Construction Inspector I/II - Public Works

Job Description:

Construction Inspector I/II - Public Works

Description

Description

The City of Kennewick is hiring for either a Level I or Level II Construction Inspector; only one position is available.

JOB CLOSING DATE:
October 8, 2025

PAY RANGE
Level I: $6,510 - $8,333 monthly
Level II: $7,096 - $9,083 monthly

BARGAINING UNIT:

Non-Contract

OVERVIEW
Make an impact in your community by joining the City of Kennewick as a Public Works Construction Inspector (Level I or II). In this role, you’ll help ensure the safety, quality, and success of the City’s public infrastructure projects. This full-time position offers a competitive monthly salary range of $6,510 - $8,333 for Level I and $7,096 - $9,083 for Level II. Applications are open through October 8, 2025.

CORE VALUE STATEMENT

The City of Kennewick will provide excellent public service and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community and one another through the empowerment of each employee. We value integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship and communication. We are accountable to our community for innovative and collaborative efforts that anticipate needs, leverage resources and deliver solutions.

SAFETY STATEMENT

We expect our employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and by the City's Accident Prevention Plan. This includes but is not limited to actively identifying and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers; leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action; and emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
The Public Works Construction Inspector position is a two-level job series. Under general supervision a Public Works Construction Inspector I oversees the completion of construction projects within the City's public roadways, rights-of-way, and easements. Incumbents are responsible for contract and permit construction inspections, field utility engineering, and for a broad range of technically complex projects directly related to the construction of public infrastructure in accordance with contract documents and City and State standards and specifications.

A Public Works Construction Inspector II has a higher level of training, experience, and responsibility. Incumbents are responsible for functioning in a supervisory or training capacity by providing guidance to less experienced inspectors, and for exercising independent judgment and decision-making in the interpretation and resolution of sensitive situations in the field, with the ability to handle the most complicated inspection situations that require good communication skills with the ability to handle conflict with contractors or citizens using a high level of skill and diplomacy.

WORK SCHEDULE
The initial work schedule for this classification will be full-time, Monday through Friday. Early mornings, evenings, and weekend work may be occasionally required. Overtime may be occasionally required. This classification is non-exempt under the FLSA.

Examples of Work Performed (Illustrative Only)

The following list reflects the essential job duties and responsibilities of this classification, but should not be considered all-inclusive. The incumbent will be expected to perform other related duties as assigned.

Level I & Level II:

• Schedules, organizes, and implements field engineering activities for construction within City roadways, rights-of-way, private property and easements, including prioritizing work, scheduling staff, and coordinating and implementing redesigns and field changes that may change the scope and resulting cost of projects.
• Negotiates change orders within parameters established by a supervisor.
• Responds to public complaints and requests for information relating to impacts of construction and resolves the issues or refers the issues to appropriate personnel.
• Coordinates with surveying project controls and staking to ensure proper horizontal and vertical alignments are constructed on capital and private property projects.
• Keeps accurate and thorough field notes.
• Performs field computations as required to determine position; performs field computations as required to adjust/correct design elements for optimal performance.
• Guides engineering technicians and monitors work of private contractors as necessary in performing inspection activities.
• Performs inspection activities as necessary to support the completion of construction projects in accordance with project specifications and City and State standards; maintains records as required.
• Acts as expert for the City in claims resolutions/litigation concerning the processes and operations involved in the field engineering activities.
• Monitors traffic control at project site to ensure motorist safety and compliance with traffic codes and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD); may stop work of project for failure to comply.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Level II:

• Provides technical assistance and direction to Public Works Construction Inspector I and Engineering Technicians I & II on issues pertaining to project contractual matters, including interpretation of contract specifications, drawings, and design; including prioritizing work and staff schedules
• Monitors work of private contractors as necessary in completing approved project designs and inspection activities.

• Monitors project construction for compliance with design.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Regardless of level, Public Works Construction Inspectors must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Washington driver’s license.
• Must pass a criminal background investigation.
• Must maintain a level of mental and physical fitness required to perform the essential functions of this classification.

Level I:

• Three or more years of previous experience in construction inspection, engineering, or any combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties listed above.
• Associate’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology or related field preferred.

Level II:

• Five or more years of previous experience in construction inspection, engineering, or any combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties listed above.
• Associate’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology or related field required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To perform the essential functions of the classification, incumbents must be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Ability to understand and execute instructions, working effectively with the general public and as part of a team.
• Thorough knowledge of construction methods and materials inspection techniques and the administrative and contractual procedures connected with the work.
• Visit sites, contact owners, developers, and contractors, explain technical requirements or discrepancies, and prepare field reports documenting the inspection activities.
• Knowledge of how conditions during one phase of construction may affect a later phase or post construction situation, such as maintenance of the structure, and are frequently required to coordinate their activities with other staff members, departments or divisions of the City.
• Ability to discern when to issue stop orders when work is out of compliance or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
• Knowledge of Bluebeam software preferred.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

Supplemental Requirements

Physical Requirements:

To perform the essential functions of the classification, incumbents must be able to meet the following physical requirements: must regularly talk, hear/listen, see/observe, sit, stand and walk; must regularly demonstrate fine motor skills; must occasionally exert up to 10 pounds of force.

The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by full-time City of Kennewick Non-Contract employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through City Council or administrative action or changes mandated by state and federal law.

Paid Holidays
13 per year (10 scheduled; 3 “floating”)
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and three floating holidays selected by the employee. An employee will accrue one of the three floating holidays on each of the following days: February 1, February 12, and August 31. An employee will only accrue a floating holiday on these days if actually employed.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
The purpose of PTO is to compensate employees for absences due to injury, illness, vacation and personal business. In addition, the program is designed to provide employees with personal flexibility regarding the use of leave hours. PTO hours accrue based upon the actual number of regular hours worked.

Accrual per Month:
0-5yrs 6-9yrs 10-14yrs 15-19yrs 20-24yrs 25-29yrs 30+yrs
12 hours 15 hours 17 hours 19 hours 21 hours 23 hours 25 hours

Retirement Plan
All City employees are members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City and the employee both contribute toward the plan. PERS provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. City employees also participate in the Social Security Program. Rates effective as of 09/01/2024. ( www.drs.wa.gov )

PERS Employee Contribution Rate Employer Contribution Rate
Plan II 6.36% 9.11%
Plan III Employee Choice (see booklet) 9.11%

Deferred Comp
The City contributes an equivalent of 5% of your regular monthly salary to Mission Square Retirement (previously ICMA) deferred compensation program. No employee match required, but employees may contribute towards plan if desired. ( www.icmarc.org )

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
The City currently pays the entire dental and vision insurance premiums for the employee and dependents. Employee current premium share is $200.00 per month for medical insurance to cover themselves and dependents.

Life Insurance
1.5 x annual salary (not to exceed $250K) provided by the City of Kennewick. Employee may purchase Voluntary Term Life Insurance for employee, spouse and/or dependents through New York Life (previously Cigna).

Long Term Disability
The City pays the entire long-term disability premium for employees through New York Life (previously Cigna).

Wellness Program
The Wellness Program has been established to encourage employee health and fitness, both at work and at home. A City Wellness Committee promotes and provides opportunities for healthy lifestyles. Employee fitness center is open to all employees and their spouses.

Employee Assistance
An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by the City to assist you and family members, providing counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.

Other Benefits Offered

• Flexible Spending Plan (Pre-Tax Deduction for Medical/Dental and Day Care)
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Bereavement Leave
• Overtime
• Direct Deposit (paydays are 5th and 20th of the month)

Closing Date/Time: 10/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$78,120.00 - $108,996.00 Annually