Chief Inspector

Job Summary

This is a responsible and technical position within the Public Works Department with a wide variety of duties pertaining to infrastructure projects within Boone County.   

The Engineering Services Chief Inspector is responsible for important functions within the Public Works Department, as well as working with developers, contractors and the general public. This person must have knowledge of County policies, engineering specifications, subdivision regulations, and construction procedures. 

This position involves supervising the inspection and testing of construction materials, reviewing project progress, and addressing any issues that arise during construction. The Chief Inspector will be responsible for maintaining clear communication with various developers, contractors, and general public. Additionally, this role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement of processes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Works Department operations.  

Major Essential Duties

• Assist the County Engineer, Public Works Director, and Engineering Services Supervisor with the design, planning, engineering, and procurement of County infrastructure projects 
• Manage County infrastructure projects including scheduling, site inspection, RFIs, change order management, and invoicing  
• Maintain and update County pavement management program 
• Conduct traffic studies for and participate on the County Traffic Safety Committee 
• Management of right-of-way encroachment permits 
• Assist the Engineering Services Supervisor in reviewing plans through the Planning Commission review process to ensure that the plan meets all the current County specifications regarding grading, street construction, and storm sewers where applicable 
• Assist the Engineering Services Supervisor in collaborative review of development plans and conveyance plats with the Planning Commission to ensure compliance with infrastructure regulations and specifications and completion of punch list items prior to final plat approvals 
• Perform site inspection of soils, formwork, and materials for infrastructure projects the County will be responsible for maintaining  
• Review pavement core samples and reports to assure street depth specifications are compliant with subdivision regulations. For non-compliant observations, provide deficiency reports to the Engineering Services Supervisor and assist with invoicing to developers/contractors   
• Prepare records, correspondence, memoranda and inspection reports 
• Work closely with Geotechnical Engineers to ensure compaction techniques of soils and performance of materials are in compliance with specifications 
• Assist with pre-construction meetings between the County contractors awarded bids of major County infrastructure projects 
• Assist the Engineering Services Supervisor with coordination of contracted services for the Department including specifications for road and storm sewer improvements and verifying contracted services stay within budget. 
• Assist the County Engineer and Engineering Services Supervisor with an annual maintenance schedule for county infrastructure including coordination of the Pavement Management Program 
• Assist the Engineering Services Supervisor with evaluations of Engineering Specialist personnel 
• Assist with hiring, training, development and work assignments. 
• Develop and implement quality control procedures to ensure all construction activities meet County standards and regulatory requirements. 
• Review and approve construction submittals and shop drawings for compliance with project specifications and contract documents. 
• Oversee the inspection and testing of construction materials, including concrete and asphalt, to verify conformance with project specifications. 
• Coordinate with utility companies and other agencies to ensure proper handling and integration of utilities within construction projects. 
• Manage and track project budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions and addressing any financial discrepancies or overruns. 
• Prepare detailed reports on project progress, issues, and resolutions, and present findings to the County Engineer/County Director and other stakeholders. 
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor construction activities, ensure safety compliance, and provide technical guidance to contractors and construction staff. 
• Assist in the development of project scopes, budgets, and schedules for County infrastructure projects. 
• Facilitate communication between the Public Works Department and external entities to ensure alignment and address any project-related concerns or changes. 
• Ensure that all project documentation, including permits, contracts, and change orders, is accurately maintained and readily accessible for audits and future references. 
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to construction processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the department. 
• Support emergency response efforts related to road and storm sewer issues, including coordinating repairs and temporary measures as needed. 

Minor Essential Duties

• Assist with the Department’s snow removal operations 
• Ability to take on new tasks or projects as needed to support department goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise Inspectors including: 
• Assign Job tasks in the absence of the Engineering Services Supervisor  
• Evaluate job performance. 
• Provide complaint and problem resolution. 
• Enforce policies and procedures. 
• Address and resolve team issues, complaints, and conflicts, promoting a positive and productive work environment. 
• Monitor workflow, prioritizing tasks and delegating responsibilities.   

