City Inspector Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $34.82 - $54.88 Hourly
Location : Development Services and Infrastructure Center, 4001 West River Parkway NW, Rochester, MN 55901, MN
Job Type: Regular FT
Job Number: 20260031A
Department: Public Works
Division: PW Engineering
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The City of Rochester welcomes applications for:
Engineering Technician - City-Owner Contract Program
Land Development Division
The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.
We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.
It takes us all working together
Nature of Work
This individual will primarily be responsible for oversight of the City of Rochester City-Owner Contract construction program, which is designed to ensure that the installation of all public infrastructure within a private development, or due to a private development, is constructed to City Standards.
The Engineering Technician performs senior level technical civil engineering work in the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: project and contract management involving the oversight and management of city, state aid and federal aid administered construction projects and project management of consultant designed infrastructure projects. Work may include project design and contract pre-construction review and administration; post-construction finalization of quantities and project oversight; surveying, staking, and inspecting construction projects; coordinating and performing materials testing; inspecting erosion and sediment control practices on construction sites; operating survey equipment; maintaining records of contract work; preparing record drawings; enforcing City ordinances; and performing field locates of City sanitary and storm sewers.
Employees regularly communicate and collaborate with consultants, contractors, sub-contractors, property owners, utility companies, other departments, divisions and others involved in or affected by projects and are required to make independent decisions in resolving most problems, but informing the supervisor of unusual or controversial problems.
Pay - The 2026 starting wage is $34.82 to $37.12 per hour with advancement to $54.88.
Benefits - This position is eligible for benefits offered by the City of Rochester. Please check out the benefits tab at the top of the page for more details.
To have your application considered for the first round of interviews, please apply by September 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position including F1 OPT STEM.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.
*Perform construction inspection of City improvement projects.

• Manage all aspects of contract management and inspection of assigned projects. Engage in professional communication with contractors and consulting engineers, property owners, utility companies, and others affected by the project.
• Inspect for proper erosion and sediment control features and communicate with contractor to ensure proper measures are installed and maintained in compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase 2 construction permit and the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.
• Maintain program records and files and promptly complete electronic inspection reports.
• Inspect and manage construction features such as roadway base preparation, compaction and structural forms for proper grade and alignment.
• Ensure materials delivered and used on projects meet specifications.
• Ensure compliance with City standards, State Aid and Federal Highway standards, and applicable city ordinances. Review recommendations from the Project Engineer when deviations or field changes are requested. Monitor contract work to ensure adherence to plans and specifications.
• Perform pre-construction review and coordination of construction project activities. Attend pre-construction meetings on behalf of Public Works with property owner, project engineer, consulting engineer, contractor and utilities.
• Perform project inspection of contract work items for street and utility projects.
• Conduct inspection of bituminous and concrete pavement areas.
• Inspect utility contract work; water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer installation.
• Review and approve material submittals meet job specific requirements.
• Verify the consulting engineer is for inspection and oversight is performing post-construction finalization of material documents, quantities, inspections and as-built records.
• Lead weekly, onsite construction meetings for projects.
• Provide project notifications and periodic updates to Public Works management team as appropriate.
• Verify the construction engineer for inspection and oversight is reviewing the survey and staking of walks, curb and gutter, drive approaches, and other project features as necessary.
• Verify the construction engineer for inspection and oversight is directing material testing personnel to assure materials meet specifications.
• Verify the construction engineer for inspection and oversight is conducting material testing as needed, including (but not limited to) concrete air, slump, aggregate gradations, moisture, density, and concrete and bituminous plant monitoring.

*Maintain automated and written project records and files. Prepare monthly project estimates.

• Prepare contract change documents (supplemental agreements, work orders, change orders).
• Ensure the consulting engineer is maintaining listings and files of work performed by contractor, including daily diaries, working day charges and quantity measurements; submit quantities for payment and assessment.
• Prepare correspondence to contractors and others for repairs; provide follow-up as appropriate.
• Review record drawings and maintain database of new/repaired city infrastructure.

*Provide public service to contractors, citizens, and other agencies.

