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Principal Construction Inspector - Environmental Services Department

City of San Jose
San Jose, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/6/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/20/2026

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San Jose.
 
Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents! We offer an array of meaningful career paths and value flexibility. Additionally, the City offers excellent health and pension benefits, as well as 15 paid holidays!
 
To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn.


About the Water Resources Division

The Water Resources Division is comprised of three sections: Municipal Water System, South Bay Water Recycling, and Operations and Maintenance. The Water Resources Division provides potable water service through the Municipal Water System to the communities of Evergreen, North San José/Alviso, Edenvale, and Coyote. The Water Resources Division also provides recycled water supplies through the South Bay Water Recycling system within the cities of San José, Santa Clara, and Milpitas. South Bay Water Recycling includes 165 miles of pipeline and facilities, including four pump stations, three reservoirs, and Retail Agency Operations and Maintenance activities for over 1,100 individual customer connections. In addition, the Water Resources Division also implements water conservation efforts.  

The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to fill one (1) full-time Principal Construction Inspector vacancy in the Water Resources Division.

The salary range for this classification is: $130,952.64 - $159,541.20

This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

Under minimal direction, the Principal Construction Inspector performs work of considerable difficulty including contract administration, technical inspection of the construction of water utility and other general public works related infrastructure, and supervision on a unit of construction inspectors and other related staff. 

This position will manage inspection of potable and recycled water system construction projects both within the City limits and in other jurisdictions, including reviewing plans and specifications for conformance to established engineering standards and regulatory requirements; and consulting with public and private engineers, architects, community groups, contractors and developers relative to the construction of potable and recycled water system improvements.

The Principal Construction Inspector duties typically include: Supervises, guides, and supports a team of staff; creates and implements a workplan to ensure sufficient coverage of all inspection and related needs; personally conducts inspections of construction projects, and completes spot check inspections on other projects; coordinates work of the inspection staff with the project engineers, contractor and the public. Provides input and suggestions on utility design plans; reviews project submittals for materials and equipment and ensures compliance with City Specifications and project plans/specifications; makes recommendations regarding update and revision of standard design details and notes. Keeps current on relative rules and regulations, and ensures that construction practices comply as required. Reviews and interprets construction plans and specifications; directs construction contractors and enforces corrective actions where needed; signs final completion notices. Creates and documents procedures to guide subordinates; trains and evaluates work of subordinates; reviews completed work and prepares required records and reports. Meets with representatives from engineering, police, public, and other jurisdictions on traffic control problems and other construction related issues and performs related work as required. 

Additionally, the goal of this position is to update and establish new procedures and methods which improve efficiency and effectiveness in the operation, repair, and maintenance of water utility infrastructure; train inspectors in inspection practices to assure high standards; ensure that street excavations by construction companies meet City requirements and are properly restored;   develop and implement quality control, quality assurance, and project documentation procedures; ensure quality workmanship and quantity control on each project through an effective inspection program.

Education: Successful completion of high school, G.E.D. or California Proficiency Certificate. 

Experience: Nine (9) years of increasingly responsible sub-professional engineering/construction inspection work, including three (3) years at the level of Senior Construction Inspector, Senior Engineering Technician, Party Chief, or equivalent.

Acceptable Substitution: Completion of a terminal curriculum in engineering technology equivalent to that given in an accredited California junior college or two (2) years of college engineering courses may be substituted for two (2) years of the required remaining experience.

Licenses or Certificates: Required possession of a valid California driver’s license. 

Desirable Licenses or Certifications:

  • State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Level D2 
  • AWWA Cross Connection Specialist (CCS) certification
  • Incumbent will be required to obtain D2 and CCS certifications within one year of appointment

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.


Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.


Customer ServiceDemonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently in a timely, accurate, respectful and friendly manner.


Initiative: Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.


Meeting Ethical Standards: When confronted with ethical dilemmas, acts in a way that reflects relevant law, policy and procedures, agency values, and personal values. 


Multi-Tasking: Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).


ReliabilityCompletes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.


Problem Solving: Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem(s); collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.


Teamwork and Interpersonal SkillsDevelops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.


Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.



Selection Process: 


The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.


If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Ginger Quijano at Ginger.Quijano@sanjoseca.gov

Salary : $130,953 - $159,541

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