GENERAL DESCRIPTIONIrvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a
Construction Inspection Assistant Manager 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 on Friday, August 29, 2025. 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 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 general supervision, plan, coordinate, direct and manage the work of Construction Inspection Supervisors, Senior Construction Inspectors, and Construction Inspectors; serve as liaison with developers, contractors, engineering consultants, District Directors and Managers, and District project managers/and engineers pertaining to construction inspection activities for the District. Aid District engineers with project contract administration duties.
For the full job description and responsibilities of the position, please click here. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESInspects projects in progress and perform final inspection at completion of project to ensure conformance with the approved plans and specifications and applicable laws, regulations and permits.
Guides inspection staff with the handling of complex field problems or decisions.
Assigns inspection staff to projects and monitor their activities.
Manages the scheduling of overtime inspections.
Participates in the selection, counseling, mentoring and training of staff.
Reviews and evaluates performance of assigned personnel on a periodic basis.
Recommends salary adjustments, promotions, and disciplinary action for assigned staff.
Measures and evaluates workload and work performance. Monitors inspection staff workload and prepare monthly tactical measurements related to work efforts and inspection program costs.
Ensures inspection staff complete record drawings showing updated field information to project manager and GIS group.
Ensures the regular activation of new projects as requested by developers, contractors, and District project managers and ensure the regular close out projects.
Assists in the plan check of subdivision and development projects.
Checks plans and specifications of capital projects to provide appropriate input regarding constructability. Participate in project teams to provide design input.
Ensures appropriate safety training for work being performed by assigned staff. Ensures safety meetings (tailgates) are held bi-weekly. Conducts visual safety inspections and report findings to the Safety office as appropriate.
Participates on the Procedural Guidelines Review Team, New Products Committee, and Construction Manual Update Team.
Complies with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation 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 :Equivalent to an AA degree in Water Utility Science or Public Works Construction is required. Work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.
Experience: Seven (7) years’ experience in engineering, utility construction, construction operations, construction inspection, construction management or related experience is required. Specific experience with installations, repair and/or maintenance of water/wastewater facilities and appurtenances is desirable.
A minimum of two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience is required.
License / Certifications Required: - A valid Class “C” California Driver’s License.
- California State Water Resources Control Board Grade 2 Water Distribution Certification, California State Water Resources Control Board Grade 2 Water Treatment Certification, or related certifications are highly desired.
- American Concrete Institute Field Testing Technician Grade I certification is preferred.
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
- Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
- Principles, practices, techniques, equipment, and tools required for installing/replacing, constructing, maintaining, and repairing equipment and facilities found in a large metropolitan water infrastructure.
- Pipes made of various materials.
- Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures related to the work.
- Occupational hazards and safety standards related to the work, including driving rules and practices and working in confining spaces.
- Principles of mathematics and the application to assigned work.
- Principles and procedures of record keeping.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
- District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to:
- Utilize computer technologies, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and other District provided Enterprise Application Software to ensure successful management of the inspection team.
- Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
- Research and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
- Supervise the installation/replacement, construction, repair, and maintenance of District potable and recycled water distribution systems and sewer infrastructure and related facilities.
- Supervise the safe and effective use, operation, and maintenance of various hand and power tools, equipment, and vehicles required for the work.
- Supervise and ensure the proper set up and operation of traffic control around construction areas.
- Read and interpret information from as-builts, maps, schematics, drawings, diagrams, and related technical documentation.
- Maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems of work performed.
- Perform mathematical computations with accuracy.
- Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
- Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
- Communicate clearly and concisely.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Effectively use computer systems and software applications to perform work tasks.
- Skills in leading and motivating a team of crew members and subcontractors.
- Ability to resolve conflicts and address issues effectively.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONPHYSICAL DEMANDS When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy 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 and working in confined spaces. 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. All of this in various weather conditions (hot, cold, rainy) and environments, often exposed to wet muddy conditions.
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 CONDITIONSEmployees 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 INSTRUCTIONS 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's 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:
Spark Hire (tentatively scheduled for September 4, 2025) : As part of our interview process, candidates will participate in a one-way video interview conductedthrough Spark Hire. This interview allows candidates to showcase their ability to communicate clearly and confidently in a recorded format. During the interview, candidates will respond to a series of pre-recorded questions, demonstrating their verbal communication skills, professionalism, and ability to articulate their qualifications efficiently.
Writing Skills Assessment (tentatively scheduled for September 25, 2025) : This assessment is designed to evaluate candidates’ ability to communicate effectively and clearly through written content. Candidates will be tasked with crafting responses that demonstrate their proficiency in organizing thoughts, articulating ideas logically, and conveying information in a professional tone. This exercise will test grammar, clarity, and overall writing effectiveness in real-world contexts.
Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for September 25, 2025): 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.
IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.
Retirement Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.
Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.
IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.
Medical InsuranceIRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Dental InsuranceIRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Vision InsuranceIRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Life InsuranceElgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Deferred CompensationParticipation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.
Paid VacationEligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.
Paid HolidaysThe District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.
Sick LeaveEligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.
Flexible Spending AccountsEligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.
Educational AssistanceThe District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous