Job Details

Salary : $100,552.40 - $122,221.58 Annually
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time Classified
Job Number: 2026-###-####-PW-EU
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 01/23/2026
Closing Date: 2/19/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

DESCRIPTION
ABOUT US
At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive.

The mission of the Public Works Department is to provide the community with the sustainable foundation to thrive by delivering quality services and public infrastructure through efficient and fiscally responsible practices. Provide for the public's needs relative to transportation, water, wastewater, and City owned buildings.

THE POSITION
The City of Santa Barbara Public Works Department is seeking a knowledgeable Senior Public Works Inspector. This position performs the more complex and difficult technical public and private improvement construction inspection activities in enforcing compliance with City codes, regulations, and ordinances; to review and resolve complaints; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the advanced journey level class in the Public Works Inspector series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Public Works Inspector II within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including coordinating and overseeing the work of staff, and by the performance of the most complex tasks associated with construction inspections and plan examinations. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:

• Administers and assists in the administration of construction projects; schedules and chairs preconstruction meetings. Makes contact with contractors and public utilities to coordinate timing of construction activities; initiates written bulletins and change orders; verifies quantities and prepares progress payments; and prepares progress reports of construction activities.
• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive public works construction inspection program.
• Principles of lead supervision and training.
• Methods and techniques of construction inspection.
• Codes and ordinances enforced by the City related to public works construction.
• Complex principles and techniques of construction inspection and plans examining work.
• Principle of structural design and engineering mathematics.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Independently perform the most complex and difficult construction inspection activities.
• Interpret, explain, and enforce Department policies and procedures.
• Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Read and interpret complex construction plans, specifications and codes.
• Determine if construction conforms to plans, specifications, and government codes.
• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations.
• Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible construction inspection and plans examining experience.

Education and/or Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by advanced, specialized training in the building and construction trades.

License, Certificate and/or Other Requirements:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
SELECTION PROCESS
It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as "See application", "Extensive Experience", or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There is currently one (1) vacancy within the Public Works Department.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.

Disaster Services Assignments

As public employees, we play an enhanced role in the event of a disaster or other emergency in our community. You will be registered as a disaster services worker, and you will be issued a disaster services identification card. In the event of a disaster or other emergency, make sure that your family is safe and secure first, then report to your assigned emergency location. Hourly employees generally do not receive disaster services assignments.
THESALARY RANGE consists of five steps, each representing an increase of approximately five percent. STEP INCREASES, through the top salary step, are tied to job performance with annual performance reviews. Employees receive annual performance reviews.
THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS may vary and are subject to collective bargaining:

Note: Part-time employees receive pro-rated benefits, e.g., 50%, 60%, etc.

• The City is a member of the Coastal Housing Partnership, which offers home loan assistance and rental reductions.
• A standard 9/80 schedule is observed, with most offices closed every other Friday.
• Flexwork/Telecommuting is available.
• Bilingual pay may be available at a rate of $64 / pay period.
• Vacation is accrued at 96 hours / year, increasing with City service.
• Personal leave (32 hours) is provided each July 1st at the start of the fiscal year (pro-rated the first year).
• Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 96 hours / year.
• Holidays: 12 holidays are observed / year. Paid holiday time is awarded at the employee's applicable schedule, i.e., 9/80, 4/10, etc.
• Retirement: The City does not participate in Social Security.
  
  • PERS Miscellaneous Formula: "Classic" members: 2.7% @ 55; City contributes 12.03% and employee contributes 8% of salary. "New" members: 2% @ 62; City contributes employee 12.03% and employee contributes 7.75% of salary.
• Insurance including medical, dental and vision benefits are available under a group plan. Click here for the benefits rate sheet: General Unit Rate Sheet.
• Cafeteria 125 Plan: Employees who opt-out of the group insurance coverage or who select employee only coverage may be eligible for a cash pay-out of up to $362.38 / month.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: City-paid term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment ($50,000 each) are provided.
• Employee Assistance Program: A City-paid EAP is available for employees and members of their household.
• Long-term Disability Insurance is provided.
• State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) is provided. Employee pays 1.1% of salary. For 2025, the anticipated SDI/PFL rate is 1.2% of salary.
• Deferred Compensation Savings Plans (457) are available to employees through a deferred compensation program.
• Uniforms will be provided by the City to those employees required to wear a uniform.
• Employee must pay an amount equal to 1.45% of salary toward Medicare. An equal amount is paid by the City.

Revised 12/1/2024
01

Describe your experience inspecting complex construction projects, specifically related to water, wastewater, and streets. Explain the type of projects inspected and when and where you gained this experience.
02

Describe any education, training or certifications that qualify you for this position. You may include any related experience not included in question No. 1. Describe any electronic reporting equipment / applications used in the field.
03

Summarize your experience in examining project plans for constructability and adherence to City policies and to pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Required Question