Water Wastewater Utility Inspector III
Gainesville Regional Utilities
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Job summary
Gainesville Regional Utilities seeks an experienced Water/Wastewater Utility Inspector III to perform advanced field inspections of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water infrastructure built by contractors for GRU projects. You will oversee complex field activities, ensure conformance with standards, and provide technical guidance to engineers.
The role requires thorough inspection of piping systems, valves, appurtenances, and related installations; documenting findings with reports and photos;
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree not required; AA/AS in construction or related field preferred.
- Nine years of related experience in infrastructure installation, construction inspection, or EHS in water/wastewater; OR three years as Inspector II.
- Florida DEP license and FWPCOA certifications as required.
Responsibilities
- Monitors construction activities for compliance with GRU safety standards, policies, and procedures.
- Prepares estimates, field orders, change orders, and maintains documentation for project modifications.
- Conducts detailed inspections of pipe, equipment, and appurtenances; reviews materials against plans and GRU standards.
- Supports engineers with field expertise and technical input on planning studies.
- Coordinates water main shutdowns, testing, CCTV, startup activities, and other project completion tasks.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Application Deadline: Applications must be received by 11:59pm EDT, November 3, 2026..
Gainesville Regional Utilities Water/Wastewater Systems currently has an opening for an Inspector III to perform advanced construction inspection of water/wastewater projects for the New Development group. The inspector must possess strong technical expertise and be able to exercise independent judgment to resolve complex field conditions. The inspector must also be able to coordinate with project engineers and contractors and ensure water and wastewater utilities are constructed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established design and GRU standards. The successful candidate will have previous experience in water and/or wastewater pipeline projects (water mains and sewers).
The ideal candidate should have the following:
- Strong communication and problem solving skills
- Knowledge of Water/Wastewater infrastructure
- Ability to collaborate effectively with contractors and/or engineers
- Knowledge of, and ability to interpret, technical specifications, contract requirements, engineering drawings, and standard construction details
- Understanding of Water/Wastewater regulatory requirements and safety standards
- Familiarity with water/wastewater construction technologies
- Experience with work management and/or records management programs
Note:
- May fill position at Water Wastewater Utility Inspector I, II or III level
- May fill multiple positions
- May establish an eligibility list for future hiring
Non-Exempt
The Water/Wastewater Utility Inspector III performs advanced‑level field inspections to ensure the proper installation of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water infrastructure constructed by contractors on behalf of GRU. This position represents the highest level in the utility inspector series and is responsible for overseeing complex construction activities involving both pipeline and water/wastewater treatment plant facilities Unusual conditions, exceptions, or matters requiring interpretation or modification of established requirements are referred to the appropriate engineer, project manager, or supervisor.
Primary responsibilities include conducting comprehensive inspections of water, sewer, and reclaimed water piping systems; evaluating trenching, bedding, pipe installation, structural elements, valves, appurtenances, and associated features for conformance with standards; and performing detailed inspections of mechanical, structural, electrical, and process‑related installations at water and wastewater treatment plants. The Inspector III documents work progress, prepares thorough daily inspection reports, and provides detailed photographic and written records of field conditions and contractor performance.
The Utility Inspector serves as a key liaison between contractors, engineers, utility operations, and project management teams. The position evaluates field conditions against approved plans, specifications, GRU standards, and established procedures; identifies deficiencies or deviations; communicates required corrective action consistent with established requirements; and documents conditions requiring engineering or management review. The Inspector III provides technical observations and recommendations to engineers regarding field conditions, constructability concerns, and potential adjustments. Design changes, deviations from established standards, significant project modifications, and other matters requiring engineering or management approval are referred to the appropriate engineer, project manager, or supervisor. The Inspector III also performs advanced construction administration tasks, including drafting field orders and change orders, reviewing and recommending approval of contractor pay applications, estimating costs associated with changes to the work, and verifying quantities.
Work involves coordinating complex testing and startup activities; monitoring site safety; identifying potential impacts to existing GRU systems; and serving as an experienced field resource to project engineers, construction managers, and contractors. The Inspector III applies approved plans, specifications, standards, and procedures to address field inspection matters and refers conditions requiring design interpretation, modification, exception, or higher-level approval to the appropriate engineer, project manager, or supervisor.
Positions in this classification operate under general supervision and are expected to independently perform assigned inspection activities within established standards, procedures, plans, and specifications. Work is reviewed for accuracy, technical soundness, adherence to GRU requirements, and appropriate identification and escalation of issues requiring higher-level review or approval.
