Job Description

Recruitment #2605-2576DC-001

List Type

Original

Requesting Department

DPW-INFRASTRUCTURE-CONSTRUCT

Open Date

5/8/2026 2:45:00 PM

Filing Deadline

5/29/2026 11:59:00 PM

Apply

Introduction

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are passionate about being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Purpose

The Public Works Inspector evaluates the installation of various essential City of Milwaukee Infrastructure Projects including those involving construction, traffic lighting and underground conduit.

Eligible candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the highest-level eligible list for which they qualify.

Essential Functions

Construction Site Inspection

• Inspect the construction of sewer, water, paving and asphalt resurfacing projects to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
• Determine that all materials and quality of work meet established standards.
• Ensure that line and grade points comply with markings on the engineers' stakes.
• Prepare accurate daily records, including making sketches of work in progress or completed work and technical project changes.
• Interpret plans to ensure that installations are compliant with legal requirements, safety regulations, and construction standards.

Traffic Engineering Site Inspection

• Inspect traffic and street lighting facilities to ensure compliance with contract or permit documentation.
• Inspect construction activities for underground conduit facilities, locations of signals, street lighting poles, pull boxes and utility holes.
• Prepare contract and permit progress reports including the quantity and payment information.
• Investigate and resolve complaints.
• Perform daily inspections for multiple projects.
• Inspect and monitor job work sites to ensure a clean and safe work environment within the right-of-way, including traffic control.
• Prepare and inspect the condition of existing traffic and street lighting facilities
• Compose evaluation reports as part of long-term capital and maintenance planning.
• Prepare daily inspection reports, take pictures and document the contractor’s performance.
• Participate in construction progress meetings.

Customer Relations

• Serve as the first point of contact for questions from contractors, City staff, and the public regarding the status of projects.
• Receive complaints and recommend solutions or escalate to managers for resolution.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

The Public Works Inspector I and II must be willing and able to do the following:

• Work outdoors in inclement weather for extended periods of time.
• Work in confined spaces and in trenches.
• Remain standing for long periods of time.
• Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and 10 pounds of force regularly to lift and move objects.

The preplacement medical requirements for this title include the following:

• Drug Test
• Physical with lift test
• Audiogram
• Vision test

Minimum Requirements

Public Works Inspector I

1. One year of full-time experience in an engineering or technical field position, such as a construction lead worker, construction inspector, or surveyor, performing duties related to the essential functions above.

Public Works Inspector II

1. Two years of full-time experience in construction or public works inspection.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered for the Public Works Inspector II level; however, at least one year of full-time experience conducting construction or public works inspections is required and may not be substituted with education.

Both Titles

2. Valid Wisconsin driver's license and the use of a properly insured personal automobile at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Private automobile allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

• Coursework in Civil Engineering Technology from an accredited college or university.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

• Knowledge of construction methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures regarding work that requires a public way, driveway, special or occupancy permit, as stated in the Milwaukee, Code of Ordinances.
• Knowledge of traffic, street lighting and underground conduit installation.
• Ability to interpret traffic, street lighting and underground conduit plans and specifications.
• Ability to use proper tools to measure, estimate and verify construction project specifications.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications.
• Knowledge of mathematics and geometry to interpret plans and take measurements.
• Ability to write legibly and sketch basic drawings.
• Ability to act as the primary on-site coordinator for construction projects.
• Knowledge of construction safety and the ability to perform all work safely.
• Situational awareness to monitor the work site and identify and avert any potential hazards.
• Knowledge and experience with relevant computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to learn proprietary software used by the DPW Infrastructure staff.

Customer Service and Communication

• Verbal communication skills to respond to inquiries and complaints from the public and to clearly communicate technical information to staff and contractors.
• Written communication skills to compile daily status reports and technical project changes.
• Interpersonal skills to work cooperatively with staff, contractors, and the public diplomatically and professionally.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to residents from all economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with coworkers and residents whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Critical Thinking

• Time management and organizational skills to track workload and ensure that reports are filed on time.
• Honesty and responsible stewardship of City of Milwaukee resources.

Current Salary

Public Works Inspector I

The current starting salary (Pay Range 3QN) is $64,118-$85,905 annually, and the resident incentive starting salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $66,683-$89,341 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

• Employees in this classification while assigned as the ‘Resident (Lead) Inspector’ to a state-funded project for any time during a pay period shall receive an additional eighty ($80) dollars biweekly.

Public Works Inspector II

The current starting salary (Pay Range 3TN) is $68,389-$87,738 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $71,125-$91,247 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

• Employees in this classification while assigned as the ‘Resident (Lead) Inspector’ to a state-funded project for any time during a pay period shall receive an additional eighty ($80) dollars biweekly.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE – The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative dates or times for the selection process. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

• APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

EEO = 301

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Tags

Full time, Contract work, For contractors, Work at office, Flexible hours

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