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Public Works Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Local Agency Engineering Associates

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Civil/Public Works Engineer (Full-time)

Placentia, CA · On-site

$45 - $125/hr

Civil/Public Works Engineer LAE Associates, Inc. is a provider of professional Municipal Public ... LAE specializes in Project/Construction/Program Management, Inspection Services, and virtual/in ...

Local Agency Engineering Associates

Be Seen First

Civil/Public Works Engineer (Full-time)

Placentia, CA · On-site

$45 - $125/hr

Civil/Public Works Engineer LAE Associates, Inc. is a provider of professional Municipal Public ... LAE specializes in Project/Construction/Program Management, Inspection Services, and virtual/in ...

City of Arcata

Deputy Director Public Works

Arcata, CA · On-site

$98K - $125K/yr

We are currently recruiting for the position of Deputy Director Public Works. Please note ... inspection processes; requests, evaluates, negotiates and manages consultant proposals and ...

4LEAF, Inc

Public Works Construction Manager

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$165K - $225K/yr

... Inspection, Plan Review, Planning, and Fire Recovery Services to municipal Building and Public ... Works Departments throughout the United States. 4LEAF is seeking qualified Construction Managers ...

4Leaf, Inc

Public Works Construction Manager

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$165K - $225K/yr

... Inspection, Plan Review, Planning, and Fire Recovery Services to municipal Building and Public ... Works Departments throughout the United States. 4LEAF is seeking qualified Construction Managers ...

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All JobsPublic Works Inspector JobsPublic Works Inspector Jobs in California

Public Works Inspector information

See California salary details

$19.2K

$63.3K

$90.8K

How much do public works inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for public works inspector in California is $63,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,800.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public works inspector?

Public Works Inspectors are professionals responsible for inspecting construction projects related to public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, water systems, and public buildings. They ensure that construction and maintenance work complies with municipal codes, safety regulations, and contract specifications. Public Works Inspectors often review plans, conduct site visits, document progress, and address any issues related to quality or compliance. Their work helps ensure public safety and the proper use of public funds by maintaining high standards in community projects.

What does a public works inspector do?

A public works inspector’s primary role is to ensure the safety of water and wastewater systems, and ensure compliance with US EPA regulations. Responsibilities include the inspection and monitoring of conditions and documenting/reporting findings as required by law. Your duties in this job include overseeing the impact of construction projects, requiring the ability to read plans. You may also recommend corrections and repairs to mitigate any negative environmental effects. You work directly with contractors and other utility staff. The position is physically demanding, and may involve shift work. You should be available on an on-call basis during nights and weekends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public works inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Works Inspector, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, construction codes, and inspection techniques, usually supported by relevant certifications or an associate’s degree in construction management or a related field. Familiarity with inspection software, GIS systems, and the ability to interpret blueprints and technical documents are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial for working with contractors and public stakeholders. These skills ensure infrastructure projects meet regulatory standards, are completed safely, and serve the public interest efficiently.

What are some common challenges faced by public works inspectors on construction sites?

Public Works Inspectors often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple contractors, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and addressing unforeseen site conditions that may impact project timelines. Clear communication and attention to detail are essential, as inspectors must document findings, resolve discrepancies, and ensure safety standards are met. Additionally, balancing multiple projects simultaneously and adapting to variable weather or site conditions are typical aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Public Works Inspector vs Civil Engineer?

AspectPublic Works InspectorCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require certifications in construction or inspectionBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field; licensure often required
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, public infrastructure projects, field inspectionsDesign offices, project planning, site supervision
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, government agencies, construction firmsEngineering firms, government agencies, private sector

Public Works Inspectors primarily focus on inspecting construction projects to ensure compliance with codes and standards, working directly on-site. Civil Engineers design, plan, and oversee infrastructure projects, often working in offices and on-site. While both roles are involved in public infrastructure, Inspectors concentrate on enforcement and quality control, whereas Civil Engineers handle design and project planning.

How much do public works inspectors make?

Public works inspectors in California typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They often work full-time hours, inspecting construction sites, ensuring compliance with safety and building codes, and may require certifications such as NICET or state licensing.
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Public Works Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Works Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,343 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Civil/Public Works Engineer (Full-time)

Local Agency Engineering Associates

Placentia, CA • On-site

$45 - $125/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

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Job description

Civil/Public Works Engineer

Job Description

LAE Associates, Inc. is a provider of professional Municipal Public Works Engineering and Construction Management services to cities, water districts, and other public agencies. LAE specializes in Project/Construction/Program Management, Inspection Services, and virtual/in-person Staff Augmentation to Cities.

Who we are looking for:

LAE is seeking an experienced Civil/Public Works Engineer to manage and support public works construction projects (e.g. roadway resurfacing/rehabilitation/reconstruction, water, sewer, storm drain, parking lot, park, and traffic signal projects) as well as providing Engineering Oversight to other Engineers. The selected person will be providing Engineering/Construction Oversight for a variety of Capital Improvements Program (CIP) projects for our City and Water District clients in various counties, acting as an extension of public agency staff and coordinating closely with engineers, inspectors, consultants, contractors, and agency stakeholders.

The ideal candidate should have at least 12 years of professional Civil/Public Works and technical experience working on public works and experience managing municipal infrastructure projects from pre-construction through construction and close-out, including scope development, schedule control, cost tracking, and coordination with multiple disciplines.

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Serve as an Oversight Engineer/Manager on public works and utility construction projects from initiation through completion
  • Administer construction projects including contract compliance, schedule tracking, cost control, change order review, and coordination with contractors and consultants.
  • Coordinate with public agency staff, developers, consultants, and the general public on project issues, construction impacts, and resolution of field conflicts
  • Assist and support client engineers and management staff on large and complex public works construction projects
  • Work with our engineers, project managers, public works inspectors, outside civil/traffic/design and geo-technical engineers
  • Manage a variety of roadway, storm drain facility, water, sewer, utility, parking lot, park, and traffic signal projects
  • Prepare project schedules and track progress of various projects
  • Attend, and/or participate in meetings remotely, including progress meetings, and coordination meetings with stakeholders
  • Lead, plan, train, and review the work of staff responsible for performing professional and technical level engineering work.
  • Track project milestones, priorities, and deliverables, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
  • Respond to inquiries and resolve issues from agency staff, contractors, developers, and the public related to construction activities
  • Perform other Public Works project management functions as assigned

Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering/Technology, and/or sufficient Industry experience
  • Professional Engineering license preferred but not required
  • 12 years of public/private sector construction, technical or engineering experience
  • Ability to meet deadlines and complete public works construction projects on-time and within budget
  • Strong understanding of public agency procedures, construction contracts, and multi-agency coordination.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Oversee junior and mid-level staff, providing feedback and answering their project inquiries.

Company Description

A Project/Construction Management, Staff Augmentation (Consultant City Engineer, Public Works Director) and Public works Inspection firm. Applications without the appropriate background are discouraged to apply and will not be considered.