Construction Inspector

Salary : $76,356.80 - $102,939.20 Annually
Location : Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 5360GE-1026-080 (O)
Department: OC Public Works
Opening Date: 10/23/2026
Closing Date: 11/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

THE OPPORTUNITY
OC Construction is seeking an experienced Construction Inspector to provide critical inspection support within the Capital Project Management Section. Construction Inspectors are responsible for inspections of horizontal public works projects, such as roadways, bikeways, bridges, and flood control channels, and assure that projects are constructed per plans and specifications, comply with regulatory permits, meet standards for stormwater pollution prevention, adequately address public safety and detour requirements, and are completed within the construction contract work duration and price.

Responsibilities and duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Enforces compliance with the project specifications and construction plans
• Regularly meets with the contractor or their representatives to discuss the progress of construction
• Inspects the construction activity, including earth-moving operations, placement of engineering materials and paving for roadway and storm drain improvements, and major concrete placements
• Coordinates with OC Surveyor and Materials Laboratory for construction staking and materials testing
• Inspects temporary structures such as shoring, concrete forms, and falsework
• Writes daily inspection diaries
• Keeps daily records of material quantities, produces supporting documents for monthly payments, and reviews and processes monthly pay applications

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate would possess two (2) or more years of horizontal construction experience (such as general construction field experience, pavement maintenance, materials lab, field surveying, or a combination). Possession of an AA degree or higher in a related field or completion of a certificate in Public Works Construction is highly desirable but not required.

In addition, the ideal candidate will also have extensive experience in the following core competencies:

Technical Knowledge | Experience

• General knowledge of the principles, methods, standards, and techniques associated with the technical duties related to the job of a Construction Inspector
• Performing inspections on various horizontal public works projects, including, but not limited to, road, bridge, and flood control
• Basic principles of land surveying, engineering construction, and design
• Familiar with County Standards and Specifications
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and similar software
• Ability to perform basic calculations for Area and Volume of construction quantities

Communication Skills

• Interact effectively with contractors, agencies /departments, and other persons with tact and good judgment
• Effective verbal and written skills
• Foster and maintain positive working relationships
• Demonstrate decisiveness and soundness in judgment
• Work collaboratively in groups

Organizational | Analytical Skills

• Read and interpret related equipment policies & procedures and apply regulations
• Research, collect, analyze cost & other data, and prepare recommendations of findings
• Recognize and prioritize workload
• Identify problems, gather relevant information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Maintain moderately complex records requiring independent judgment and accuracy

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click here for details on the Construction Inspector classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver License is required to perform the job-related essential functions of the position.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)
The Structured Oral Interview is a timed assessment. Applicants will provide answers to job-related questions, which will be rated by a panel of subject matter experts using standardized evaluation criteria. Only the most qualified candidates will move advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click to review the policy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Brian Quinlan at brian.quinlan@pw.oc.gov or 714-667-9750.

01

INSTRUCTIONS: The information you provide on this questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your level of expertise during the recruitment process. Be as specific as possible and include all information requested.If you do not have the experience in an area, please answer "N/A". Statements such as "see application" or "see resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a response. All employers, education, and/or training referenced on this questionnaire must be listed in your application.Do you understand these instructions?

• Yes

02

A valid California Class C or higher Driver's License is required for this position.Do you currently possess a valid California Driver's License - Class C?*Please attach a copy to your application*

• Yes, I currently possess a valid California Class C or higher Driver's License and it is attached.
• No, I do not currently possess a valid California Class C or higher Driver's License.

03

Please select the option that best describes your experience:

• Two (2) or more years of experience performing entry-level construction work.
• Less than (2) years of experience performing entry-level construction work.
• One (1) or more years of subprofessional engineering related to the construction field.
• Less than one (1) year of subprofessional engineering experience related to the construction field.
• No experience

04

Based on the option that you have selected in Question 3, please describe the entry-level construction work or subprofessional engineering experience you possess, including but not limited to reviewing plans, cost estimations, or general construction work. Please include the name of the employer, the dates you were employed, and the major construction-related responsibilities you held in each role.If no experience, please write N/A.
05

Please check the options that apply to you, if any:*If applicable, please attach documentation to your application*

• AA Degree in a related field to the job bulletin
• Certificate in Public Works Construction
• None of the above

Required Question