Job Information
City of Tacoma WA Construction Inspector, Public Works in Tacoma, Washington
Construction Inspector, Public Works
Salary
$41.12 - $52.48 Hourly
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Classified
Job Number
2016-24A
Department
Public Works
Opening Date
05/02/2024
Closing Date
5/16/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
UPDATE: * SPECIAL NOTE: This is a project position expected to end December 31, 2028, unless extended. *
The City of Tacoma, Public Works Department, is recruiting for the position of Construction Inspector. Construction Inspectors are responsible for the inspection of a variety of construction projects for conformance with specifications, City ordinances and regulations.
This position will work within the Construction Management Group in the Public Works Engineering Division. The position will provide inspection services for the capital improvement projects of the City's Public Works Department (the approximate average annual Capital Improvement budget is $30 million).
The Public Works Engineering Division provides a unique opportunity for Construction Inspectors to work on a wide variety of complex capital improvement projects as they progress through their careers. The types of projects can cover the full spectrum of typical municipal infrastructure improvements associated with Roadways, Bridges, Sidewalks, Trails, Facilities, Wastewater, Surface Water and often includes partnering with the City's Environmental Services Department and Tacoma Public Utilities.
Construction Inspectors in Public Works work on projects related to the following areas:
Roadway Infrastructure Projects - Projects that focus on roadway repair and replacement, complete streets, sidewalks, bicycle facilities, ADA improvements, signal upgrades and new installations, streetlights, stormwater and other utilities.
Bridges - Repairs, resurfacing, and replacement of Tacoma's City owned bridges.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure - Projects include City paths and trails, bikeways, ADA compliance, unfit/unsafe sidewalk program, Safe Routes to Schools, City-owned parks, waterfront esplanades, and pedestrian crossing improvements.
Facility Projects - Projects include renovations and upgrades to City owned facilities including ADA upgrade projects, tenant improvements, structural and seismic improvements, theater renovations, and various aesthetic improvements.
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, Construction Inspectors provide inspection services in conformance with the contract plans and specification on a variety of construction projects, including: roads and bridges, water and electrical systems, streets, and facilities; ensuring that projects are constructed within the scope of the project, on schedule, and within budget.
Our Ideal Candidate is a person with:
An excellent work ethic
A strong construction background in civil construction methods
Good communication skills
Understanding of regulatory requirements
A team player
The Principles that Guide Us:
Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented and open-minded employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement in all that we do. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.
Essential Duties:
Inspect a variety of construction and installation projects including water and electrical systems, streets, concrete structures and large development projects for conformance with specifications, City ordinances and regulations.
Inspect sewers, streets, street lighting and traffic signal systems, telephone cables, bridges, walls and large construction projects such as housing developments and apartment complexes as assigned.
Inspect grades and test construction materials such as sand, gravel, concrete pour and aggregates; inspect and test water mains and fire hydrants.
Inspect trenching, placing and backfilling for the transformer wells, junction boxes, street light foundations, poles and installation of underground cables.
Coordinate with contractors to facilitate construction and installation projects and to adjust project plans as necessary; account for contract bid items in preparation of payment to contractors.
Review project plans and specifications for completeness, accuracy and compliance with City ordinances and regulations.
Communicate with various City departments and personnel to coordinate and facilitate projects.
Prepare and maintain various records and reports concerning projects, job status and progress.
Coordinate efforts of private and public utility adjustments and installations during course of an assigned project.
Train and provide work direction to others as assigned.
Advise and confer with the general public concerning project activities as appropriate.
Operate a variety of equipment such as personal computers, land survey equipment, mechanical testing equipment, metal detectors, pressure gauges and two-way radios; operate vehicles, such as automobiles, pick-up trucks and boats as necessary to conduct work.
An incumbent paid at non-automatic step 6 will also be responsible for performing complex inspection of construction projects, training, coordinating work and/or providing work direction to other Inspectors.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Position may require lifting of objects weighing up to 50 lbs., pushing and climbing.
Work includes indoor and outdoor environment; subject to driving from site to site and fumes.
Incumbents in this classification may be exposed to hazardous chemicals and traffic hazards.
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
Qualifications
An equivalent combination to:
Graduation from high school supplemented by college-level courses related to inspection work,
AND
Three (3) years' experience in field or office engineering work involving construction phase reviews.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State driver's license at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
Knowledge & Skills
Construction specifications and plans.
Regulations related to public works, water systems, underground power and street lighting construction by contract.
Sewer and water system construction.
Underground power and street lighting construction.
Grading operations and the preparation of sub-grades.
Basic principles and practices of engineering.
Inspection techniques related to weights and measuring devices.
Technical aspects of field of specialty.
Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
Methods, equipment and materials used in construction inspection.
Record-keeping techniques.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Read and prepare engineering plans and specifications.
Perform construction inspections and tests.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Meet schedules and time lines.
Learn to interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Work independently with little direction.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Operate a variety of equipment such as testing and survey equipment and measuring devices.
Operate a motor vehicle.
Lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity:
Interested individuals must apply online and meet the minimum qualifications to progress in the examination process.
In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
UPDATE: * SPECIAL NOTE: This is a project position expected to end December 31, 2028, unless extended. *
Candidates who are eligible for Veteran's Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application , to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.
