Public Works Inspector I-II-III

Job Description:

Public Works Inspector I-II-III

Description

Description

WHAT WE OFFER

• General Salary Increase: 3.5% effective December 20, 2026; and 3.5% effective December 19, 2027.
• Educational Incentive: An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
• Bilingual Incentive: Proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I); $1.00 per hour (Level II); or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
• Vacation Accrual: New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked.
• Vacation Redemption: After 14,560 hours of continuous service an employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 80 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
• Sick Leave: Full-time Regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods.
• Deferred Compensation: Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Health Plans: Full-time employees are afforded a flexible credit allowance for purchasing medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from a group of authorized plans: Tier One for employee only is $463.99 per biweekly pay period, Tier Two for employee plus one is $834.32 per biweekly pay period and Tier Three for employee plus family is $1,024.11 per biweekly pay period.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Choice of participation in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increase spending power through reimbursement of pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
• Pension Plan: Both the County and employees contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and to Social Security. If eligible, reciprocity may be established with other public retirement systems, such as PERS.
• Holidays: 13 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.

Under general supervision, performs technical field or laboratory inspections of moderate (at the I and II level) difficulty on public works construction projects; and performs related duties as required. At the III level, inspects a variety of public works and subdivision construction projects of moderate size and complexity; and/or performs a variety of field and laboratory tests on public works construction materials; and/or performs construction inspection on road or flood control encroachment projects; and performs related work as required.

The ideal candidate will have experience in construction inspection of transportation, flood control, water and sewer facilities, and/or land development projects and excellent skills in MS Office software (Excel, Word, Access) and Geographic Information System (GIS); knowledge of Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (Greenbook) or stormwater best management practices. Experience with record keeping and thorough documentation of field activities and observations; skill with report writing including effective enforcement correspondence; and familiarity with materials testing and inspection.

APPROXIMATE SALARIES:
Public Works Inspector I - $28.37 - $39.68 per hour
Public Works Inspector II - $30.43 - $42.58 per hour
Public Works Inspector III - $33.85 - $47.47 per hour

EDUCATIONAL/BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Incumbents may be eligible to receive an educational incentive of either a 2.5%, for an associate's degree, a 3.5%, for a bachelor's degree or 5% for a post graduate degree that is not required to work in the classification. Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive pay depending upon operational needs and certification skills.
NOTE: Depending on their qualifications and the needs of the department, candidates may be appointed at either the Public Works Inspector I, II, or III level. Candidates appointed at the Public Works Inspector I or II level may be promoted to the next level without further competition upon meeting minimum employment standards for the higher classification, performing satisfactorily, and depending on the needs of the Department.
Public Works Inspectors are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Takes field samples of base and sub-base materials and test for relative compaction, abrasion, sand equivalency, resistance values, oil mix, etc.
• Maintains accurate and complete notes on tests and calculates data from tests.
• Makes routine checks of gradations, proportions and quality of raw materials used at concrete, base and sub-base mix plants.
• Makes routine inspections of supplies, equipment, materials and workmanship used by a contractor in construction work for County and special district projects to ensure conformance to the standards established in the specifications.
• Writes reports and maintains records as required.

In addition to the items above, the Public Works Inspector III may also perform the following duties:

• Performs construction inspection on private and public works projects to ensure compliance with permits and approved plans and specifications; inspects stormwater best management practices.
• Conducts permit inspections and plan checks, and verifies that they meet County or other special district standards.
• Inspects subgrade, steel reinforcement, fill/cut slopes, concrete, fencing, roads, bank stabilization, the construction of water distribution piping systems, sewage collection piping, booster pump stations, lift stations, water works, and other constructive work, and supplies, equipment, materials, workmanship, etc., used by contractors in construction work to ensure conformance to the standards established in the specifications.
• Generates daily and weekly inspection reports, submitting as required, and maintains electronic records; documents changes in the construction field for the as-built record drawings.
• Investigates complaints, coordinates enforcement actions, and prepares all necessary documentation; responds to public inquiries and provides customer services.
• May prepare, coordinate, and conduct training/safety meetings and maintain all related records.
• Performs related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

These are the entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE
Level I: Some experience performing office, field or laboratory work for construction projects which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. The required knowledge, skills and abilities also can be obtained by:

• Completion of an Associate degree in Engineering, or related physical science OR
• At least one year of public works inspection experience OR
• Qualifying comparable experience as an Engineering Aide.

