7/26/2002 10020

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR

DEFINITION: This is technical work in the inspection of construction and materials for various civil, environmental, and mine reclamation projects.

An employee in this class serves as a project inspector for a variety of construction projects which may include, but are not limited to, the following: flood control, such as concrete or riprap channels, retaining walls, pumping stations, and dams; sanitary facilities; park structures, including buildings, roads, and swimming pools; surface mine reclamation; exploratory drilling and subsidence control; entry closure and shaft backfilling; mine fire control; and water pollution abatement. Work requires the interpretation of contract requirements through the review and analysis of specifications and technical drawings, and the application of a variety of standard or specialized inspection techniques. Work may also involve coordinating the work of other inspectors engaged in the inspection of materials and workmanship. Work is assigned on a project or sub-project basis where the employee determines priorities and what approach is to be taken, and work is reviewed in progress and upon completion by a technical supervisor for conformance to plans and specifications, and for adherence to departmental policy.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Serves as project inspector on a variety of construction projects by inspecting, testing, and observing the placement of construction materials for an assigned project, sub-project, construction phase, or activity.

Checks stakeouts, elevations, grades, slopes, excavations, drilling logs, and placement of materials for contract conformance.

Reviews or conducts tests of materials, such as slump cone tests for concrete, size and grade of materials, soil compaction, and material moisture and viscosity.

Checks that construction is in conformance with approved construction codes, plans and specifications, and erosion and sedimentation control requirements.

Resolves site construction problems and obtains resolution to engineering problems that develop during construction.

Approves solutions recommended by the contractor when the changes do not involve engineering decisions.

Makes preliminary site inspections to review work to be performed by contractor.

Prepares daily reports of work performed.

Maintains records of labor, materials, and equipment used.

Confers with contractors to reach a common understanding of plans, specifications, and plan inspection activities.

Answers questions on administrative procedures and provides advice on work flows and time schedules.

Plots cross-sections and computes pay quantities to generate monthly pay estimates.

Prepares monthly reports outlining progress estimates and work completed.

Assembles the necessary documents in order to make "as-built" sets of plans.

Serves as the primary contact for property owners and local officials who have concerns or questions on the project.

Coordinates the work of other inspectors engaged in the inspection of materials and workmanship on the sub-project or construction phase.

Directs all work activities on projects involving equipment rental contracts.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and methods applied in construction inspection and the testing of materials.

Knowledge of engineering principles applied in construction and materials inspection.

Knowledge of the procedures applied by contractors in the use and placement of concrete, steel, earthwork, foundations, embankments, drainage pipes, aggregate, sand, and similar construction materials.

Knowledge of basic surveying principles.

Knowledge of the stages in construction when possible defects and violations may be most easily observed and corrected.

Knowledge of alternative construction methodologies available to resolve site construction problems.

Knowledge of agency requirements for assembling "as-built" sets of plans for construction projects.

Knowledge of the use of standard field construction testing devices.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Ability to interpret and explain construction codes, plans, and specifications to construction foremen.

Ability to determine the effective use of construction materials and their placement in construction.

Ability to determine stakeouts, elevations, grades, slope, and excavations.

Ability to determine when alternative non-engineering changes can be made to resolve construction problems.

Ability to apply proper construction codes, erosion and sedimentation control requirements, and departmental policies to construction projects.

Ability to determine cost estimates and prepare project reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with construction foremen, associates, local officials, and the general public.

Ability to exhibit sufficient physical stamina to work under adverse weather conditions and on hazardous terrain.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of construction inspection experience on heavy construction projects such as dams, flood control projects, mine reclamation projects, treatment plants, hazardous waste projects, airports, highways or utility installations;

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An Associate Degree in Building Construction Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Survey Technology, Construction Engineering Technology, or a closely related field;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.