Senior Construction Inspector

The City of Kirkland's Public Works Department is seeking to hire a Senior Construction Inspector!

Why Kirkland?

Job Summary

Inspects for compliance of private construction projects. Provides leadership and technical guidance input to other Public Works Construction Inspectors and Public Works Development Review staff. Works closely with the Development Engineers and Plan Examiner in setting standards for materials, performance, and safety.

Principal Accountabilities
Is responsible for assuring that all public improvement construction is performed in compliance with APWA, Washington DOT, and/or City of Kirkland construction standards and ordinances, and those of other regulatory agencies and Departments as may be applicable to any given project. Prepares and maintains accurate records of projects including test results and "as-built" information.

• Provides inspection for the most complex and technically difficult construction projects. Performs daily and final field inspections of public improvement installations, such as: water mains, sewage lift stations, sanitary and storm sewers, temporary erosion control facilities, and streets and sidewalks, to assure compliance with all construction standards and City requirements. Inspection services are provided for all projects whether City or developer funded.
• Is responsible for field training and technical guidance of the other Construction Inspectors.
• Assists in the review of public and private construction drawings for compliance with all applicable construction standards and technical specifications. Recommends design revisions to the Development Engineering Manager, Senior Development Engineer, and Senior Development Plans Examiner.
• Assists the Senior Development Engineer with delegation of work amongst the other Construction Inspectors.
• Provides input to the Development Engineering Manager and Senior Development Engineer regarding workload demands.
• Assists the Development Engineering Manager, Senior Development Engineer, and the Senior Plans Examiner in the development of engineered solutions to problems that arise during construction.
• Provides guidance to the other Construction Inspectors regarding daily procedures, job functions, and documentation.
• Determines and implements necessary field revisions to approved designs in order to satisfy site conditions as may be encountered.
• Maintains records to document inspections, test results, and other related pertinent information. Prepares periodic project status reports and a final inspection report upon project completion.
• Conducts material testing of concrete mixes and soil compactions. Conducts air or water tests of sanitary sewers including side sewers, pressure and purity tests of water systems. Also tests storm systems requiring pumps and alarms and sanitary sewers requiring same.
• Responds to public inquiries or complaints relating to construction activities, standards, and administrative procedures.
• Maintains knowledge of current construction codes and changes in industry standards related to construction material and procedure developments.
• Conducts preconstruction meetings.
• Supervises the coordination between development projects and Public Works Maintenance and Operations Division (water, sewer and streets).
• Coordinates traffic control plans with the City Traffic Engineer as they pertain to construction projects in the City right-of-way.
• Conducts site investigation/research for proposed development projects and provides utility and street improvement design considerations to the Development Engineering Manager, Senior Development Engineer, and Senior Development Plans Examiner.
• Maintains a strong working relationship with the Building and Planning Departments Development Review staff.
• Inspects for safety hazards on job sites and modifies procedures as required to insure safe working conditions for contractors, employees, and the public.
• Helps develop and maintain standard plans and specifications for the City of Kirkland.
• Assists the Development Engineering Manager with the hiring of new Construction Inspectors. Serves as a primary data resource when preparing Performance Appraisals for the Construction Inspector positions.

• Must have the ability to work with contractors and the public in a professional, courteous, and knowledgeable manner.
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, and understand construction techniques and materials.
• Must be able to keep accurate project and as-built information.
• The ability to use a computer and be familiar with Microsoft based products and "Permit Plan."

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of seven (7) years of direct experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Extensive knowledge about standard material testing practices, (compaction, pressure testing of pipe, concrete strength).
• Knowledge of construction standards such as WSDOT, APWA, Asphalt Institute, and AASHTO.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License

Selection Process

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 711.