Recommendation

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the classification specification for Public Works Inspector as reviewed and approved by the Civil Service Board.

Background

With the vacancy in the Engineering Technician classification, the Public Works Director requested that the Personnel Department review and update the class specification and consider changing the title of the position to Public Works Inspector. The City’s Civil Service Board reviewed and approved the proposed changes to the class specification at their meeting of July 28, 1999.

Analysis

The primary function of the Engineering Technician in recent years has been to issue permits and inspect improvements made in the public right of way. There has been some low level engineering and drafting work performed in the past; however, the primary function has been for inspection. With the level and type of building and capital improvements occurring in the City, there is a great need to continue to have this position focus on the inspection function. As such, it is appropriate update the class specification to reflect the actual duties performed.

The changes proposed to the class specification include changing the title of the class from Engineering Technician to Public Works Inspector, eliminating the duties involving technical engineering work, changing the experience requirement from five years to two, and updating the format to be consistent with other class specifications that have been updated recently. The recommendation to change the experience requirement is made as a result of information obtained by surveying other agencies and reviewing the actual duties to be performed. The average experience required for a Public Works Inspector is between two and four years. Due to the nature and level of work performed by this classification, two years experience appears to be appropriate as a minimum requirement. It is important to note that the education and experience qualifications are guides only and would typically be necessary to perform the level of duties required of the position.

Upon approval by the City Council, the Personnel Department will begin an open recruitment and examination process to fill the vacant position. There is no change in salary proposed. This is a full-time budgeted position funded in the 1999/2000 budget.

Class Specification

PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, to perform inspections in the public right-of-way and to do related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Performs field inspections of improvements in the public right-of-way; establishes locations of various underground utilities; gathers data and prepares necessary details from commencement through to the completion of public works projects for adherence to plans and specifications. Interacts with other City, County, State and Federal Departments in projects related to Public Works; and prepares simple engineering sketches and drawings.

Inspects a variety of public works construction and maintenance projects for adherence to plans and specifications; performs utility permit inspections and closes out issuance; inspects the curbs, gutters, sidewalks, driveways, streets, street lighting, bike paths and any other types of improvements in the public right-of-way or on public lands, including inspecting and making recommendations for encroachments; inspects work methods, procedures and materials used; inspects back-filling of trenches. Assists in resolving conflicts between contractors and the engineering office; checks construction drawings to determine if improvement plans conform to City standards.

Read and interpret engineering data such as cross-sections, profiles, diagrams and legal descriptions; prepare topographic surveys; prepare construction and other field surveys.

Maintains sewer location card file, survey map file, tie notes, and public utility permit file. Maintains record of pier soundings.

Issues permits at the public counter; assists in various other office duties.

Performs related work duties as required.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of surveying procedures and equipment; ability to verify and record survey readings; ability to read and interpret engineering maps and blueprints; ability to maintain precise records; ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing and prepare written reports in a format that can be understood by a layperson; ability to work and deal courteously and effectively with the general public as well as co-workers.

 

Education and Experience: Two years experience inspecting public works, engineering, or construction work.

Educational achievement equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by college-level course work in engineering, drafting, public works inspection or a directly related field.

Licenses/Certificates: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License with a safe driving record is required and must be maintained as valid during the course of employment.

 

Approved by the Civil Service Board: 7-28-99

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