• Facilitate project related conflict resolution between parties of City-Owner Contracts.
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for information regarding construction projects.
• Meet with residents abutting projects to discuss project related activities and coordination.
• Provide technical and public project information to affected property owners, transportation agencies, City Council, Commissions, neighborhood groups, and other organizations as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain positive and effective working relationships with property owners, contractors, subcontractors, and city staff.

*Research and perform field locates of City sanitary and storm sewers as requested by City-Owner Contract stakeholders

• Research plans for contractors and other stakeholders.
• Represent Public Works in pre-construction conference and utility coordination design phase meetings.

*Perform bridge construction oversight and inspection.

• Perform pre-construction review of plans involving bridge structures.
• Perform bridge construction project inspection of contract work, as appropriate.
• Provide work direction and immediate corrective feedback on deficiencies related to the performance or work assignments; relay performance information to the supervisor as appropriate or upon request.

Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
A High School diploma or equivalent and six (6) years of experience as Associate Engineering Technician or equivalent position.
OR
An Associate's degree in Engineering Technology or closely related field and two (2) years of experience as an Associate Engineering Technician or equivalent position.
OR
A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
If this work interests you but you are unsure if you meet all the job requirements listed above, please apply anyway! Your experience is likely more applicable to the role than you think, and the City is interested in candidates who can bring not only technical expertise but a variety of lived experience to the team.
Licenses and/or Certifications
Valid driver's license
Additional Education Required Within Two Years
An individual selected for this position who does not possess the additional educational requirements at the time of hire/promotion/transfer must achieve these requirements within two years as a condition of continued employment.
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) certifications: Erosion Control Construction Site Management, Grading and Base Tester, Grading and Base Inspector, Concrete Field Tester, Concrete Field Inspector, Concrete Plant Tester, Concrete Strength Tester, Bituminous Plant Tester, Bituminous Street Inspector, Aggregate Production Tester, and ADA Construction Certification.
OSHA trench safety 'Competent Person Training'
Desirable Qualifications
MNLTAP courses: Work Zone Traffic Control and Construction Contract Claims Avoidance and Mitigation
Coursework in municipal utility inspection
Minnesota "Pipe Layer Card" or similar knowledge
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) certifications: Erosion Control Construction Site Management, Grading and Base Tester, Grading and Base Inspector, Concrete Field Tester, Concrete Field Inspector, Concrete Plant Tester, Concrete Strength Tester, Bituminous Plant Tester, Bituminous Street Inspector, Aggregate Production Tester, and ADA Construction Certification.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Physical and Environmental Criteria
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Medium/Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds infrequently, and/or up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:
Frequent demands: simultaneous and repetitive use of hands, wrists, and fingers.
Occasional demands: standing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, bending, reaching, and handling.
Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, and touch. Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include:
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
Noise (need to shout in order to be heard)
Exposure to dust/gas/fumes/steam/chemicals
Work outdoors (no effective protection from weather)
Walk on uneven ground (gravel, rocks, mounds, construction sites)
Working around moving machinery (fork-lifts, tractors, mowers)
Protective equipment required (respirator, mask, earplugs, gloves, eyewear, etc.)
As a City of Rochester teammate, we believe you are the most important resource for the delivery of high-quality services to our community. The City is committed to supporting the health and well-being of you and your family by offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.
The City provides certain core benefits that are at no cost to the employee, such as Base Life and AD&D Insurance and access to an employee assistance program. We also offer voluntary benefits which include medical, vision, and dental, a flexible spending account, long term and short team disability, supplemental life and AD&D insurance, and retirement savings plans.
Benefit summaries outline the City's benefit offerings for our various collective bargaining agreements.
Click on the link below that takes you to the webpage where these are found.
01
By completing your application and supplemental questions you are attesting all information is true, accurate, and verifies your relevant education and experience. Your submitted materials will be used to determine your employment eligibility.Do you understand and agree with this statement?

• Yes
• No

02
What your preferred name?
03
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

04
Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
• Less than 2 years post-secondary training in Engineering Technology, or closely related field
• Completion of a 2 year program or degree in Engineering Technology, or closely r