Relationships

• The Chief Inspector performs duties within the Public Works Department, under the direct supervision of the Engineering Services Manager 

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Graduate of a Bachelor’s Degree Program (preferred) or Associate’s Degree Program in Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Engineering Science, Engineering Mechanics, Geology, Earth Science, Industrial Technology, Industrial Drafting, Design Technology, Construction Technology, or related field. 
• Engineering-related experience may be substituted for degree requirements 
• Additional 3 years experience or training which provides the desired knowledge, skills and abilities to perform required duties within the Engineering Services Division  
• Experience and knowledge of the functions pertaining to Public Works, general construction work and engineering practices 

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret policies, procedures, professional publications and governmental regulations 
•  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and policy and procedure documents 
• Ability to make effective presentations to employees, elected officials and the general public 
• Possess and the ability to display strong oral, written and listening skills 
• Ability to handle sensitive issues 

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measurement using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals 
• Ability to compute ratio and percent, and to draw and interpret graphs 
• Ability to apply concepts of algebra, geometry, and statistics as needed 

Reasoning Skills

• Solves practical problems while dealing with several abstract and concrete variables 
• Interprets a variety of complex technical and instructional information 
• Makes decisions which serve the county’s best interest and follows the missions and objectives of the Public Works Department 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Kentucky driver’s license 
• Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Kentucky Class A commercial driver’s license or the ability to obtain within six months from date of hire 
• Certified ACI Level 1 Concrete Inspector  
• Certified Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Superpave Plant Technologist
• Certified Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Superpave Mix Design Technologist
• Successful Completion of Grade and Drain Level 1 training within the time period designated by the director 
• Successful Completion of Asphalt Paving Best Practices training within the time period designated by the director 
• Successful Completion of Kentucky Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (KEPSC) training within the time period designated by the director 
• Successful Completion of Workzone Traffic Control Technician and Supervisor training within the time period designated by the director 
• Ability to obtain FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification in the following required courses within 6-months of employment:
• ICS 100 – Introduction to Incident Command System
• ICS 200 – Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
• IS-700 – National Incident Management System, An Introduction
• IS 800 – National Response Framework
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety
• Successful completion of the Kentucky Transportation Center Road Master Certification

Other Knowledge and/or Skills

• Advanced computer skills with ability to access programs such as but not limited to Microsoft Office products. Capability to provide reports and spreadsheets as needed 
• Ability to draw and interpret maps and construction plans as needed 
• Knowledge and understanding of construction practices and terms 
• Ability to interpret maps, plats and construction plans as needed 
• Ability to interpret surveying stakes as related to field construction work 
• Ability to work with other department, county, other agency personnel and the general public 
• Ability to work under limited supervision 
• Ability to prepare/manage the Divisional budget 
• Adaptable to meet evolving business needs

Physical Demands

• While performing job duties, the employee could reasonably be expected to: 
• Regularly (over 2/3 of regular working day) 
• Stand or walk 
• Talk or hear 
• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 
• Operate a motor vehicle 
• Occasionally (under 1/3 of regular working day) 
• Sit 
• Reach with hands and arms 
• Use hands to type, handle papers, tools etc. 
• Vision requirements include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus 

Work Environment

• The work environments described in the preceding paragraphs represent those encountered while performing the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 
• Temperature level will vary from extreme cold to extreme heat. 
• Moisture level will vary from extreme dry to rain, snow, and icy conditions. 

Comments

• Must display the following: 
• Positive communication 
• Objectivity 
• Willingness to solve problems 
• Commitment to Boone County’s best interests 
• Must adhere to the applicable provisions of the Public Works Department Rules and Procedures, the Boone County Personnel Policies and Procedures, the Boone County Administrative Code, the Kentucky Revised Statutes, and any other procedures, rules, regulations, and policies set forth by appropriate authorities 
• Must be neat in appearance 
• Must be 18 years or older 
• Must maintain confidentiality when required