JOB ID #31192: Contract Inspector and Operator - Construction (Permanent Vacancies)

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #31192: Contract Inspector and Operator - Construction
  
  
  
  • (2 Permanent Vacancies)
  
  
  
  


• Union: CUPE 5167


• Job Description ID #: 1520


• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on July 2, 2025.


• Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reporting to the Supervisor of Contract Inspectors, the successful candidate conducts a full range of technical inspections on multiple concurrent capital improvement projects to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, codes, legislative requirements, and City standards and policies. This role supports Project Managers in overseeing large-scale construction projects involving the installation and maintenance of municipal assets. Projects may include the construction and rehabilitation of roads, sidewalks, land development, transit systems, new and existing water and wastewater infrastructure, bridges, large culverts, utility buildings, and retaining walls.

GENERAL DUTIES

The incumbent will be responsible for inspecting construction sites to ensure contractors comply with contract specifications, plans, City standards and policies, and applicable regulations. The work involves the construction and rehabilitation of roads, sidewalks, watermains, wastewater mains, and other structures such as bridges, culverts, retaining walls, reinforced concrete and structural steel installations, private service connections, structural liners, large excavations including backfilling/compaction procedures during new infrastructure installations, and the functional operation of mechanical/electrical components such as meter chambers, pump controllers, traffic signal relays and sprinkler systems.

Other duties include the following:

Conduct inspections and provide directions to General Contractors (GCs) and subcontractors regarding public accessibility requirements, including site cleanup, ground restoration, traffic control, and overall site safety; also, to ensure that contractor’s construction sites comply with applicable City by-laws, traffic control specifications, and Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Book 7 standards.

Coordinate construction projects and act as a liaison between the City and various stakeholders, including contractors, consultants, utilities, and other departments. Arrange and oversee utility shutdowns and watermain recharging while ensuring timely public notifications are delivered as required. Receive and respond to inquiries from project stakeholders including office staff, City departments, elected officials, contractors, consultants, utility companies, and the general public.

Review engineering drawings, blueprints, and contract documents. Approve and provide recommendations on minor project changes and work stoppages. Record and notify the Project Manager of variations in the ongoing work including work stoppages, field alterations and disputes involving relevant parties. Document all project changes and give notice to contractors. Record pre-construction site conditions through photographs and maintain digital records, including inspection logs, progress reports, field incidents, and property damage reports.

Create and maintain daily records of all labour, materials, and equipment used by contractors. Perform final project inspections and provide recommendations regarding the acceptance of municipal assets. Measure and document newly constructed infrastructure including sidewalks, roads, curbs, sewers, bridges, and watermains. Provide regular quantity submissions for progress payments and audit reviews.

Prepare and deliver construction notices for project commencement, shutdown and recharging of water mains and notify the public in emergency situations. Perform water quality analysis including sampling and monitoring for the purpose of commissioning new watermains as per Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), O. Reg. 170/03. Act as the lead Operator-in-Charge (OIC) during new watermain connections and system breaks. Undertake overall responsibility to ensure the installation and disinfection of temporary and newly installed watermains is carried out as per the standards of practice set out by the City of Hamilton in such a manner that conforms to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) guidelines and the SDWA applicable regulations.  Maintain and provide training records for the upkeep of Water Distribution Operator Certification as per the SDWA 2002, O.Reg. 128/04 & 129/04.

Coordinate with Hamilton Water (HW) and respective Water Distribution Operators (WDOs) on valve operation and flow control during the commissioning of new watermains including, main isolation and restoration of services protocol. Collaborate with WDOs to schedule and manage watermain shutdowns/recharges within the construction zone. Inform HW of emergent irregularities in the distribution subsystem within the construction zone and prepare/distribute watermain shutdown notices to all affected residents and businesses.

Guide and instruct academia students as Operator-in-Training Inspectors (OITs); provide them with daily work directives, review/evaluate their on-going work, report on their record of performance and review and sign-off on documented hours of practical experience forming part of the MECP Water/Wastewater Operator licensing requirement.

Serve as the front-line responder for assigned projects and collaborate with on-site personnel in a manner to minimize risks of personal injury, property damage, and environmental harm. The Inspector may provide contractors with instructions on infrastructure repair requirements and advise them on technical changes. The Inspector is also responsible for assessing constructability and material performance by reviewing visual inspections and laboratory test results for materials such as concrete, asphalt, soil compaction and any other parameters outlined in the contract.

