City of La Mesa
The City of La Mesa is seeking a highly motivated and detail‑oriented
Public Works Inspector
to oversee projects, streamline operations, and support effective decision‑making within our
Community Development Department . If you want to be part of an exciting, forward‑thinking team making a difference in local government, then the City of La Mesa invites you to apply!
Application Limits Applications will be accepted for the first 200 submissions only, so we encourage you to apply promptly.
About The Department The
Community Development Department
consists of Planning, Land Development, Building, Housing, and Code Compliance, all working together to create a safe and healthy city through land use, permits, affordable housing initiatives, and code enforcement.
Position Overview The Public Works Inspector will ensure construction projects meet City of La Mesa standards, and all applicable construction, local and state codes. Inspections will include grading, infrastructure (water, sewer, surface & drainage improvements) and stormwater compliance for private developments. Field inspections will include the verification of construction quality and plan adherence, resolving issues, scheduling, record keeping and closely collaborating with contractors, engineers, consultants, other agencies, the community, and other City departments, focusing on compliance for public infrastructure and private development impacting public areas.
The successful candidate will perform a wide variety of diverse professional‑level analytical and administrative duties as requested by management in the Community Development Department, including other specialized functions as assigned: coordinate and perform a variety of record‑keeping and administration duties; prepare reports or research to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations; coordinate assigned activities with other departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; provide information and assistance to the public regarding assigned services and general inquiries. Please note this position includes both field and in‑office work.
Employees in this classification work under the city’s associate engineer and receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the work unit’s operating procedures and policies.
The City Commitment The City of La Mesa is committed to delivering the highest standards of service to enhance the quality of life for its citizens through the effective planning and development of projects, including city’s infrastructure in an efficient and effective manner, all while actively engaging the community.
The Ideal Candidate Will Possess
Excellent organizational and multi‑tasking skills.
Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills.
Experience in reviewing and interpreting plans, specs, standard drawings, codes, and ensuring construction compliance.
Hands‑on leadership experience to plan, schedule, and communicate with a wide range of people including contractors, consultants, coworkers, other agencies, and the public.
Expertise in record keeping, documentation of findings, and reporting, including proficiency with computer software for scheduling, record keeping, and reporting.
Problem‑solving skills related to field conditions, construction constraints, public complaints, and recommending solutions for project challenges.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
This position may be filled as either a Public Works Inspector I or Public Works Inspector II depending on candidate qualifications.
Schedule:
Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. City Hall is closed on alternate Fridays.
Reference Job Descriptions For a complete list of job duties, please review the Public Works Inspector I and Public Works Inspector II job descriptions.
Job Duties Detail To inspect work quality and materials used in a variety of public works projects within the City’s right‑of‑way, including the construction, repair, maintenance or alteration of streets, sewers, storm drains, street lights, traffic signals, parks, landscape medians and related structures; to ensure conformance with plans, specifications and safety standards; and to maintain records and prepare reports on projects inspected.
The Public Works Inspector I is an entry‑level class in the Public Works Inspector series. This class is distinguished from the Public Works Inspector II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits a pattern that has been established and explained before the work is started. Since this class is typically an entry level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Advancement to the “II” level is based on training, experience, and satisfactory job performance.
The Public Works Inspector II is the journey level class in the Public Works Inspector series. Employees in this class are distinguished from the Public Works Inspector I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the “I” level, or when filled from the outside, require prior experience in public works inspection.
Typical Duties
Inspect work quality of and materials used in a variety of public works projects within City right‑of‑ways during various stages of construction; areas of inspection including streets, sewers, storm drains, streetlights, traffic signals, parks, landscape medians and related structures; ensure compliance with standards, specifications and applicable codes, ordinances and regulations.
Take samples of materials for examination or analysis by laboratories; perform routine materials and density field tests to assure material and workmanship quality; coordinate results of tests and verify approval of structure.
Check line, grade, size, elevation and location of structures for conformance with specifications and regulations.
Compile detailed data of construction progress and inspection results; prepare various reports on daily operations and activities.
Attend pre‑construction meetings; represent the City’s needs and requirements to developers, contractors and engineers; review plans and specifications to gain familiarity with construction projects.
Observe work during progress and upon completion; recommend progress payments; conduct safety inspections to ensure that safety procedures are followed; advise contractors of changes in plans and variances.
Perform preliminary and final inspections including reviewing plans and specifications and preparing punch list prior to project acceptance to assure compliance with City standards.
Assist construction supervisors in interpreting project specifications.
Inspect adjacent properties for damage from construction activity.
Confer with property owners regarding project schedule, hazards and inconvenience; schedule service interruptions with the least interference and least inconvenience to property owners.
Coordinate work with other City departments and utilities to resolve interferences and conflicts.
Perform variety of tasks for Federal and State grant funded jobs; complete and update a variety of forms and reports including daily construction reports and weekly statement of working days.
Supervise contracted construction inspectors as assigned.
Perform related duties as required.
Qualifications Education / Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in public works inspection, civil engineering, or a related field.
Experience:
Public Works Inspector I:
One year of construction or para‑professional public works engineering experience.
Public Works Inspector II:
Two years of construction or para‑professional public works engineering experience.
License or Certificate Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
Application Details Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire by the closing deadline of
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
“See Application” or “See Resume” is not an acceptable response for a supplemental question that requires a written answer and may result in disqualification.
Please include a cover letter and resume.
Only candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position. The examination process may consist of any or all of the following: appraisal interview, performance test or written exam. Interviews for this position are scheduled for the week of February 16, 2026. Employment is contingent upon completion of a pre‑employment evaluation, including physical, drug and alcohol screen, and background investigation.
