Public Works Inspector I/Public Works Inspector II at City of Mission Viejo – Mission Viejo, California

City of Mission Viejo Invites Applications for

PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR I

$33.83 - $49.28 per hour

PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTOR II

$38.91 - $56.67 per hour

APPLY BY: 3:00 P.M., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026

SEARCH SCHEDULE: Online applications must be completed & submitted no later than 3:00 p.m. on the filing deadline. NeoGov will reject all applications started prior to 3:00 p.m., but not submitted by 3:00 p.m. No exceptions will be made to the closing deadline. Please plan accordingly.

The first round of Zoom interviews is scheduled for some time the week of March 2, 2026. Only one date will be available for an applicant to attend. The City will not accommodate applicant scheduling requests for alternate dates. It is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly when you apply.

THE POSITION:

The City of Mission Viejo’s Public Works inspection program provides inspection services for development projects, encroachment permits, haul routes, & capital improvement projects; and assists in the development of project scope of work for slurry seal, concrete, arterial resurfacing and the pavement management program. . Behind this program, there is a talented team of people that care deeply about public service, technical excellence, and doing work that actually makes a difference in our community! They are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a strong work ethic to join their team as our next Public Works Inspector. If that’s you, we encourage you to apply today!

Currently, there is one (1) full-time vacancy in the Public Works Department assigned to City Hall. This position is scheduled to work Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but the schedule may vary depending on the needs of the City including on-call and callback assignments, after-hours emergency response, weekend assignments, and special events. Both classifications are FLSA non-exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act and eligible for overtime.

Appointment of an applicant to fill the one (1) vacancy may be made from either the Public Works Inspector I or Public Works Inspector II classifications and the selection will be based on the applicant that most closely meets the education & experience levels of the classifications and best suits the needs of the City of Mission Viejo.

Your Contributions

Public Works Inspector I is the entry-level in the public works inspection class series that performs a variety of routine inspections of the work of contractors constructing or modifying City infrastructure to ensure safety and conformance with plans and specifications. Responsibilities include working closely with City Engineering staff, developers and contractors to effect project modifications to meet field contingencies. This class is alternately staffed with Public Works Inspector II and incumbents may advance to the higher-level class after gaining the knowledge, skills and experience that meet the qualifications and by demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

Public Works Inspector II is the journey-level class within the public works inspection series that independently performs a variety of complex inspections of the work of contractors constructing or modifying City infrastructure to ensure safety and conformance with plans and specifications. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.

Applicants are encouraged to review the entire Public Works Inspector I and Public Works Inspector II job descriptions by visiting the City’s website at https://cityofmissionviejo.org.

YOUR TEAM

The department's mission includes providing essential services and implementing improvement projects for the community. Key activities include maintaining and improving public roads, enhancing traffic flow and safety, managing waste and recycling programs, overseeing stormwater pollution prevention, and supporting development initiatives. Additionally, the department actively engages in community outreach to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. If you're passionate about making a difference, consider joining their committed team!

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Someone who can provide a high level of customer service to the public, contractors and City staff, in person, over the telephone, and in email while handling a high volume of daily inspections and plan reviews;
• Someone who can organize their workload, set priorities, and follow-up with contractors and the public with minimal direction;
• Knowledge of materials, methods, principles and practices used in public works and private development construction, including streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, drainage, streetlight and related facilities and appurtenances;
• Skill in inspecting capital improvement and public works projects to ensure compliance with plans and specifications;
• Ability to interpret, apply and explain laws, regulations, codes and departmental policies governing the construction of private development projects;
• Knowledge of and embraces the use of computer applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and wants to learn new computer programs such as CRM GoRequest customer relations management module; and
• Great oral and written communication skills.

Knowledge of:

• Materials, methods, principles and practices used in public works construction, including streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, drainage, streetlights and related facilities and appurtenances.
• Principles and practices of public works construction inspection.
• Basic practices of construction contract administration in a public agency setting.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations and departmental policies governing the construction of assigned projects.
• Technical principles and practices of engineering design, specification and cost estimate preparation.
• Defects and faults in construction.
• Materials sampling, testing, and estimating procedures.
• Pavement management systems.
• NPDES based water pollution prevention program.
• Mathematical principles including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Traffic control requirements.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in public works maintenance and inspection.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Techniques for dealing with engineers, developers, contractors, City staff, and representatives of other agencies in an effective manner.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Principles and practices of contract management and supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Safe work practices.

Skill in:

• Inspecting standard capital improvement and public works projects to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining laws, regulations, codes and departmental policies governing the construction of public works.
• Reviewing and authorizing change orders, claims and progress payments within specific procedural guidelines.
• Providing technical engineering review and processing assistance to City staff.
• Detecting and locating faulty materials and workmanship and determining the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied.
• Reviewing and analyzing construction plans, specifications and maps for conformance with City standards and policies.
• Coordinating and dealing tactfully with contractors, engineers and property owners.
• Inspecting assigned areas for a wide variety of maintenance, repair, and risk management issues.
• Responding to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
• Assisting with the preparation of biddable specifications for a variety of public works construction and maintenance contracts.
• Assisting with the development of cost estimates and budgets for public review.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate and complete records.
• Preparing clear and concise technical reports.
• Researching, writing, and recommending programs and schedules including requests for proposals and budgets.
• Performing the entire range of construction inspection activities with a minimum of supervision.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Planning, organizing, and supervising the work of assigned contract staff.
• Understanding and carrying out oral and written instructions.
• Making accurate mathematic computations.
• Preparing clear, effective and accurate reports, correspondence, change orders, specifications and other written materials.
• Representing the department and the City effectively in meetings with other departments, public and private organizations and individuals.
• Using tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Operating a variety of equipment and tools.
• Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Operating a motor vehicle safe.

Qualifications

Public Works Inspector I:

Equivalent to completion of two (2) years of college-level courses or technical school training in construction technology, construction inspection, or construction management, or a related field and supplemented with two (2) years of construction and/or construction inspection experience. Additional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Public Works Inspector II:

Equivalent to completion of two (2) years of college-level courses or technical school training in construction technology, construction inspection, or construction management, or a related field and supplemented with four (4) years of construction inspection experience, including contract administration experience. Additional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years. Experience in a public agency setting is desirable.

License and Certificates

Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.