Prepare daily diary records and submit final reports for review, including project diaries, quantity books, as-built drawings, deficiency lists, property damage reports, and other documents as requested by the Project Manager. Utilize a laptop, tablet, and smartphone equipped with corporate software including Windows 10 Enterprise, Microsoft Office Suite, GeoMedia, SYNCHRO/ProjectWise, ConnectAnywhere, and other relevant applications, to carry out job-related tasks.

Operate equipment such as gas detectors, metal detectors, air meters, chlorine testers, and other measurement devices. Coordinate physical access to City-owned structures and water/wastewater facilities and share necessary information with consultants, contractors, and internal staff. Coordinate field and laboratory testing of materials including concrete, structural welds, coatings/linings, asphalt properties, soil and granular material compaction and water/wastewater quality. Carry out post-construction inspections prior to the expiration of the contract maintenance or warranty period.

Comply with all relevant Health and Safety legislation as well as the City of Hamilton’s corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety. Perform other duties as assigned that are directly related to the responsibilities of the position. The Contract Inspector may also be required to prepare and provide testimony in court.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated knowledge of civil engineering, construction theories and practices, typically gained through a three-year accredited Civil Engineering Technology diploma from a Community College, along with substantial work experience in the construction industry. Must be a current member of, or eligible for membership with, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).


• Demonstrated experience in conducting construction inspections for municipal infrastructure projects, including roads, land developments, transit systems, water and wastewater systems, bridges, retaining walls, utility buildings, and rehabilitation programs. Extensive knowledge of civil construction codes, regulations, and procedures, combined with a solid background in contemporary field construction methods and documentation standards, is essential.


• Demonstrated knowledge of public contract principles, including QA/QC methods for materials, contract variances, project changes, work stoppages, quantity take-offs and surveying techniques. Must be committed to effectively representing the City when engaging with government agencies, community groups, businesses, regulatory bodies, contractors, and the public.


• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation, including but not limited to the Environmental Protection Act, Technical Standards and Safety Act, Water Resources Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Occupational Health and Safety Act.


• Must possess excellent analytical and organizational skills with a strong attention to detail. Demonstrated experience in delegation, mentorship, and contract administration and interpretation. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office software. Familiarity with Infrastructure Data Management Systems such as ProjectWise and GIS Software is an asset.


• Proven experience in interpreting contract drawings and specifications with a demonstrated ability to create and maintain accurate documentation, including logs and field reports.


• Demonstrated excellence in customer service, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with a proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with both the public and professional stakeholders.


• Demonstrated technical competence and analytical ability, combined with strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail. Proven experience in delegation, negotiation, and effective communication, both verbally and in writing.


• In accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (SDWA 2002, O. Reg. 128/04 & 129/04), the successful candidate must obtain a valid Operator-in-Training (OIT) certificate through examination within the first year of employment to maintain the position. Additionally, the candidate must acquire a valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate (WD-1) and a Wastewater Collection License (WWC-1) within the first three years of employment.


• Must be physically able and willing to walk long distances, stand for extended periods, climb to elevated areas, and work outdoors in a variety of weather and temperature conditions. Additionally, must be capable of working safely in environments with high noise levels, road hazards, vibratory equipment, confined spaces, and potential exposure to chemical, mechanical, electrical hazards as well as various dusts and fumes.


• Must possess a thorough understanding of occupational hazards and safety practices specific to the construction industry.

SALARY:

Salary Grade O

HOURS:

40 per week

NOTES:

1. This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a Class "G" Driver's License valid in the Province of Ontario in order to maintain this position including, a point-free driving record and/or record found to be satisfactory to the City of Hamilton.


2. As a condition of employment, the successful applicant(s) will be required to obtain a satisfactory Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check, at their own expense, prior to beginning work in this

THIS COMPETITION WILL INCLUDE A WRITTEN QUALIFICATION TEST AND AN INTERVIEW AS PART OF THE SELECTION PROCESS. HE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE * * * * * * * * * * * *

Disclaimer:

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms:

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship.  If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.