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Public Works Inspector Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Utility Worker I or II

Dallas, OR · On-site

$50K - $69K/yr

Public Works Division: Sewer Opening Date: 07/01/2026 Closing Date: Continuous General Statement of ... Maintains a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activities, system cleaning etc.

Utility Worker I or II

Dallas, OR · On-site

$50K - $69K/yr

Maintains a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activities, system cleaning etc ... Operates equipment of the Public Works Department, including dump trucks, backhoe, tractor, mower ...

Engineer I

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$6.3K - $7.6K/mo

Public works or municipal internship experience * Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) * Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and technology * Construction field inspection experience ...

Engineer I

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$6.3K - $7.6K/mo

Public works or municipal internship experience * Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) * Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and technology * Construction field inspection experience ...

Engineer I

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$6.3K - $7.6K/mo

Public works or municipal internship experience * Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) * Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and technology * Construction field inspection experience ...

Engineer I

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$6.3K - $7.6K/mo

Public works or municipal internship experience * Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) * Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and technology * Construction field inspection experience ...

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Public Works Inspector information

See Oregon salary details

$20.6K

$67.9K

$97.3K

How much do public works inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for public works inspector in Oregon is $67,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,400.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Public Works Inspectors?

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 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.

How much do inspectors make per inspection?

Public Works Inspectors typically do not get paid per inspection but earn an hourly or salary wage, which can range from $20 to $40 per hour depending on experience, location, and employer. Some projects may offer additional pay for overtime or specialized inspections, but payment per inspection is uncommon in this role.

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.

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 standards, and may require knowledge of construction codes and tools like inspection software.

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.

What is the role of a work inspector?

A public works inspector is responsible for monitoring construction and maintenance projects to ensure compliance with safety standards, building codes, and project specifications. They conduct site inspections, review plans, and document progress, often using tools like inspection checklists and requiring relevant certifications. Their work helps ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and according to regulations.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

Among inspection roles, construction and building inspectors tend to earn higher salaries, especially those with specialized skills or certifications such as building codes or safety standards. Public works inspectors with advanced training or supervisory responsibilities can also earn higher wages compared to entry-level inspectors.
What are popular job titles related to Public Works Inspector jobs in Oregon? For Public Works Inspector jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Public Works Inspector jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Public Works Inspector job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Public Works Inspector jobs in OR? For Public Works Inspector jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Public Works Inspector job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,860 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

$63K - $81K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Summary Discover Medford: Employment, Applicant Support, and Benefits within Our Vibrant City The City of Medford is looking for a skilled public works professional to join our Surface Maintenance crew as a Public Works Technician Senior. This is a hands-on lead role for someone with strong asphalt and construction maintenance experience who takes pride in quality work, understands how to keep a crew and project moving, and is ready to serve as a trusted resource in the field. In this role, you'll help plan, coordinate, and perform asphalt, concrete, and right-of-way maintenance and rehabilitation projects throughout the community.

You'll lead and train crew members, coordinate equipment and materials, and work alongside the team to deliver safe, durable results residents can see and rely on every day. If you bring sound judgment, strong technical skills, and a team-first approach, this is an opportunity to make a visible impact while growing your leadership experience with the City of Medford. Required Education and Experience: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; and Four (4) years of equipment operation and related construction or maintenance experience.

Special Qualifications: Possession of a valid Class A Oregon Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or the ability to obtain CDL within 6 months of hire date. New employees establishing resident status in the State of Oregon must obtain an Oregon driver's license within 30 days (ORS 807.020 (1)). Maintaining a CDL is a condition of employment

Ability to maintain an acceptable driving record throughout employment. Must live within a 60-minute response time from the City's Service Center located at 821 N. Columbus Ave.

Preferred Qualifications: Flagger certification Traffic Control Technician (TCT) or Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) certification Available Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM (four 10-hour days with three days off each week) Compensation & Information on Benefits This position is part of the Teamsters C&M employee group. Learn more about our benefits HERE. The anticipated hiring range for the Public Works Technician position is $30.69 (first step) to $32.22 or $33.83 (second or third step)

The City of Medford determines starting pay based on an evaluation of relevant education, experience, and qualifications as provided by the applicant in their application materials, alongside others who perform work of comparable character consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Six steps are included in this salary range, allowing opportunity for annual movement through the steps. Healthcare Benefits: Medical, vision and dental benefits for employee and family, paid at 100% by the City with the opportunity to buy-up to a lower deductible plan Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance - policy value of $50,000 paid by the City Long-term disability insurance provided by the City Health Reimbursement Account (HRA-VEBA) contributions provided by the City Retirement Benefits: Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) lifetime pension after retirement at no cost to employee PERS is 100% fully paid as the City pays both the employer and the employee's (6%) contributions Deferred Compensation retirement plan (Section 457 Plan) for employee's retirement planning Additional Benefits: Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The City's Wellness Program promotes physical, social, emotional, intellectual, financial and environmental wellness with various goals and challenges to participate in throughout the year.

Employees may qualify for wellness incentives by completing milestones set within the program up to $200 annually Access to the City's fully equipped fitness center 24/7 Examples of Job Duties Essential Functions of the Position: Serves as a crew lead over teams of Public Works Technicians and Laborers and prioritizes and assigns work to and trains staff in the assigned section. Leads and performs a variety of skilled equipment operation and public works construction and maintenance tasks. Creates, installs, inspects, repairs, and alters a variety of signs, systems, equipment, structures and facilities, maintains and repairs streets, sewer lines, storm drainage infrastructure, bridges, pump stations, grounds, and facilities.

