Engineering Inspector in Birmingham

Engineering Inspectors working within the Merit System are responsible for inspecting construction and maintenance projects on public infrastructure to ensure projects are completed according to job specifications and engineering plans. They monitor the progress of contractor’s work on projects, and ensure the appropriate quality and quantity of materials are used or removed according to specifications. Individuals in this job class work closely with crew leaders and contractors to ensure that engineering standards are followed throughout the entirety of construction and maintenance projects. Engineering Inspectors may also inspect existing infrastructure (e.g., sewers, bridges, roadways, sidewalks) to determine necessary repairs and maintenance. Work is performed under the direction of a supervisor and is reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to policies and procedures.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Agencies provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more. The pay range for this job varies depending upon the Merit System employing agency:

• Birmingham: $40,934 - $63,502
• Jefferson County: $45,468 - $70,532
• Vestavia Hills: $47,569 - $73,798

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:

• Option A: Driver's license; Work experience participating in civil engineering construction activities (e.g., surveying, bridge/road/sewer construction).
• Option B: Driver's license; Work experience as a Drafter, Detailer, or CAD operator (e.g., working at architectural or engineering firm).
• Option C: Driver's license; Successful completion of college coursework in advanced math (e.g., Geometry, Trigonometry, or Calculus).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: The following are job-related qualifications deemed desirable by Merit System agencies:

• Work experience conducting inspections for public infrastructure projects (e.g., roads, bridges, and/or sewer systems).
• Work experience reading/interpreting construction plans and specifications.

TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:

• Communicates with a variety of individuals orally and/or electronically by providing appropriate information to project engineers, contractors, attorneys, and the general public in order to inform them on the status of construction projects and utility issues.
• Inspects construction and maintenance work on public infrastructure by inspecting drainage structures, sanitary sewers, water reclamation facilities, roads, bridges, subdivisions, and utilities using accepted civil engineering practices, national, state, and local engineering codes, standards, or regulations to ensure that projects are completed according to job specifications.
• Oversees contractors’ work on public infrastructure projects (e.g., subdivisions, sewer lines, bridges, roads) by monitoring the progress of work, approving payment to contractors and ensuring the appropriate quality and quantity of materials (e.g., steel, concrete, asphalt, soil) are used or removed in order to ensure projects are completed according to specifications.
• Examines and reviews plans of assigned projects by attending pre-construction meetings, examining utilities at construction sites, and reading maps and drawings in order to prepare for on-site inspections during construction and maintenance projects on public infrastructure (e.g., roads, bridges, sewer lines).
• Engages in activities designed to ensure professional development, awareness of developments in the field, and knowledge of relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and/or guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Job involves moderate physical exertion required for occasional prolonged periods of standing, balancing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching. May involve occasional light lifting of items or objects weighing up to 25 lbs. Work involves physical abilities necessary to visually inspect details from a distance, and the ability to make accurate judgments about physical dimensions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed at outdoor worksites such as near roadways, construction sites, parks, etc. Work may involve using various tools and equipment used in land surveying. May be exposed to weather conditions, such as extreme hot or cold temperatures, or other potentially hazardous conditions such as near roadway traffic or near animal or wildlife such as snakes, rodents, etc.

EEO STATEMENT: The Personnel Board of Jefferson County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

ACCOMMODATION: To request an accommodation in the application or hiring process due to your own ongoing medical condition or disability, please contact our Accommodations Coordinator at or phone at 205-279-3500 (select option 1) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

NOTE: This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System.