Note: Utility Inspector III is the advanced level in a three‑level series. Advancement requires demonstrated mastery of inspection principles, substantial experience with both pipeline and treatment plant construction, acquisition of required certifications, and the ability to provide leadership, and technical guidance. Competencies, duties, certifications, and requirements of Utility Inspector I and II are inherently included.
Essential Functions:
- Monitors construction activities for compliance with established GRU safety standards, policies, and procedures; identifies and documents observed safety deficiencies and communicates or escalates concerns in accordance with established procedures.
- Prepares construction sketches, cost estimates, work orders, and draft field and change orders for project modifications, additions, and deletions in accordance with GRU standards. Identifies emerging construction issues, recommends proactive solutions, and coordinates necessary changes with customers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
- Conducts detailed inspections of pipe, equipment, and appurtenance installations; reviews materials and shop drawings for conformance with approved plans, specifications, and established GRU standards; identifies and documents deficiencies; and rejects materials or workmanship that do not meet established requirements. Refers deviations, exceptions, or matters requiring engineering interpretation or approval to the appropriate engineer or project manager.
- Supports engineers in the development of long‑range and short‑range planning studies by providing field expertise and technical input.
- Coordinates water main shutdowns, valve locating and operation, chlorination and bacteriological sampling, pressure testing, vacuum and mandrel testing, CCTV inspections, equipment start‑up activities, and other testing required for project completion.
- Develops, organizes, and maintains databases for drawings, manuals, records, and photographs, and prepares accurate and comprehensive reports using information from these databases.
- Performs inspections of lift station projects and associated infrastructure, including force mains and gravity sewer systems.
- Reviews private development and city plans for compliance with applicable standards, policies, and procedures. Monitors development‑related utility extensions through construction, completion, and acceptance.
- Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
- Required to respond in emergency conditions.
Non-Essential Functions:
- Enters work order and computer data.
- Attends training and continuing education.
- Handles hazardous materials as assigned.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Associate of Arts or Science in a construction or environmental related field.
Two (2) years of experience in water or wastewater utilities can be substituted for an associate’s degree. However, graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma, if equivalency diploma is provided, must meet requirements to be licensed by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association (FWPCOA).
Nine (9) years of related experience in infrastructure installation, construction inspection, or Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) implementation, preferably in water or wastewater utilities; OR, three (3) years as a Water / Wastewater Utility Inspector II.
Licenses
- Valid Florida Class E Driver's License required.
Certifications
- Five of the following certifications are required at the time of appointment:
- NASSCO PACP, LACP, MACP Certification
- NASSCO ITCP-CIPP and ITCP-MH Certification.
- OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification
- OSHA HAZWOPER 40-Hour Safety Certification
- Confined Space Entry Certification.
- American Concrete Institute Field Testing Technician – Grade 1 Certification
Contributes to Achieving GRU's Mission
Customer Focus
Accountability & Dependability
Contributes to a Positive Work Environment
Safety
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including preparing detailed technical reports and providing clear direction in the field.
- Advanced proficiency with computer applications, including databases, spreadsheets, word‑processing tools, Cityworks, GIS, SharePoint, and related inspection and documentation software.
- Ability to work collaboratively with engineers, contractors, customers, regulatory agencies, and the public while representing GRU standards and project requirements.
- Ability to perform advanced engineering‑related computations, interpret complex plans and specifications, analyze technical data, and independently resolve complex field issues.
- Extensive knowledge of construction standards, specifications, methods, and materials used in water, wastewater, and reclaimed water pipeline construction, lift stations, and treatment plant facilities.
- Thorough knowledge of rules, regulations, codes, policies, and procedures governing water and wastewater utility construction, testing, safety, and commissioning.
- Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, maintain detailed documentation, and prepare accurate, comprehensive reports.
- Ability to coordinate and oversee complex operational and construction activities such as shutdowns, testing procedures, CCTV inspections, and startup/commissioning tasks.
- Ability to review private development and city plans for compliance with standards and to monitor development‑related utility extensions through completion and acceptance.
- Ability to prepare and assist with construction administration documents, including sketches, cost estimates, field orders, change orders, and recommendations for project modifications.
Climbing - Occasionally
Driving - Often
Far Vision Acuity - Often
Fine Manipulation - Often
Foot or Leg Controls - Often
Gross Manipulation - Often
Hearing - Often
Keyboarding - Often
Lifting or Carrying>50 lbs. - Occasionally
Near Visual Acuity - Often
Peripheral Vision - Often
Pushing or Pulling > 50 lbs. - Often
Reaching Above Shoulder Level - Occasionally
Reaching Overhead-Occasionally
Sitting - Occasionally
Speaking - Often
Standing or Walking - Often
Stooping, Kneeling, or Crawling - Often
Required to work during emergency conditions.
Work requires performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.
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