Construction Engineering Inspector Jobs in California

The Public Works Department is excited to announce that we are recruiting for a 

Public Works (Engineering) Inspector to join our team and play a key role in ensuring the quality and success of our capital projects!

Salary Range: $6,153.20 - 7,479.26/mo.
3% pay raise effective July 1, 2026, Salary: $6,337.79- $7,703.62/mo.

If you're passionate about supporting and enhancing the community by creating and protecting vital infrastructure with efficiency, responsibility, and integrity — we encourage you to apply today!

The Public Works Department is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, and construction of City-owned infrastructure and facilities. We are dedicated to delivering cost-effective, sustainable solutions that ensure the long-term performance and reliability of these essential services.

The City of Atascadero is a small, beautiful California central coast community located in San Luis Obispo County. We have a population of 30,000 residing in an area just under 27 square miles. Our community is a great place to live, work and raise a family! We are situated along Highway 101, halfway between the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and San Francisco. The community is located in the Paso Robles wine region and is a short 20-minute drive to the beach and Highway 1. We are within a three-hour drive to Yosemite National Park and two hours to Monterey or Carmel. For those that enjoy the outdoors, we are close to four local lakes, a national forest and endless hiking and biking trails.  Become a member of an organization consisting of hardworking individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact through public service. The organizational environment encourages collaboration and productivity and is fostered by engaged management, all working for the betterment of the community. City offices are located in the beautiful and historic City Hall Administration Building near the picturesque Sunken Gardens Park, located in the heart of downtown Atascadero.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general direction, provides a wide variety of professional field inspection and office work in the support of capital projects, public facilities and private development to ensure compliance with contract and governmental regulatory requirements.   The position inspects the construction of a variety of public works and private improvement projects including roads, drainage, grading, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, parks and landscaping, sidewalks, bike paths, bridges, environmental mitigation, traffic signals and other infrastructure. 

Works under the general direction from the Deputy Public Works Director/Engineering and Utilities Manager. 

The duties and responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Maintain accurate and neat records on project progress, work quality, labor and equipment used, work items not in conformance to plans, record drawings and other project information.  Prepare oral and written reports of work performed.
• Conduct on-site inspections to ascertain that approved plans, specifications, Federal/State agency requirements and any special conditions are being followed and that proper materials are being used and installed correctly. Make safety inspections and ensure established traffic control procedures are followed within construction zones.
• Assist the Capital Projects Engineer in evaluating and preparing responses to contractor's claims for additional payment, time extensions and changed conditions of the work.
• Evaluate and direct minor design changes in the field as needed.
• Participate in conferences and meetings with contractors, developers, engineers and others to coordinate joint efforts for construction projects and resolve disputes.
• Explain underlying project related codes and safety procedures.
• Review and file third-party sampling and testing of soils, concrete and asphalt.
• Conduct routine construction surveys.
• File and organize “As Built” plans when the public or private project is complete.
• Review contractor's requests for payment, measure and confirm quantities for the preparation of payment certificates.
• Conduct construction site erosion control inspections to ensure compliance with SWPPP or erosion control plans, and inspect Post-Construction Structural Control Measures to ensure compliance with the City’s MS4 Permit.
• Inspects on-site wastewater treatment systems to ensure compliance with OWTS Local Area Management Plan and Water Board requirements.
• Investigate drainage complaints to determine the City’s responsibility.
• Confirm project completion and initiate bond releases for public improvement projects.
• Assist with review of encroachment permits and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with Encroachment Permit requirements.
• Assist the Capital Projects Engineer by performing constructability reviews of plans and specifications for City Capital Projects.
• Conduct trench inspections to ensure compliance with City ordinances.
• Provide USA markings for storm drains, sewer, and City-owned traffic signals.
• Enforce City of Atascadero Municipal Codes relevant to the Public Works Department’s responsibility for infrastructure maintenance and Right of Way protection.
• Prioritize work, set appointments and meet with developers, engineers and community members on project issues.
• Provide other inspections as needed.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent; and