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Public Works Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Public Works Inspector II

Denton, TX · On-site

$24.55 - $31.92/hr

Prior public works inspection experience Candidates with an academic curriculum in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or engineering technology. Bilingual in Spanish and English Conditions ...

Right now, we're looking for a skilled Construction Inspector to join our team in Ventura, CA, and help deliver impactful public works projects. In this role, you'll play a key part in ensuring ...

Right now, we're looking for a skilled Construction Inspector to join our team in Ventura, CA, and help deliver impactful public works projects. In this role, you'll play a key part in ensuring ...

Right now, we're looking for a skilled Construction Inspector to join our team in Ventura, CA, and help deliver impactful public works projects.In this role, you'll play a key part in ensuring ...

Inspector- Public Works

Northlake, TX · On-site

$28.33 - $31.28/hr

Methods and practices of public works inspection and material testing. Construction methods, materials and equipment. Principles of algebra, geometry and trigonometry. Surveying procedures ...

Right now, we're looking for a skilled Construction Inspector to join our team across Southern California and help deliver impactful public works projects. In this role, you'll play a key part in ...

Right now, we're looking for a skilled Construction Inspector to join our team across Southern California and help deliver impactful public works projects. In this role, you'll play a key part in ...

Showing results 21-40

Public Works Inspector information

See salary details

$19.5K

$64.2K

$92K

How much do public works inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for public works inspector in the United States is $64,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $77,500.00 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 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 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 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 cities are hiring for Public Works Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Public Works Inspector job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Public Works Inspector jobs? The top employers for Public Works Inspector jobs are:
What states have the most Public Works Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Works Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Works Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Works Inspector jobs are:
Infographic showing various Public Works Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,183 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR (CAPITAL PROJECTS)

City of Torrance

Torrance, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


City Of Torrance rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

619th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

DESCRIPTION WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION. The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Public Works Inspector, Capital Projects to be part of the Public Works Department's Engineering Division Team. The Department The Public Works Department is a dynamic organization that readily adapts to the needs of the Torrance Community in providing quality and reliable service to the public.

The Department is made up of over 200 employees within five distinct divisions who provide service to residents, businesses, and other City departments to improve and maintain the City's streets, sidewalks, landscaping, traffic signals, sewers, waste collection, and water systems. The Division The Engineering Division is responsible for the development and implementation of several and various infrastructure projects included in the City's multi-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The Division's duties include: planning and budgeting for new projects; securing outside (i.e

federal, state, grant) funding; engineering design, administration of public bidding; and construction management of each project. The Division also provides traffic engineering services for the City including traffic studies, traffic signal system management, responding to citizen traffic requests and making traffic striping and signage improvements in compliance with state standards. The Position Under direction, a Public Works Inspector, Capital Projects provides oversight of contractor's forces on time and material extra work change orders, estimates quantities of extra work and verifies lump sum price quotations for fairness and accuracy; measures for payment all work under each bid item and reviews, processes, and recommends payments for work in place; and interprets contract documents and resolves disputes or uncertainties with the contractor.

The Public Works Inspector, Capital Projects also coordinates inspections and related activities with contractors, utility personnel, consultants and various City staff; Coordinates physical testing of construction materials (e.g., asphalt, concrete, aggregate, soil, plastic, plaster, etc.) to ensure compliance with specific standards; and prepares various status, analytical and technical reports and correspondence. For more information about the duties of the position, click here. QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills required is qualifying

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be: Equivalent to graduation from high school, preferably supplemented by vocation/college coursework related to this field; Three years of responsible experience in engineering/ public works inspection work Licenses and Certifications: Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Must possess and maintain certification as Certified Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Practitioner (QSP) within six months of hire date. Ideal Candidate: In addition to the minimum requirements, the IDEAL candidate will possess the following: Strong organizational skills and self-motivation; Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, the public, contractors, utility companies, and public agencies; Prior experience with performing inspection duties on public works projects that include specific duties related to the use of federal and/or state funds; and Ability to work independently and display sound judgment at all times.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Application submissions will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early

Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the testing process, which will consist of the following components: Oral Interview: (Weighted 100% ): will be tentatively scheduled. SPECIAL NOTES Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the final filing date. As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and a pre-employment medical examination.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.


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