Examination Process:
This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the Supplemental Questions #5-11 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers.
Candidates who pass the test will be placed on an Eligible List for potential interview and hiring consideration.
Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a background check and a pre-employment medical exam, alcohol/drug screen and may include a physical ability test.
This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between The City of Tacoma and the Local 17 PTE. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification; any employee moving into this position must successfully complete a six-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.
WHY WORK FOR THE CITY?
The City of Tacoma offers a generous program of employee benefits:
Outstanding working conditions and an exceptional quality-of-life environment.
Medical coverage for eligible employees, spouses and dependents, including children up to age 26.
Vision care with VSP for employees and eligible dependents enrolled in the Regence PPO medical plan with vision benefits.
Dental coverage for eligible employees and their elected dependents, including dependent children up to the age of 26.
Deferred compensation allowing tax-deferred savings as authorized under Section 457 of the IRS Code.
Personal time off.
Paid holidays.
A great pension plan.
Our City:
With a population of over 220,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, and our schools are exceptional.
When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll have an opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/
The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, call the Human Resources office at (253) 591.5400 before 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. The NEOGOV computer system automatically times-out at 5:00 pm and any application that has not been completed before then, will not be uploaded and accepted for this recruitment.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.
Yes
No
02
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by college-level courses related to inspection work?
Yes
No
03
Do you have three (3) years' experience in field or office engineering work involving construction phase reviews?
Yes
No
04
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:
Questions #5-11 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to the questions. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT RESPOND WITH "SEE RESUME" in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application and this will result in a score of 0 points and you will fail the test. Your score on the experience and training test will ONLY reflect your response to the questions asked.
Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions #5-11.
Yes
No
05
Please describe your experience working in the construction trade as an inspector, contractor, engineer, or in a similar profession that closely relates to this position. Please include the number of years and your duties.
06
Please describe in detail your background and experience related to typical municipal infrastructure improvements associated with roadways, trail projects, traffic, signal & streetlight, Wastewater, Surface Water, and streetlight Utility projects. Give specific examples of any direct working relationships with the contractor, inspector, and/or engineer along with any challenges that occurred. Examples might include: sewers, streets, roads, highways, bridges, walls, buildings, structures, ADA improvements and access, trenching / placing / backfilling, shoring, false work, QA/QC, sand, gravel, concrete, HMA, UG utilities, signals, street lighting and construction material testing.
07
One of the City's Principals that Guide Us is Integrity. In detail describe a situation where you worked to gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
08
One of the City's Principals that Guide Us is Equity. In detail, describe a situation where you helped to create and/or sustain an organizational environment that acknowledges and celebrates diversity and employs inclusive practices throughout its daily operations.
09
One of the inspectors essential duties is documentation of the project. Please describe in detail what would be included in a daily inspectors report. Part of documentation is force account work (change order work), please describe a situation where you as a construction inspector would think that work should be tracked under force account. What specific circumstances would justify force account (change order work)? Are there any circumstances that would not warrant a force account? What items are compensable under force account work?
10
Indicate the construction work and/or construction inspection tasks in which you have three (3) or more years of experience performing. Select all that apply.
Reviewing construction/development project permits
Inspecting construction project work performed
Installing/constructing utilities, streets, drainage systems, sewers, infrastructure replacement, and Right-of-Way based projects
Resolving disputes with contractors, developers, or the public
Implementing construction practices for roadways, streets and sidewalks
Reading construction plans and specifications
Interpreting and enforcing municipal, state, and federal construction codes
Acting as a liaison for project stakeholders
Incorporating the historical perspective of City roadways
Utilizing Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
None of the above
11
Indicate the competencies in which you have three (3) or more years of experience implementing. Select all that apply.
Fundamentals of construction processes
Fundamentals of Municipal Uniform Traffic Control Devices and work area protection practices
Fundamentals of inspection procedures and techniques
Municipal, State and Federal construction codes
Experience with WSDOT standard plans and specifications for roads, bridges, and highways
Experience with fundamentals of ADA construction (ADAG/PROWAG)
Experience with or knowledge of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Reviewing the structural integrity of buildings, roadways and bridges
Construction report writing
Knowledge of practices in conducting field tests
Competency in reading and interpreting engineering and architectural plans and specifications
Knowledge of legal requirements of code enforcement
Fundamentals of concrete and asphalt construction
Conflict resolution practices of construction issues
None of the above
12
SCENARIO: A contractor on the project to which you are assigned continuously refuses to follow the established guidelines of the contract, plans, and specifications, what steps would you use to rectify the situation?
13
SCENARIO: You are on a job site and find a condition with which you are unfamiliar and you are unsure of the regulatory requirements. How would you handle this situation?
14
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
Job Interest Card notification
Internet search
Professional organization
Community organization
Military organization
Union job posting
City of Tacoma employee
Online job board posting
Word of mouth
Other
15
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
16
Did you remember to upload a cover letter and resume, AND a DDForm 214 Member Copy 4 if you are a Military Veteran who is eligible for Veteran's Preference, to this application?
Yes
No
Required Question
Agency
City of Tacoma
Address
Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764
Phone
253-591-5400
Website
http://www.cityoftacoma.org
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