction plans and specifications and assessing field conditions for conflicts with proposed improvements.
• Inspecting public works facilities including roads, bridges, retaining walls, box culverts, storm drains, curbs, sidewalks, and driveways.
• Reviewing subdivision, permit, and grading plans for conformity to County standards and specifications.
• Mentoring entry level Construction Inspectors and training on inspection principles and procedures.
• Conducting site inspections to identify unsafe practices and ensure BMP compliance.
• Coordinating project construction with utility companies, other departments, and government agencies to maximize customer service.

Skills

Construction inspection knowledge

Reading & interpreting plans

Communication skills

MS Office Suite

Education

Construction-related degree or certification

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

SENIOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Senior Construction Inspector positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PT).

OC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES/OC PUBLIC WORKS

OC Development Services oversees the planning and development entitlement requirements for private and public projects within the County’s unincorporated areas. This includes permit processing, inspection services and management of zoning, building and code regulations – all to ensure safe and responsible property development and community standards.

OC Public Works provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, to cities, and to other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through efficient delivery and maintenance of public works infrastructure, planning, and development services. OC Public Works' core values are integrity, accountability, service and trust.

OCPW is a unique County department comprised of ten (10) service areas: Administrative Services, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction; OC Development Services; OC Environmental Resources; OC Facilities Design & Construction and CUF; OC Facilities Maintenance & OC Fleet Services; OC Infrastructure Programs; OC Operations & Maintenance.

Click here for more information on OC Public Works.

Click here for more information on the County of Orange.

THE OPPORTUNITY

OC Public Works is seeking to fill a Senior Construction Inspector vacancy within its Subdivision/Permits Inspection department. Senior Construction Inspectors are responsible for the independent inspection and construction management of horizontal public works construction projects. These projects include roadways, bikeways, bridges, and flood control channels. The Senior Construction Inspector serves as the main County contact on the construction site with the contractor for daily construction activities and with the public. This position also ensures that the contractor’s work complies with public works standards, the technical requirements in the specifications, and all applicable water quality and environmental requirements.

Responsibilities and duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Enforcing project compliance with approved contract plans, specifications, codes, and ordinances
• Interpreting construction plans and specifications, performing constructability peer reviews, and assessing existing field conditions to identify potential conflicts with proposed improvements
• Inspecting various public works facilities which include roads, bridges, retaining walls, box culverts, storm drains, catch basins, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, driveways, landscaping, and other civil infrastructure
• Reviewing subdivision, permit, and grading plans for concept and adherence to approved County standards specifications (Subdivision/Permits Inspection)
• Exercising limited supervision and mentoring efforts over assigned entry level Construction Inspectors, which include training on construction inspection principles, computing routine field calculations and familiarization of work policies/procedures required of the position
• Conducting construction site inspections to identify unsafe practices, evaluate project site Best Management Practices (BMPs), monitor temporary traffic control systems, and ensure compliance with approved plans and specifications
• Coordinating project construction with outside stakeholders (utility companies, other departments, and government agencies) to maximize effective customer service

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate will meet all of the below-linked minimum qualifications. Incumbents in this position must also possess and maintain a valid Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) certification within one (1) year of appointment.

The following degrees/certifications are highly desirable, but not required:

• Possession of a degree or certification in a construction-related field
• CISEC Certification
• QSP Certification
• Asphalt, Concrete, and/or Soils Field Testing Certification

In addition, the ideal candidate will also have extensive experience in the following core competencies:

Technical Knowledge

• Inspection of Public Works Road or Flood Control construction work performed under contract to the County
• Knowledge and application of modern construction methods, techniques, practices, and the use and properties of a variety of construction materials
• Extensive knowledge of roads, bridges, retaining walls, box culverts, storm drains, catch basins, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, driveways, landscaping, and other civil infrastructure
• Extensive knowledge of subdivision maps, permits, arterial highway plans, master plans, drainage plans and grading plans
• Interpretation of engineering plans, specifications, engineer’s estimates, County of Orange Standard Plans, APWA Greenbook standard specifications and Standard Plans, Caltrans Standard Plans, records of survey, and material test results
• Knowledge of stormwater principles and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
• Proficiency in hardware and software such as: MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), mobile phone, digital camera, laptop, and web-based programs and applications

Analysis and Problem Solving

• Maintain moderately complex records requiring independent judgment and accuracy
• Identify problems, gather relevant information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Demonstrate decisiveness and soundness in judgment

Communication

• Effective and professional oral and written communication skills
• Follows detailed oral and written directions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external staff, and representatives of other agencies and departments

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Please click here for details on the Senior Construction Inspector classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver License is required to perform the job-related essential functions of the position.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)

Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)

The Structured Oral Interview is a timed assessment. Applicants will provide answers to job-related questions, which will be rated by a panel of subject matter experts using standardized evaluation criteria. Only the most qualified candidates will move advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Eligible List

Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Veterans Employment Preference

The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals that require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should notify the recruiter listed on the job posting as soon as possible. Documentation supporting the accommodation request may be required.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION

Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions. For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Brian Quinlan at [e-mail]] or 714-667-9750.

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.