Level II: Considerable experience performing office, field and laboratory work for construction projects. The required knowledge, skills and abilities also can be obtained by:

• Completion of an Associate degree in Engineering, or related physical science and one year of public works inspection experience OR
• At least two (2) years of public works inspection experience, one year of which may be met by qualifying experience as a technician or engineering aide.

Level III: Any satisfactory combination of progressively responsible experience and training which would demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities levels. The required knowledge, skills and abilities also can be obtained by:

• At least four years of progressively responsible experience in construction inspection, materials testing, field surveying or other directly related Public Works maintenance or construction experience, including one year at a level comparable to a Public Works Inspector II. Specific experience may be required for some positions.
• Substitution: Other special training/experience pertinent to the specific tasks may be considered for up to one year of the required experience if appropriate to the position. Completion of an Associate degree in Engineering, Construction Technology, or other related physical science OR 24 units of college coursework in courses such as engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, soil mechanics, land surveying, or related physical sciences may substitute for one year of the required experience.
  

If you are substituting education for experience (up to one year), verification of the college-level coursework is required. Transcripts from an accredited college or university which reflect passing grades in the required subject areas must be submitted to Public Works Human Resources within three (3) business days of the closing date of this recruitment. If they are not submitted, your application may be screened out, and you may not be allowed to continue in the process. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

If the name on the documentation is different from the name on your application, include documents that show the name change.

Notice for Applicants with Foreign Degrees :Applicants who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license.
• Skill in the use of computers and MS Office software.
• Customer service and communication skills and ability to interact effectively with contractors, the public and other Agencies.
• Excellent skills in record keeping and documentation, clear and concise (effective) report writing abilities.
• Must meet requirements for the Cal/OSHA Respiratory Fit Program.
• Work is performed both in an office environment and outdoors. Incumbents may be required to perform strenuous tasks and be exposed to hazardous conditions on highways and rugged terrain, in dust, and in close proximity to construction equipment.

DESIRED

• Experience related to construction inspection of transportation, flood control, water and wastewater, and/or land development projects
• Working experience in computer software, databases, spreadsheets, and construction management software.
• Knowledge of design and construction standards, environmental regulations, and/or stormwater best management practices
• Skill in Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Knowledge of Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (Greenbook) or stormwater best management practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Some to working knowledge (depending on level in the series) of: principles of algebra, geometry and trigonometry; standard specifications and tests for materials normally used on construction projects; the principles of engineering construction, design and land surveying.

Some to working ability (depending on level in the series) of: read and interpret basic engineering plans and specifications; perform inspections at mixing plants and effectively enforce compliance with plans and specifications; assist in making construction inspections of limited scope; use laboratory equipment and make tests of construction materials; maintain notes and write accurate and concise reports; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Thorough knowledge of (III): the methods, materials, and standards involved in the construction of a variety of public works projects; standard specifications governing public works construction materials; and problems involved in securing adherence to standards.

Thorough ability to (III): perform a variety of field and laboratory materials control testing, including the application of specialized techniques in the calculation and evaluation of test results; develop a comprehensive knowledge of plant operations and requirements and of mix design; test aggregates and their mixes and interpret results; understand, interpret and apply specifications and plans; maintain records and prepare reports; establish and maintain effective relationships with others.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: A pplications must be received by the County of Ventura, Human Resources Division in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026.

To apply online, please refer to our website at www.venturacounty.gov/jobs . If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5219 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

Sufficient applicable information must be provided under the Education/Work experience portion of the application and supplemental questionnaire, to thoroughly and accurately demonstrate your qualifications in order to determine eligibility. A resume may be attached to supplement your responses in the above sections; however, it may not be substituted in lieu of the application.

NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here for additional information.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this examination AT THE TIME OF FILING. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire will result in the application being removed from consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the recruitment process.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION - 100%: A job-related written examination will be conducted to evaluate the candidate's knowledge of construction/engineering, plans and drawings, inspection, roads/highway, watershed, safety, arithmetic, higher mathematics, and reading comprehension. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

ELIGIBLE LIST: Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future regular (including temporary and fixed-term), intermittent, and extra help vacancies within the Public Works Agency. There is currently one (1) regular vacancy.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough post offer, pre-employment background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record may be required for this position. For those classifications that are subject to Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, incumbents will be tested prior to driving a commercial vehicle and may be randomly tested thereafter.

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Sylvia Campos by email at [email protected] .

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

Service Employees International Union (LOCAL 721)

(SEIU)

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
• Retirement FAQ's
• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: UPA, UPC, UPE, UPH, UPI, UPJ,UPT, UWS

Closing Date/Time: 6/19/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$59,017.36 - $98,728.83 Annually