Performs manual labor activities, which may include excavating, grading, sidewalks, and cleaning up debris. Creates traffic control plans and oversees work zone traffic control. Operates a variety of medium-sized equipment and/or large trucks which may include backhoes, skid steer trucks, line stripers, dump trucks, mowers, combination vacuum trucks, video inspection equipment, excavators, pavers, loaders, rollers, water trucks, street sweepers, etc.

Operates, maintains, and repairs a variety of hand and/or power tools, which may include rollers, concrete saws, mixers, chain saws, jack hammers, pumps, and/or a variety of other equipment. Performs emergency services during adverse weather conditions, which may include removing snow and debris from roadways, sanding roads, high water response, etc. Responds to afterhours/on-call needs.

Scope of assigned area of responsibility will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the Public Works Director. Specialized duties for those positions assigned to the Surface Maintenance Section: Monitoring, planning, and participating in asphalt, concrete and surfaced right-of-way maintenance and rehabilitation; planning and participating in bridge repair. Scheduling equipment and material use; coordinating transportation issues.

Other Functions of the Position: Provides database work in a variety of software applications. Completes a variety of logs, documents, schedules, and reports regarding materials handled, equipment operations, and other related information. Meets with contractors, the public, and engineering and building representatives to plan projects, coordinate resolution of issues, and inspect the work of contractors.

Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation. Handles job stress and interacts effectively with others in the workplace. Fosters an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.

Is an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned. Demonstrates regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Competencies: Drive/Energy Effective performers have a high level of energy and the motivation to sustain it over time. They are ambitious and passionate about their role in the City. They have the stamina and endurance to handle the substantial workload present in today's organizations.

They know that a healthy work/life balance is important to sustained energy. They are motivated to maintain a fast pace and continue to produce even in exhausting circumstances. High Standards Effective performers establish and model standards that guarantee exceptional quality and necessary attention to detail.

They continually seek to improve processes and products and hold staff accountable for quality. They find best practices, share them, and then improve upon them. Functional/Technical Expertise Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty.

They add organizational value through unique expertise in a functional specialty area. They remain current in their area of expertise and serve as a resource in that area for the organization. Results Orientation Effective performers maintain appropriate focus on outcomes and accomplishments.

They are motivated by achievement and persist until the goal is reached. They convey a sense of urgency to make things happen. They respect the need to balance short- and long-term goals.

They are driven by a need for closure. Team Player Effective performers are team oriented. They identify with the larger organizational team and their role within it.

They share resources, respond to requests from other parts of the organization, and support larger legitimate organizational agendas as more important than local or personal goals. Work Environment & Physical Demands: This position works primarily outdoors with exposure to inclement weather conditions ranging from high heat and extremely cold temperatures. Tasks performed frequently involve working on construction equipment exposing incumbent to heavy vibrations, loud noises, fumes, chemicals, dirt and dust.

May work within confined spaces, heavily congested traffic areas that include exposure to a broad variety of potential health and safety exposures. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to accomplish each of the essential functions satisfactorily. Position is regularly required to use hands and arms to handle, feel, reach, grasp and operate mechanical tools and large equipment for extended periods of time.

Employees are frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb and balance. Requires physical ability to regularly lift and carry moderate heavy materials, tools, supplies, and equipment of up to 50 pounds, and to push or pull objects weighing 50-75 lbs. Supplemental Information IMPORTANT (Please read): It is important your application shows all the relevant experience you possess.

Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an online application; an application will be considered incomplete with a "see resume" response. Please complete the application and answer the supplemental questions thoroughly to ensure our subject matter experts can appropriately evaluate your experience as we compare applicants.

How to Apply: Applications are only accepted online and must be received by the posted closing date/time. Selection procedures and timelines subject to change. Those selected must be able to provide proof of legal right to work in this country.

Use of AI-Generated Content in Employment Applications Employment with the City of Medford can be competitive, often there are many qualified applicants for each open position. We want to see application materials that reflect an applicant's unique personality and that accurately reflect their experience. The use of AI-generated content to complete employment applications and/or supplemental questions is discouraged and may result in disqualification.

Each submission will be verified for originality and authenticity. However, AI tools for grammar checking and resume formatting are permitted. Hiring will be subject to successful completion of the following: Criminal history background investigation Favorable driving record Physical and functional examination Clear drug screen following federal law (which includes testing for cannabis) Professional reference check Questions or Assistance: If you have questions about the job posting, please contact the Human Resources department at (541) 774-2014.

For technical assistance completing your online application, please contact Government Jobs at (855) 524-5627. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: Qualifying veterans and disabled veterans may obtain preference during the hiring and/or promotional selection process. As verification of eligibility, a Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) must be uploaded with the online employment application.

Disabled veterans must also upload a copy of the veteran's disability preference letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: The City of Medford is proud to be an equal opportunity employer

We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, ancestry, status as a protected veteran, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. ADA: The City of Medford complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you consider yourself disabled and require assistance in the application process, please contact (541) 774-2074 or email: ada@cityofmedford.org.