Company Description
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Application Opening: July 31, 2026
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Application Filing Deadline: August 17, 2026
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Annual Salary: $138,450 - $168,324
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Recruitment ID: (U00054) (REF60603S)
THIS IS A CITYWIDE EXAM
San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.
Note: This is a Citywide recruitment and its resulting eligible list score report may be used to fill positions in various SFPUC divisions and other city departments.
Job Description
The Senior Construction Inspector oversees construction inspection work performed in conjunction with public works construction projects and assigns and supervises the work of construction inspectors in the inspection of construction projects to ensure compliance with contract plans, specifications, applicable codes and safety regulations. Engineering construction inspection includes, but is not limited to, the following activities: earthwork and paving, roadway renovation and improvement, water supply and sewer collection pipeline, portland cement concrete, protective coating, pile driving, drilled piers, tunneling/jacking, trackwork, track improvements, power distribution and transmission systems, electrical overhead contact systems, signal, control and data acquisition systems, radio and telecommunications systems, including fiber optic networks, power substations, vehicle modifications and retrofits, bridges, ADA retrofits and facilities, building renovation and improvements, operating equipment, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, electrical and mechanical work, and landscaping and irrigation work.
The essential job functions of the Senior Construction Inspector include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Assigns and supervises the work of construction inspectors in the inspection of construction projects to ensure compliance with contract plans and specifications, applicable codes, and safety regulations.
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Anticipates workloads and develops staffing plans; trains and evaluates performance of staff.
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Prepares and maintains project documentation and controls including daily reports, force accounts, materials testing, and other construction records for complex and difficult construction projects.
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Participates in and/or conducts planning, preconstruction, coordination, progress, scheduling and field staff meetings.
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Reviews plans, specifications, submittals, shop drawings, change orders, constructability reviews and contract closeout records.
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Resolves disputes and difficult problems, and responds to complaints from the public that require resolution at the senior level.
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Ensures that a quality assurance/ quality control program for each project is developed and enforced.
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Supervises construction inspectors in the verification and preparation of quantity and progress estimates for progress payments and change order work.
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Reports safety and traffic hazards, defective work and debris to the contractor for correction and ensures that the contractor corrects deficiencies.
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Initiates, prepares, estimates, reviews and negotiates change orders.
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Drives a vehicle to inspection sites.
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Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Two (2) years of verifiable full-time experience equivalent to the level of City and County of San Francisco class 6318 Construction Inspector; OR
2. Six (6) years of verifiable full-time experience in construction inspection work ensuring that plans and specifications are complied with, and the workmanship and material used meet specifications.
Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.
Desirable Qualifications:
The stated desirable qualifications may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.
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Experience underground street utility construction and installation related to water main distribution pipes and other water system surface and underground utilities
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Experience in inspection of water pipelines, distribution, storage and treatment systems
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Experience in inspection of sewer pipelines, collection, and treatment systems
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Experience in special inspections (concrete, reinforcement, structural steel, welding)
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Experience in electrical/controls inspections
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Experience in review and observation of testing and commissioning activities at water/wastewater/power facilities
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Experience in inspection of commercial building construction
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Experience on traditional open trench construction and trenchless
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Experience with complex traffic control plans involving mass transit buses, light rail trains, cable cars, and high-traffic areas
Special Conditions
Some positions may require additional qualifications such as special conditions that may differ from the standard minimum qualifications associated with this classification.
License and Certification:
Specified positions may require possession of a valid California Class C driver's license.
Notes:
May be required to work under extreme weather conditions such as heat or cold, climb ladders, walk on uneven surfaces and/or stand for a long duration.
One year of full-time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours (2,000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above forty (40) hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.
Verification:
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Please review our articles on Employment Application and Minimum Qualifications and Verification of Experience and/or Education for considerations taken when reviewing applications.
Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process.
NOTE: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
Verification of required work experience typically must be on the employer’s letterhead, and must include the applicant’s name, job title, description of job duties, dates of employment, hours per week, and signature of the employer, supervisor, or appropriate representative.
Employees of the City and County of San Francisco may submit performance evaluations showing duties performed to verify qualifying City experience. City employees will receive credit for the duties of the class to which appointed. Credit for experience obtained outside of the employee's class will be allowed only if recorded in accordance with the provisions of Civil Service Commission Rules. CCSF employees will not receive credit for experience obtained outside of their classification unless recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Rule 110.9.1/111A.11.2.
Experience claimed in self-employment will only be accepted if supported by documents verifying income, earnings, business license and experience comparable to minimum qualifications above. Copies of income tax papers or other documents listing occupation and total earnings must be submitted.
Verification of required valid licensure/certification typically must be a photocopy of the license/certificate including the name of the issuing agency as well as the name of the license/certificate holder, license/certificate number, and expiration date.
SELECTION PROCEDURES
After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:
Supplemental Questionnaire (100%):
Qualified candidates will be required to complete a Supplemental Questionnaire Examination as part of the selection procedures. The Supplemental Questionnaire Examination is designed to measure the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the Senior Construction Inspector position and include, but not limited to:
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Knowledge of construction inspection methods and current construction practices, construction materials necessary to determine the quality and correct use in projects.
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Knowledge of safe working habits and regulations in relation to different phases of construction.
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Ability to understand and interpret contract plans and specifications to administer the contract and expedite project goals.
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Ability to perform difficult mathematical computations and apply results to inspection work.
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Ability to prepare various types of reports and other written communications necessary for record keeping and letters to contractors.
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Ability to direct, monitor and evaluate the work of subordinates, communicate and work effectively and harmoniously with superiors, coworkers, engineers, contractors, and the public, and to train and develop subordinates in professional and technical areas and procedural changes as necessary, and encourage and foster team building resolve problems and conflicts, and ensure adherence to established policies and procedures.
All relevant experience, education and/or training must be on the supplemental questionnaire in order to be reviewed in the rating process. The information provided on the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination must be consistent with the information on the application and is subject to verification. Once submitted, applicant responses on the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination cannot be changed. Only those applicants who qualify will receive a score on the Supplemental Questionnaire Evaluation.
Applicants will be given a deadline to return the Supplemental Questionnaire. Those who do not respond by the established deadline will not be eligible to continue in the examination process and will not be added to eligibility list resulting from this process. All applicants’ responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are subject to verification.
A passing score must be achieved on the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination in order to continue in the selection process and be placed on the eligible list/score report. Candidates will be placed on the eligible list/score report in rank order according to their final score. Candidate scores on this examination may also be applied to other announcements involving other job titles, when directed by the Human Resources Director.
The department may administer additional position-specific selection procedures to make final hiring decisions.
NOTE: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Clearance
Candidates for employment with the San Francisco Airport Commission are required to undergo a criminal history record check, including FBI fingerprints, and Security Threat Assessment in order to determine eligibility for security clearance and may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening. Per Civil Service Commission Rule Section 110.9.1, every applicant for an examination must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for the examination. Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.
Customs Clearance
Positions at the San Francisco Airport Commission require that the incumbent be qualified for unescorted access to the San Francisco International Airport U.S. Customs Security Area. An application for a U.S. Customs Access Seal may be submitted to Customs ONLY after employment has commenced. Employment in this position requires that the incumbent submit an application for, successfully acquire and maintain a Customs Access Seal. Per Civil Service Commission Rule 110.9.1, every applicant must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for this examination. Failure to acquire or maintain customs access, a requirement for this position, may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission. Customs Access Seal requirements and procedures are located in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 19, Part 122, Sections 181 or 189.
TWIC Card
Positions at the Port of San Francisco require that the incumbent be qualified for unescorted access to the Port’s Maritime Transportation System (MTS). An application for a TWIC card may be submitted after employment has commenced. Employment in this position requires that the incumbent undergo a criminal history check, immigration check and terrorist threat assessment, including FBI fingerprints, in order to determine eligibility for security clearance. The incumbent must submit an application for, successfully acquire and maintain a TWIC card. Per Civil Service Rule 110.9.1, every applicant must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the announcement for this examination. Failure to acquire or maintain a TWIC card, a requirement for this position, may be basis for termination from employment with the Port Commission. Note: TWIC requirements and procedures are located in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 49 U.S.C. 114, 40113, and 49 U.S.C. 5103a.
Medical Examination
Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully pass a medical examination to determine their ability to perform the essential functions of the job and/or the ability to meet the physical minimum requirements.
Additional Information
Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:
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Information About the Hiring Process
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Conviction History
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Employee Benefits Overview
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Equal Employment Opportunity
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Disaster Service Worker
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ADA Accommodation
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Veterans Preference
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Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams
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Right to Work
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Copies of Application Documents
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Diversity Statement
Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process. Visit https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CityAndCountyOfSanFrancisco1/ and begin the application process.
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Select the “I’m Interested” button and follow instructions on the screen
Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date. Also, applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter. To prevent blocking, applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses (@sfgov.org, @sfdpw.org, @sfport.com, @flysfo.com, @sfwater.org, @sfdph.org, @asianart.org, @sfmta.com, @sfpl.org, @dcyf.org, @first5sf.org, @famsf.org, @ccsf.edu, @smartalerts.info, and @smartrecruiters.com).
Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.
Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.] The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4. Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5413 by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement. Information concerning other Civil Service Commission Rules involving announcements, applications and examination policies, including applicant appeal rights, can be found on the Civil Service Commission website at https://sf.gov/departments/civil-service-commission.
A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created, and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.
The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be of 12 months, and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.
Analyst Information: If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the Human Resources Analyst, David Jung at [email protected].
The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.