Demo

Public Works Inspector

City of Monterey
Monterey, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 11/19/2025 CLOSED ON 12/18/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Works Inspector position at City of Monterey?

ABOUT THE POSITION: The City of Monterey is recruiting for one (1) Public Works Inspector. This is a full-time position in the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department. The Public Works Inspector is expected to be able to understand and interpret engineering and architectural drawings, and is tasked to ensure that the projects are constructed in accordance with the project plans and specifications. In addition, the position is expected to understand and enforce local, state, and federal codes as applicable to the individual projects. The successful candidate is expected to work closely with contractors, utility companies, other City departments, businesses and residents, respond to public inquiries, return phone calls and electronic correspondence, and perform and document extensive field inspection work.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY: Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.

WHY WORK FOR US? The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

Application Process

A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.

As a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and reference check. Depending on the position, as a condition of employment, the selected candidate may also be required to pass a physical exam including a drug screen and a federal background check to gain access to military and police facilities and systems. Positions that require work on a military installation will involve job duties performed on-site and therefore require passing a background check conducted by the Department of Defense (DoD).

Candidates who successfully progress through all phases of this recruitment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list is active for 12 months and may be used to fill additional positions including lower-level positions, regular part-time, and part-time temporary seasonal, determined to have similar duties and requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Monterey provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Monterey does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

SUMMARY: Under direction, to perform construction inspection for a variety of public works engineering projects; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the journey level class. Employees within this class are expected to perform the full range of duties as assigned. This classification is distinguished from the Senior Public Works Inspector level by the size and complexity of projects assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Inspect the methods and materials used in the construction of streets, sewers, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, storm drains, sanitary sewer systems, building structures and interior mechanical and electrical systems, to ensure conformance to City standards, plans and specifications;
  • Meet with contractors and consulting engineers regarding engineering projects;
  • Read and interpret plans and specifications, approve minor field adjustments and consult with supervisor on deviations;
  • Assist in final inspections on subdivision projects;
  • Inspect backfilling operations by utility companies and contractors on City-owned right-of-ways;
  • Answer public complaints regarding construction projects;
  • Perform, coordinate, or verify various tests of construction materials and methods. Understand and support in collecting samples or performing tests as needed. Understand the requirements in verifying compliance in underground utilities, flatwork, HMA paving, and building systems;
  • Understand and enforce compliance with all City construction requirements, including storm water run-off laws, ordinances and policies;
  • Ensures conformance to safety regulations, including shoring of trenches, proper use of equipment and machines, and adequate public traffic control. enforce safety precautions at construction projects sites;
  • Keep and prepare up to date and accurate records of projects progress;
  • Maintain records, prepare progress reports and review/approve record drawings (as-builts) for accuracy;
  • Inspect existing public facilities for defects which could be potentially hazardous;
  • Prepare and file daily inspection reports for all development, public works, and capital improvement projects;
  • Assist staff with field investigation assignments for various projects/tasks;
  • Inspect existing public facilities for defects which could be potentially hazardous;
  • Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff;
  • Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information;
  • Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

Experience: Four (4) years of experience in sub professional engineering work or the supervision of public works construction and maintenance work, including one (1) year as a public works or construction inspector.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge And Skills

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of engineering as related to design, construction and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, drainage, sanitary sewer systems, water systems, building structures and systems, and other public works facilities;
  • Materials, methods and equipment used in the construction of public works facilities;
  • Methods and equipment used in the testing of construction materials.

Skill In

  • Making accurate measurements and to compute quantities of materials used in construction;
  • Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with others;
  • Approach a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determining the significance of problem; collect information; use logic and experience to arrive at solutions to problems, verify solutions with supervisor on major changes;
  • Handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously;
  • Preparing correspondence and work orders;
  • Operating word processing and spreadsheet software.

License And Certification

  • Must possess a valid California Driver’s License upon time of appointment and be insurable with the City’s standard insurance rate, unless otherwise approved by appointing authority.

Additional Info

Physical Demands And Working Environment

Physical Demands

  • Standing & Walking – Standing for extended periods of time and/or walking distances.
  • Sitting - Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time.
  • Lifting - Ability to safely lift up to 35 pounds; this requirement includes bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques.
  • Climbing - Ability to ascend 10 ft. or more up ladder(s).
  • Manual Dexterity - Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as accurate field measuring, repair and calibration of instruments, operating a computer keyboard; copying, and adding machines.
  • Visual – Ability to read printed materials and view a computer screen for long periods.
  • Hearing and Speech - Ability to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
  • Mobility – Ability to work in a standard office setting and operate a motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend.
  • Reflexes - Ability to quickly and automatically respond to emergency and safety situations.
  • Ability to function in confined spaces and/or hazardous environment.
  • Wear and operate in protective equipment as assigned, when working in hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions, including but not limited to head protection, eye protection, respiratory protection, hand protection, foot protection, knee protection, and full body protection.

Environmental Elements

Employees perform a combination of field work and work in an office environment. Employees may be exposed to inclement weather, noise, dust, grease fumes, gases and potentially hazardous chemicals. May be required to respond to calls on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Salary.com Estimation for Public Works Inspector in Monterey, CA
$86,313 to $110,923
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Public Works Inspector?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Public Works Inspector career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$79,271 - $104,411
Income Estimation: 
$94,266 - $116,554
Income Estimation: 
$40,081 - $50,816
Income Estimation: 
$56,220 - $78,495
Income Estimation: 
$61,776 - $80,827
Income Estimation: 
$56,900 - $89,276
Income Estimation: 
$85,467 - $107,082
Income Estimation: 
$65,729 - $89,521
Income Estimation: 
$69,185 - $95,783
Income Estimation: 
$38,992 - $47,847
Income Estimation: 
$56,220 - $78,495
Income Estimation: 
$41,887 - $58,988
Income Estimation: 
$40,081 - $50,816
This job has expired.
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Public Works Inspector jobs in the Monterey, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • County of San Benito Hollister, CA
  • Description First review of applications will be on March 26th. Definition Under administrative direction, to plan, organize and manage the operation and s... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • Kimley-Horn Monterey, CA
  • Overview Kimley-Horn's Monterey office is seeking a Civil Engineer-in-Training (EIT) with 2 years of experience to join their Land Development team. This i... more
  • 1 Month Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!