Job Details

Senior Public Works Inspector

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.

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.

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.

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.

Because this recruitment is open and continuous, applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications as soon as possible. The filing period for an open and continuous recruitment may be closed at any time. For first consideration, city application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be received by 5:30 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026.