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Principal Construction Inspector - Environmental Services Department

City of San Jose
San Jose, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 2 Jul 2026
💰 $159,541/yr($130,952/yr$159,541/yr)

About the role

Posting number: 202601633

Department: Environmental Services

Job classification: Construction Inspector, Principal

Posting type: Open

Categories: Environmental Services

Summary

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San Jose.
 
Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents! We offer an array of meaningful career paths and value flexibility. Additionally, the City offers excellent health and pension benefits, as well as 15 paid holidays!
 
To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn.


About the Water Resources Division

The Water Resources Division is comprised of three sections: Municipal Water System, South Bay Water Recycling, and Operations and Maintenance. The Water Resources Division provides potable water service through the Municipal Water System to the communities of Evergreen, North San José/Alviso, Edenvale, and Coyote. The Water Resources Division also provides recycled water supplies through the South Bay Water Recycling system within the cities of San José, Santa Clara, and Milpitas. South Bay Water Recycling includes 165 miles of pipeline and facilities, including four pump stations, three reservoirs, and Retail Agency Operations and Maintenance activities for over 1,100 individual customer connections. In addition, the Water Resources Division also implements water conservation efforts.  

Examples of duties

The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to fill one (1) full-time Principal Construction Inspector vacancy in the Water Resources Division.

The salary range for this classification is: $130,952.64 - $159,541.20

This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

Under minimal direction, the Principal Construction Inspector performs work of considerable difficulty including contract administration, technical inspection of the construction of water utility and other general public works related infrastructure, and supervision on a unit of construction inspectors and other related staff. 

This position will manage inspection of potable and recycled water system construction projects both within the City limits and in other jurisdictions, including reviewing plans and specifications for conformance to established engineering standards and regulatory requirements; and consulting with public and private engineers, architects, community groups, contractors and developers relative to the construction of potable and recycled water system improvements.

The Principal Construction Inspector duties typically include: Supervises, guides, and supports a team of staff; creates and implements a workplan to ensure sufficient coverage of all inspection and related needs; personally conducts inspections of construction projects, and completes spot check inspections on other projects; coordinates work of the inspection staff with the project engineers, contractor and the public. Provides input and suggestions on utility design plans; reviews project submittals for materials and equipment and ensures compliance with City Specifications and project plans/specifications; makes recommendations regarding update and revision of standard design details and notes. Keeps current on relative rules and regulations, and ensures that construction practices comply as required. Reviews and interprets construction plans and specifications; directs construction contractors and enforces corrective actions where needed; signs final completion notices. Creates and documents procedures to guide subordinates; trains and evaluates work of subordinates; reviews completed work and prepares required records and reports. Meets with representatives from engineering, police, public, and other jurisdictions on traffic control problems and other construction related issues and performs related work as required. 

Additionally, the goal of this pos

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Company

City of San Jose

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