Senior Construction Inspector

Salary : $85,134.40 - $114,732.80 Annually
Location : Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 5361GE-1026-080 (O)
Department: OC Public Works
Opening Date: 11/03/2026
Closing Date: 11/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

CAREER DESCRIPTION

SENIOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Senior Construction Inspectorpositions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PT).
OC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES/OC PUBLIC WORKS
OC Development Services oversees the planning and development entitlement requirements for private and public projects within the County's unincorporated areas. This includes permit processing, inspection services and management of zoning, building and code regulations - all to ensure safe and responsible property development and community standards.

OC Public Works provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, to cities, and to other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through efficient delivery and maintenance of public works infrastructure, planning, and development services. OC Public Works' core values are integrity, accountability, service and trust.

OCPW is a unique County department comprised of ten (10) service areas: Administrative Services, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction; OC Development Services; OC Environmental Resources; OC Facilities Design & Construction and CUF; OC Facilities Maintenance & OC Fleet Services; OC Infrastructure Programs; OC Operations & Maintenance.

Click here for more information on OC Public Works.
Click here for more information on the County of Orange.

THE OPPORTUNITY
OC Public Works is seeking to fill aSenior Construction Inspector vacancy within its Subdivision/Permits Inspection department. Senior Construction Inspectors are responsible for the independent inspection and construction management of horizontal public works construction projects. These projects include roadways, bikeways, bridges, and flood control channels. The Senior Construction Inspector serves as the main County contact on the construction site with the contractor for daily construction activities and with the public. This position also ensures that the contractor's work complies with public works standards, the technical requirements in the specifications, and all applicable water quality and environmental requirements.

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

• Enforcing project compliance with approved contract plans, specifications, codes, and ordinances
• Interpreting construction plans and specifications, performing constructability peer reviews, and assessing existing field conditions to identify potential conflicts with proposed improvements
• Inspecting various public works facilities which include roads, bridges, retaining walls, box culverts, storm drains, catch basins, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, driveways, landscaping, and other civil infrastructure
• Reviewing subdivision, permit, and grading plans for concept and adherence to approved County standards specifications(Subdivision/Permits Inspection)
• Exercising limited supervision and mentoring efforts over assigned entry level Construction Inspectors, which include training on construction inspection principles, computing routine field calculations and familiarization of work policies/procedures required of the position
• Conducting construction site inspections to identify unsafe practices, evaluate project site Best Management Practices (BMPs), monitor temporary traffic control systems, and ensure compliance with approved plans and specifications
• Coordinating project construction with outside stakeholders (utility companies, other departments, and government agencies) to maximize effective customer service

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will meet all of the below-linked minimum qualifications. Incumbents in this position must also possess and maintain a valid Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) certification within one (1) year of appointment.

The following degrees/certifications are highly desirable, but not required:

• Possession of a degree or certification in a construction-related field
• CISEC Certification
• QSP Certification
• Asphalt, Concrete, and/or Soils Field Testing Certification

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

Technical Knowledge

• Inspection of Public Works Road or Flood Control construction work performed under contract to the County
• Knowledge and application of modern construction methods, techniques, practices, and the use and properties of a variety of construction materials
• Extensive knowledge of roads, bridges, retaining walls, box culverts, storm drains, catch basins, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, driveways, landscaping, and other civil infrastructure
• Extensive knowledge of subdivision maps, permits, arterial highway plans, master plans, drainage plans and grading plans
• Interpretation of engineering plans, specifications, engineer's estimates, County of Orange Standard Plans, APWA Greenbook standard specifications and Standard Plans, Caltrans Standard Plans, records of survey, and material test results
• Knowledge of stormwater principles and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
• Proficiency in hardware and software such as: MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), mobile phone, digital camera, laptop, and web-based programs and applications

Analysis and Problem Solving

• Maintain moderately complex records requiring independent judgment and accuracy
• Identify problems, gather relevant information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Demonstrate decisiveness and soundness in judgment

Communication

• Effective and professional oral and written communication skills
• Follows detailed oral and written directions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external staff, and representatives of other agencies and departments

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click here for details on the Senior 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
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should notify the recruiter listed on the job posting as soon as possible. Documentation supporting the accommodation request may be required.

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

Which of the following best describes your years of experience that would qualify you for this position?Your application should support the information you provide below.

• I have at least two (2) years of experience as a Construction Inspector with the County of Orange
• I have at least four (4) years of experience performing grading or construction inspections
• I have at least three (3) years of experience performing grading or construction inspections, but less than four (4) years of experience
• I have at least two (2) years of experience performing grading or construction inspections, but less than three (3) years of experience
• None of the above

04

List any related training, education, and/or active certifications that you possess, and attach a copy to your application. If applicable, please include the expiration date.If none, please write, "N/A".
05

Describe your experience performing public works inspections of subdivision tracts, street improvements, grading and road/flood encroachment construction for the acceptance of work such as the following: earth moving operations; structural excavation; coordination of material testing; erection of concrete forms and falsework; placement of structural steel; water; sewer; storm drain; utility conduits; paving; striping; traffic signals; park and landscape improvements; final tract sign-offs. Include in your response, the title of your position, where you acquired this experience, and how many years/months of experience you have in this area.If no experience, please write, "N/A".
06

Describe your experience performing public works contract inspection of flood control channels, roads, bridges, bikeways, and parks facilities for payment such as the following: monitoring and documenting Contractor's on-site activities; reviewing material submittals and inspecting on-site materials for conformity with the Contract Documents; computing and conducting quantity calculations to determine progress payment; preparing weekly statement of working days for conformity with the Contract; reviewing and monitoring Contractor look-ahead schedules and work plans; documenting field issues, reviewing and distributing request for information or contract change order requests