Engineering Technician - Field Inspections
Position Summary: This position is responsible for inspecting public works, public utilities, and private development construction projects, including storm drainage systems, streets, right-of-way improvements, water and sanitary sewer projects, and permitted right-of-way activities. Duties include field inspection of construction worksites to ensure compliance with construction codes and safety and quality standards. Reviews civil engineering construction and private development engineering plans and documents for conformance to City design and construction standards, codes and ordinances.
Examples of Job Duties:
- Inspects infrastructure of construction projects, including street, sewer, water, and stormwater systems, to ensure compliance with the approved plans, applicable codes, standards, ordinances and regulations.
- Reviews civil engineering construction and private development plans and documents for conformance to City design and construction standards, codes and ordinances; performs review of detailed plans, specifications, and required submittals for private development projects, such as street, water distribution, sewer collection, and storm drainage system.
- Observes construction work; ensures construction work is proceeding safely proper construction methods are utilized; takes and recommends actions to minimize hazards, disruptions to public services and facilities; issues verbal and written directives including stop work orders.
- Coordinates pre-construction meeting prior to any work commencing.
- Reviews site for erosion control measures, monitors site runoff and advises contractor of corrective measures needed.
- Prepares and maintains reports and records of daily inspection activities. Enters inspection reports in permit tracking system; notes deficiencies and corrections needed.
- Confers with contractors, builders, developers, engineers and other city staff; explains and interprets requirements, discrepancies and restrictions; coordinates and participates in pre-construction meetings.
- Researches problems and makes recommendations for changes; assists in the development of construction documents and specifications; assists in the preparation and/or review of estimates, bid documents, permitting, project schedules and plans.
- Collects sample data; creates and maintains field notes; prepares documentation used for reports; maintains engineering records, reports and databases.
- Coordinates approval of field revisions with plan review staff; works with contractors, inspectors, other City departments and affected agencies to resolve conflicts and recommend acceptable alternatives to achieve compliance with design standards and approved construction plans.
- Responds to public inquiries related to area of assignment; provides information; deals courteously with the public; consults with other department staff to resolve construction and inspection issues.
- Initiates final and maintenance bond inspections; generates a punch list of incomplete or non-compliant work.
- Makes determinations or recommendations to require correction of deficiencies, change in materials or workmanship, or stop work. Documents and advises contractors regarding inspection findings. Creates punch list and conducts follow-up inspections. Prepares related correspondence.
- Reviews construction bills of sale and estimates in order to establish appropriate bond amounts for performance and maintenance warranties on drainage, roads and utility improvements.
- Reviews bonds and assignments of funds; monitors performance and status of outstanding warranties. Coordinates with developers and contractors on compliance and release of warranties following performance with required conditions and expiration of warranty period.
- Performs side sewer inspections as required.
- Coordinates temporary traffic plans, street closures and utility shut downs to minimize disruption and ensure safety.
- Makes recommendations for modification to City Street and Utilities Standards.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices and methods applicable to public works construction.
- Knowledge of laws, standards, and regulations relating to construction inspection, safety and traffic control.
- Knowledge of public works inspection methods and procedures, surveying practices, environmental regulations, and administrative practices.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations, protocols and standards governing construction inspection and plan review activities including City policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of principles of design construction and maintenance of public works projects.
- Knowledge of construction materials and their use, occupational hazards and safety procedures.
- Skills in working with the community and fostering a good relationship between the City, the contractors and the community.
- Ability to read and interpret complex drawings, plans and specifications and to effectively communicate technical information.
- Ability to prepare, organize and maintain inspection field and office data reports and systems.
- Ability to prepare sketches to document field changes and as-builts.
- Ability to perform basic mathematic computation, including geometry.
- Ability to research and analyze data and to remain current with emerging technologies as they relate to the field.
- Ability to use independent judgment, to negotiate and problem solve with contractors, developers, property owners, employees and consultants; to anticipate problems and pursue solutions.
- Ability to compare statutes, rules, ordinances, codes and regulations to construction plans and technical specifications.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and with frequent interruptions.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of modern construction methods, materials, equipment, materials sampling and testing.
- Knowledge of common civil engineering practices and procedures; construction codes and standards related to public works and private development construction projects; surface water management standards; and erosion and sediment control methods.
- Ability to effectively operate windows based computer and related software applications including word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and other specialized software applications that support construction inspection activities
Special Requirements
This position requires the use of a City vehicle. Valid Washington State Driver’s License, or ability to obtain license within 30 days of hire, with good driving record is required.