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Public Works Inspector I / II

Salary

$70,990.40 - $102,273.60 Annually

Location

La Mesa City Hall, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

26-06

Department

Community Development

Opening Date

01/07/2026

Closing Date

1/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Max Number of Applicants

200

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Position Summary

The City of La Mesa is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Public Works Inspector to oversee projects, streamline operations, and support effective decision-making within our Community Development Department. If you want to be part of an exciting, forward-thinking team making a difference in local government, then the City of La Mesa invites you to apply!

Applications will be accepted for the first 200 submissions only, so we encourage you to apply promptly.

About The Department:

The Community Development Department consists of Planning, Land Development, Building, Housing, and Code Compliance, all working together to create a safe and healthy city through land use, permits, affordable housing initiatives, and code enforcement.

The Public Works Inspector will ensure construction projects meet City of La Mesa standards, and all applicable construction, local and state codes. Inspections will include grading, infrastructure (water, sewer, surface & drainage improvements) and stormwater compliance for private developments. Field inspections will include the verification of construction quality and plan adherence, resolving issues, scheduling, record keeping and closely collaborating with contractors, engineers, consultants, other agencies, the community, and other City departments, focusing on compliance for public infrastructure and private development impacting public areas.

The successful candidate will perform a wide variety of diverse professional-level analytical and administrative duties as requested by management in the Community Development Department, including other specialized functions as assigned: coordinate and perform a variety of recordkeeping and administration duties; prepare reports or research to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations; coordinate assigned activities with other departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; provide information and assistance to the public regarding assigned services and general inquiries. Please note this position includes both field and in-office work.

Employees in this classification work under the city’s associate engineer and receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the work unit's operating procedures and policies.

The City of La Mesa is committed to delivering the highest standards of service to enhance the quality of life for its citizens through the effective planning and development of projects, including city's infrastructure in an efficient and effective manner, all while actively engaging the community.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess:

+ Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.

+ Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills.

+ Experience in reviewing and interpreting plans, specs, standard drawings, codes, and ensuring construction compliance.

+ Hands-on leadership experience to plan, schedule, and communicate with a wide range of people including contractors, consultants, coworkers, other agencies, and the public.

+ Expertise in record keeping, documentation of findings, and reporting, including proficiency with computer software for scheduling, record keeping, and reporting.

+ Problem solving skills related to field conditions, construction constraints, public complaints, and recommending solutions for project challenges.

+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

This position may be filled as either a Public Works Inspector I or Public Works Inspector II depending on candidate qualifications.

The work schedule for this position is Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. City Hall is closed on alternate Fridays.

For a complete list of job duties, please review the Public Works Inspector I (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lamesa/classspecs/747835?keywords=public%20works%20inspector&pagetype=classSpecifications) and Public Works Inspector II (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lamesa/classspecs/747836?keywords=public%20works%20inspector&page=2&pagetype=classSpecifications) job descriptions.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

To inspect work quality and materials used in a variety of public works projects within the City's right-of-way including the construction, repair, maintenance or alteration of streets, sewers, storm drains, street lights, traffic signals, parks, landscape medians and related structures; to ensure conformance with plans, specifications and safety standards; and to maintain records and prepare reports on projects inspected.

The Public Works Inspector I is an entry level class in the Public Works Inspector series. This class is distinguished from the Public Works Inspector II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits a pattern that has been established and explained before the work is started. Since this class is typically an entry level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Advancement to the "II" level is based on training, experience, and satisfactory job performance.

The Public Works Inspector II is the journey level class in the Public Works Inspector series. Employees in this class are distinguished from the Public Works Inspector I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the “I” level, or when filled from the outside, require prior experience in public works inspection.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

+ Inspect work quality of and materials used in a variety of public works projects within City right of ways during various stages of construction; areas of inspection including streets, sewers, storm drains, streetlights, traffic signals, parks, landscape medians and related structures; ensure compliance with standards, specifications and applicable codes, ordinances and regulations.

+ Take samples of materials for examination or analysis by laboratories; perform routine materials and density field tests to assure material and workmanship quality; coordinate results of tests and verify approval of structure.