Equal Opportunity Statement The City of La Mesa is an Equal Opportunity and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant employer. The City values veterans and transitioning military. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Public Works Inspector
to oversee projects, streamline operations, and support effective decision‑making within our
Community Development Department . If you want to be part of an exciting, forward‑thinking team making a difference in local government, then the City of La Mesa invites you to apply!
Application Limits Applications will be accepted for the first 200 submissions only, so we encourage you to apply promptly.
About The Department The
Community Development Department
consists of Planning, Land Development, Building, Housing, and Code Compliance, all working together to create a safe and healthy city through land use, permits, affordable housing initiatives, and code enforcement.
Position Overview The Public Works Inspector will ensure construction projects meet City of La Mesa standards, and all applicable construction, local and state codes. Inspections will include grading, infrastructure (water, sewer, surface & drainage improvements) and stormwater compliance for private developments. Field inspections will include the verification of construction quality and plan adherence, resolving issues, scheduling, record keeping and closely collaborating with contractors, engineers, consultants, other agencies, the community, and other City departments, focusing on compliance for public infrastructure and private development impacting public areas.
The successful candidate will perform a wide variety of diverse professional‑level analytical and administrative duties as requested by management in the Community Development Department, including other specialized functions as assigned: coordinate and perform a variety of record‑keeping and administration duties; prepare reports or research to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations; coordinate assigned activities with other departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; provide information and assistance to the public regarding assigned services and general inquiries. Please note this position includes both field and in‑office work.
Employees in this classification work under the city’s associate engineer and receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the work unit’s operating procedures and policies.
The City Commitment The City of La Mesa is committed to delivering the highest standards of service to enhance the quality of life for its citizens through the effective planning and development of projects, including city’s infrastructure in an efficient and effective manner, all while actively engaging the community.
The Ideal Candidate Will Possess
Excellent organizational and multi‑tasking skills.
Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills.
Experience in reviewing and interpreting plans, specs, standard drawings, codes, and ensuring construction compliance.
Hands‑on leadership experience to plan, schedule, and communicate with a wide range of people including contractors, consultants, coworkers, other agencies, and the public.
Expertise in record keeping, documentation of findings, and reporting, including proficiency with computer software for scheduling, record keeping, and reporting.
Problem‑solving skills related to field conditions, construction constraints, public complaints, and recommending solutions for project challenges.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
This position may be filled as either a Public Works Inspector I or Public Works Inspector II depending on candidate qualifications.
Schedule:
Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. City Hall is closed on alternate Fridays.
Reference Job Descriptions For a complete list of job duties, please review the Public Works Inspector I and Public Works Inspector II job descriptions.
Job Duties Detail To inspect work quality and materials used in a variety of public works projects within the City’s right‑of‑way, including the construction, repair, maintenance or alteration of streets, sewers, storm drains, street lights, traffic signals, parks, landscape medians and related structures; to ensure conformance with plans, specifications and safety standards; and to maintain records and prepare reports on projects inspected.
The Public Works Inspector I is an entry‑level class in the Public Works Inspector series. This class is distinguished from the Public Works Inspector II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits a pattern that has been established and explained before the work is started. Since this class is typically an entry level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Advancement to the “II” level is based on training, experience, and satisfactory job performance.
The Public Works Inspector II is the journey level class in the Public Works Inspector series. Employees in this class are distinguished from the Public Works Inspector I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the “I” level, or when filled from the outside, require prior experience in public works inspection.
Typical Duties
Inspect work quality of and materials used in a variety of public works projects within City right‑of‑ways during various stages of construction; areas of inspection including streets, sewers, storm drains, streetlights, traffic signals, parks, landscape medians and related structures; ensure compliance with standards, specifications and applicable codes, ordinances and regulations.
Take samples of materials for examination or analysis by laboratories; perform routine materials and density field tests to assure material and workmanship quality; coordinate results of tests and verify approval of structure.
Check line, grade, size, elevation and location of structures for conformance with specifications and regulations.
Compile detailed data of construction progress and inspection results; prepare various reports on daily operations and activities.
Attend pre‑construction meetings; represent the City’s needs and requirements to developers, contractors and engineers; review plans and specifications to gain familiarity with construction projects.
Observe work during progress and upon completion; recommend progress payments; conduct safety inspections to ensure that safety procedures are followed; advise contractors of changes in plans and variances.
Perform preliminary and final inspections including reviewing plans and specifications and preparing punch list prior to project acceptance to assure compliance with City standards.
Assist construction supervisors in interpreting project specifications.
Inspect adjacent properties for damage from construction activity.
Confer with property owners regarding project schedule, hazards and inconvenience; schedule service interruptions with the least interference and least inconvenience to property owners.
Coordinate work with other City departments and utilities to resolve interferences and conflicts.
Perform variety of tasks for Federal and State grant funded jobs; complete and update a variety of forms and reports including daily construction reports and weekly statement of working days.
Supervise contracted construction inspectors as assigned.
Perform related duties as required.
Qualifications Education / Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in public works inspection, civil engineering, or a related field.
Experience:
Public Works Inspector I:
One year of construction or para‑professional public works engineering experience.
Public Works Inspector II:
Two years of construction or para‑professional public works engineering experience.
License or Certificate Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
Application Details Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire by the closing deadline of
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
“See Application” or “See Resume” is not an acceptable response for a supplemental question that requires a written answer and may result in disqualification.
Please include a cover letter and resume.
Only candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position. The examination process may consist of any or all of the following: appraisal interview, performance test or written exam. Interviews for this position are scheduled for the week of February 16, 2026. Employment is contingent upon completion of a pre‑employment evaluation, including physical, drug and alcohol screen, and background investigation.
Equal Opportunity Statement The City of La Mesa is an Equal Opportunity and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant employer. The City values veterans and transitioning military. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr