Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a Construction Inspector in the Engineering Department.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on February 16, 2026. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.
The District:
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.
IRWD Corporate Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.
IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.
The Position:
Under direct supervision, performs inspections on smaller capital and subdivision construction projects, including sewer, water and recycled water pipelines, pumping stations, pressure reducing stations, sewage lift stations, treatment plants, reservoirs and other facilities. Ensures conformance of these facilities with plans and specifications.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Construction Inspector performs journey-level duties in the construction inspection series. Incumbents provide a physical presence on construction sites to ensure projects are built as specified and to perform inspections, including the materials and workmanship employed, in a variety of capital improvement projects. Incumbents ensure construction compliance with engineering plans, contract specifications and statutory standards. The work involves significant accountability and some decision-making responsibilities.
Employees in this class report to the Construction Inspection Assistant Manager.
Construction Inspector is distinguished from Senior Construction Inspector in that an incumbent in the latter class demonstrates a higher skill level, requires less supervisory support on assigned inspection projects, and has additional required certifications.
Inspect a variety of construction activities to ensure conformance with approved plans and specifications, and applicable laws, regulations and permits.
Reads and interprets plans and specifications.
Observes various tests of raw materials or finished products as required by the approved plans and specifications, including, but not limited to:
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Concrete test cylinders
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Concrete slump tests
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Hydrostatic pressure tests
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Air and mandrel tests
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Sand equivalent and graduation tests
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Soils compaction tests
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Spark tests
Conducts bacteriological sampling of water systems and relinquish the samples to the IRWD laboratory.
Reports and communicates activities in a timely manner to a supervising inspector.
Prepares record drawings, daily construction reports, and other written reports and notes on construction activities.
Assists project managers and engineers in preparation of progress payments and final payment schedules, as well as other contract administration related matters.
Attends project meetings, pre-construction, construction progress and any other construction related meetings.
Completes all project reports, plans and other construction related reports at the time of project completion for final approval by Construction Inspection Assistant Manager.
Complies with District safety work-related practices and attends relevant safety training.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience: Four (4) years construction related experience, as a construction inspector, in the installation, repair and/or maintenance of water and sewage facilities.
Ability to:
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Communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees and management.
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Represent District in a professional manner when dealing with outside professional and vendors.
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Explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards, as well as follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others.
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Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.
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Remain calm in crisis and emergency situations.
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Use discretion when handling and disseminating sensitive information.
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Add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate percentages.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Valid Class “C” California Driver’s License is required.
California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Grade I certification is preferred.
American Concrete Institute Field Testing Technician Grade I certification is preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing 50 pounds, and up to 90 pounds with the use of proper equipment.
When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.
New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include an:
Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for March 2, 2026): will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation. 