+ Check line, grade, size, elevation and location of structures for conformance with specifications and regulations.

+ Compile detailed data of construction progress and inspection results; prepare various reports on daily operations and activities.

+ Attend pre-construction meetings; represent the City's needs and requirements to developers, contractors and engineers; review plans and specifications to gain familiarity with construction projects.

+ Observe work during progress and upon completion; recommend progress payments; conduct safety inspections to ensure that safety procedures are followed; advise contractors of changes in plans and variances.

+ Perform preliminary and final inspections including reviewing plans and specifications and preparing punch list prior to project acceptance to assure compliance with City standards.

+ Assist construction supervisors in interpreting project specifications.

+ Inspect adjacent properties for damage from construction activity.

+ Confer with property owners regarding project schedule, hazards and inconvenience; schedule service interruptions with the least interference and least inconvenience to property owners.

+ Coordinate work with other City departments and utilities to resolve interferences and conflicts.

+ Perform variety of tasks for Federal and State grant funded jobs; complete and update a variety of forms and reports including daily construction reports and weekly statement of working days.

+ Supervise contracted construction inspectors as assigned.

+ Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in public works inspection, civil engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

Public Works Inspector I- One year of construction or para-professional public works engineering experience.

Public Works Inspector II - Two years of construction or para-professional public works engineering experience.

License or Certificate:

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Examination Process

Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire by the closing deadline of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. “See Application” or “See Resume” is not an acceptable response for a supplemental question that requires a written answer and may result in disqualification. Please include a cover letter and resume. Only candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position. The examination process may consist of any or all of the following: appraisal interview, performance test or written exam. Interviews for this position are scheduled for the week of February 16, 2026.

NOTE: Employment is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment evaluation, including physical, drug and alcohol screen, and background investigation.

The City of La Mesa is an Equal Opportunity and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant employer. The City values veterans and transitioning military. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply.

The City of La Mesa offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Click here (https://www.cityoflamesa.us/DocumentCenter/View/22734/General-Employees-Unit-July-2024-PDF) for a summary of Employee benefits.

For additional detailed information regarding salaries and benefits, please review the La Mesa City Employees Association MOU. (https://www.cityoflamesa.us/DocumentCenter/View/11348/La-Mesa-City-Employees-Association-MOU-PDF?bidId=)

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process. Resumes in lieu of this questionnaire will not be accepted. Please be as descriptive as possible in your responses. “See Application” or “See Resume” is not an acceptable response for a supplemental question that requires a written answer and may result in disqualification. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Do you have the equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in public works inspection, civil engineering, or a related field?

+ Yes

+ No

03

What is your highest level of education?

+ High School diploma/GED

+ Associate’s degree

+ Bachelor’s degree

+ Master’s degree

+ Doctoral degree

+ None of the above

04

Do you possess a valid California Driver License?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Indicate how many years of construction inspection or para-professional public works engineering experience you possess?

+ At least 1 year but less than 2 years

+ At least 2 years but less than 3 years

+ At least 3+ years or more

+ No experience

06

For the experience referenced in Question #5, please specify at which employer the experience was gained, your title, level of responsibility, and the number of years of experience. If you indicated no experience, type “N/A.”

07

Do you possess any certifications, such as Certified Public Infrastructure Inspection (CPII) - Offered by the American Public Works Association (APWA) or ICC Certifications – Various certifications offered by the International Code Council? Please list your certifications below.

08

Please describe an important work-related project you have worked on. Include your role, level of responsibility, and the impact to the organization.

09

This application requires a resume and cover letter. Did you submit these documents with your application?

+ Yes

+ No

10

APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL): The City of La Mesa Human Resources Department uses e-mail to notify our applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. Therefore, as an applicant, you are hereby advised of the following: 1. Ensure that the e-mail address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share e-mail addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our e-mails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mail notifications, (i.e., for the non-delivery of e-mail or if you fail to check your e-mail inbox on a timely basis, etc.) 2. Carefully read any notices that we send in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep a hard copy of our notices for your records. I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of La Mesa

Address

8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California, 91942

Phone

619-667-1175

Website

https://www.cityoflamesa.gov/

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