Public Works Inspector (Pay Grade 20) AFSCME Local 1607 bei New Castle County Government, DE

About the Department

In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations, an eligible list, which will be valid for a one-year period, and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period, is being established for this classification. Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.  

Candidates may submit online employment applications using the NEOGOV online application system available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nccde.

EXAMINATION PROCESS: The examination process for this posting may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written examination, a computerized exam, an oral board interview examination, a performance examination or any combination of the above in order to qualify applicants for placement on the eligible list.  The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies that occur within the next year.   The appropriate number of names on the eligible list as prescribed by Merit System Section 26.03.505 will be certified to the hiring department for consideration to fill the vacant position(s).

New employees are generally hired at the starting salary and may be eligible for merit increases each year upon receipt of a satisfactory performance evaluation, up to the maximum salary.

Position Duties

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:   Inspects construction and rehabilitation work being performed on privately funded projects or projects for New Castle County to assure compliance with all New Castle County Codes and other applicable regulations and standards relating to construction and site work; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:   An employee in this class inspects privately funded development projects and publicly funded County construction and rehabilitation projects.  Areas of inspection include site grading and drainage, erosion/sediment controls, storm water management, wastewater installation, park improvement, paving, repair work, and related areas.  Responsibilities include working with contractors, engineers, and related regulatory agencies.  This employee must exercise independent judgement, initiative, and discretion in problem situations, particularly in the field, must keep abreast of new technical developments and engineered systems in the construction field and must attend training courses as required.  This employee works under general supervision.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:   (Illustrative Only)

• Inspects the installation of wastewater infrastructure for bedding, grade, joint integrity, proper construction of manholes, and freedom from extraneous debris;
• Inspects ditches and pipes to ensure compliance with plans and specifications;
• Conducts and/or observes acceptance testing of assets being installed, repaired or rehabilitated;
• Meets with the public to investigate complaints related to projects, inadequate grading, drainage, sewer and septic systems, and erosion/sediment problems;
• Inspects work being performed under private contract or for New Castle County in the construction of sanitary sewers, pumping stations, wastewater treatment plants, parks,  stormwater facilities and paving;
• Reports unsatisfactory work or conditions which interfere with the performance of construction;
• Consults with contractors, engineers, and architects concerning construction problems;
• Produces inspection reports of all work inspected;
• Prepares and submits special reports as required;
• Follows internal inspection processes and procedures;
• May assist supervisors in making final decisions;
• Makes decisions in the field concerning erosion/sediment controls on the site, trench conditions, materials and compliance with standards and approved plans;
• Works with engineers to provide input relating to planned erosion and sediment controls and the feasibility of such controls;

• Works with representatives from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control in site review of problem areas to enforce compliance with regulations and refers sites to supervisor as needed to achieve compliance with applicable codes and regulations;

• Issues notices to contractors/owners in violation of applicable codes and regulations and posts "stop work" orders on sites in violation of applicable codes and regulations in accordance with departmental policy;
• Administers and follows up on code violations to ensure correction and compliance;
• Attends and participates in pre-construction meetings for privately funded development projects and publicly funded County construction and rehabilitation projects;
• Coordinates scheduling of final inspections of privately funded development projects and publicly funded County construction and rehabilitation projects for acceptance by New Castle County;
• Inspects areas of responsibility for evidence of unpermitted construction activity, initiates action to achieve conformance with applicable codes, and reports non-conformance to the appropriate supervisor for further action as needed;
• Prepares data on code violations for use in legal cases and testifies in court as required;
• Maintains current knowledge of technical developments and engineered systems in the field; 
• Maintains records on all quantities of payable items used by contractors to allow for verified payments to be made to the contractor after submission of a payment estimate; 
• Schedules and attends progress meetings to keep other agencies informed of the status of the project;

• Attends training courses as required;
• Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that external and internal customers are provided with the highest quality of service;

• Operates a data processing terminal, personal computer, and other related equipment in the course of the work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  Thorough knowledge of construction work; good knowledge of codes and ordinances relating to construction; some knowledge of modern principles and practices of civil engineering; some knowledge of the principles of erosion/sediment control, storm water management, and lines and grades; ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and blueprints; ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to obtain the cooperation of contractors; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, engineers, other agencies, and the public; ability to maintain current knowledge of technical developments in the construction field; ability to maintain accurate records and prepare related reports; ability to pass a Class III County physical examination.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:  At least three years' experience in a responsible sub-professional engineering position in highway, heavy construction, or building work and completion of a standard high school course or GED certificate program; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:    Possession of a valid Delaware Class D driver's license or its equivalent.

Minimum Qualifications

Cassondra Briggs
Human Resources Technician
[email protected]