The Principal Construction Inspector is responsible for managing complex capital improvement projects within the right-of-way. The Principal Construction Inspector will be expected to answer relevant requests for information, comment on submittals, and prepare preliminary construction change orders for review.
This position is responsible for performing complex technical and advanced administrative work involved in inspecting, managing, and assuring the quality of a wide variety of Public Works related projects, including sediment control, landscaping, grading, concrete, asphalt, construction, water, sewer, storm drain, and stormwater management. This position receives general managerial direction of the Chief of Construction Management. This position ensures that work and operations are performed in compliance with all applicable codes, specifications, and regulations; participates with others in program development; and directs subordinate staff. Contact is required within the organization and with the general public, contractors, developers, builders, public utilities, and public agencies for the purpose of exchanging information to carry out organization programs and to explain specialized matters.
Assigns and directs the work of subordinate Senior Construction Inspectors by providing technical guidance, direction, and training regarding the application of codes, ordinances, permits, policies, and procedures covering all types of Public Works and civil engineering related construction for both capital improvement projects (CIP) and permit construction.Manages a wide variety of public works related construction projects, including pipeline construction and rehabilitation, roadway and related appurtenances, pump stations, etc.Prepare, evaluate, and negotiate construction change orders for final approval.Prepare, review, and approve monthly vendor payments.Schedules and conducts pre-construction meetings.Assembles data and reports to measure workload and performance; coordinates effectively with other divisions and departments; encourages teamwork and excellent customer service.Reviews approved permits; conducts field inspections as necessary to monitor and assure compliance and takes the appropriate action necessary in cases of non-compliance.Confers with and advises contractors, property owners, engineers, and the general public regarding code and specification requirements and develops solutions to problems.Investigates and resolves citizen complaints regarding code violations including working without permits and sub-standard construction.Maintains up-to-date knowledge of construction methods, codes and materials by attending seminars and classes, by independent study and by internet instruction and self-directed research and learning.Maintains accurate documentation and record of all types of public works related construction.Participates in the provision of inspection assistance for after-hours emergencies to assess damage and direct or assist in the direction of repairs.Requires a proactive approach to monitor and improve procedures and use related technologies to effect process improvements where necessary.Maintains files, records and archival information.Supervises subordinate construction inspectors, including new hires, evaluation of job performance, provide council and discipline as needed.Perform other duties as required.
QualificationsEight (8) years of experience in increasingly complex construction inspection or a
bachelor’s degree in a field related to Construction Management or Civil Engineering and four (4) years of experience in construction Inspection or any combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Certified Construction Manager (CCM)Project Management Professional (PMP)Any professional project management certification.Special Qualifications:
Must have or obtain within one year of date of hire or promotion:NICET Level III certification or an equivalent certification as determined by the City.APWA Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector (CPII). Maryland Department of the Environment designation as a "responsible person" for erosion and sediment control.Certification by MDE in water sampling.Must possess a valid driver's license.
Knowledge of quality control in construction and of effective corrective measures for defects and violations.Knowledge of the methods, materials, and techniques of Public Works construction, including safe work practices.Knowledge of general surveying methods with an emphasis on differential leveling and the use of transits and levels.Knowledge of typical contracts and specifications used in Public Works construction, including applicable federal, State, County, City, and WSSC specifications, regulations, and standard details.Knowledge of computers and basic software such as word processing and spread sheet programs.Ability to read and comprehend construction plans and specifications, property plats, and written direction.Ability to compare construction and contract documents to field construction activities and evaluate compliance and identify conflicts.Ability to deal firmly but tactfully with contractors, employees, property owners and the general public contacted in the course of the work, occasionally under adverse conditions.Ability to make construction related computations rapidly and accurately.Ability to make clear and accurate sketches and diagrams of field conditions.Ability to communicate clearly to others, both orally and in writing.Ability to work closely and cooperatively with fellow City employees in a team relationship.Physical Demands
The work is medium work, which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.Hearing 1: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound.Hearing 2: Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound.Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force to draw, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.Talking 1: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.Talking 2: Shouting to be heard above ambient noise level.Visual Acuity 1: Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and/or extensive reading.Visual Acuity 2: Including color, depth perception, and field vision.Visual Acuity 3: Visual Acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.Visual Acuity 4: Have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment.Visual Acuity 5: Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, operation of machines; using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.Work Environment
Approximately 80 percent of job duties are performed in active work zones on public streets and on construction sites involving some risk and may be performed under unfavorable weather conditions. Approximately 20 percent of the work is performed in an office environment.