5/2/80

City of San José

PRINCIPAL CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR (3773)

CLASS PURPOSE
   Under direction, performs work of considerable difficulty in contract administration, materials testing, and technical inspection of the construction of roads, airports, bridges, sewers, drains, and related public works and supervises a unit of construction inspectors. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• In the inspection of major project improvements within the City limits; reviews plans, and specifications for conformance to established engineering standards; consults with public and private engineers, architects, community groups, contractors and subdividers relative to streets, curbs, gutters and sanitary sewers in new subdivisions.
• Supervises a major inspection unit or makes inspections on the largest projects; coordinates work of the inspection staff with the project engineers, contractor and the public; personally makes spot check inspections; reviews and interprets construction plans and specifications; signs final completion notices.
• Plans and directs the work of a materials testing laboratory engaged in the testing of materials used in construction projects.
• 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.
• Researches, compiles, and establishes standards and specifications for the Materials Testing Laboratory.
• Supervises the administration and inspection of utility permits and permit ordinances, quality control and sidewalk permits.

Typical End Results Include: Establishing new procedures and methods which improve efficiency and effectiveness in the repair and maintenance of streets and sewers; the training of inspectors in inspection practices to assure high standards; the processing of utility permits efficiently; ensuring that street excavations by utility companies meet City requirements and are properly restored; establishing and maintaining credibility, reliability and validity of Materials Testing Laboratory; ensuring quality workmanship and quantity control on each project through an effective inspection program.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
   Incumbents of this class supervise and manage a major inspection unit involving a number of related construction projects. These inspection units perform contract administration, materials testing, and construction inspection.
   This class differs from the higher class of Construction Manager in that the incumbent of the latter class has the total responsibility for the administration and inspection of public and private contracts awarded by the
   Public Works Department of the City of San Jose.
   This class differs from the lower class of Senior Construction Inspector in that incumbents of the latter class supervise Construction Inspectors, entry level Engineering Technicians and other assigned personnel and perform project inspection on large public contracts, are responsible for a large number of private contracts, or supervise a materials testing program element, under the direction of a Principal Construction Inspector or a professional Engineer.

QUALIFICATIONS
   Minimum Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of mathematics, including algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
• Knowledge of principles and terminology relating to drafting.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, techniques, and terminology of civil engineering.
• Knowledge of principles, techniques, and terminology relating to inspection.
• Knowledge of survey principles used in making construction layout surveys.
• Knowledge of methods, materials and equipment used in the testing of material.
• Knowledge of City materials standards, manuals, and related terminology.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and management.
• Ability to make complex engineering computations.
• Ability to determine quality, materials, and workmanship through inspection, and to determine compliance with specifications.
• Ability to maintain effective public relations.

Competency Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to manage a major sub-professional engineering project or program.
• Ability to independently carry out special assignments and/or analyses
• Ability to prepare and control the unit budget.
• Ability to supervise and direct the activities of a large technical staff.

Training and Experience
   Any combination of training and experience equivalent to successful completion of high school and nine (9) years of increasingly responsible sub-professional engineering/construction inspection work, including three (3) years at the level of Senior Contruction Inspector, Senior Engineering Technician, Party Chief, or equivalent. (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/Certificates
   Possession of a valid California driver's license.

(2159Z)