Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Utility Inspector

🎯 Role Definition

The Utility Inspector is a field-focused professional responsible for verifying, documenting, and enforcing quality, safety, and regulatory compliance across utility systems (water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, gas, and electrical infrastructure). This role performs hands-on inspections of construction work, repairs, installations, and maintenance activities; collects and validates field measurements and condition data; communicates findings to contractors and project teams; and ensures records and as-built documentation are accurate for asset management and regulatory reporting.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Field Technician / Utility Maintenance Worker
Construction Laborer or Apprentice Pipefitter
Survey Technician or GIS Technician

Advancement To:

Senior Utility Inspector or Lead Inspector
Utility Inspection Supervisor / Field Supervisor
Asset Management Specialist / Utilities Compliance Manager
Project Manager — Utilities or Public Works

Lateral Moves:

GIS Technician or Mapping Specialist (utilities)
Construction Quality Control Technician
Maintenance Supervisor / Crew Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct thorough field inspections of water, sewer, stormwater, gas, and electrical utility installations and repairs to verify conformance with construction plans, project specifications, municipal codes, and industry standards.
Perform CCTV pipe inspections and interpret video logs to identify defects, infiltration, blockages, root intrusion, cracks, offsets, and service connection issues, producing detailed written and photographic documentation.
Inspect confined space entries (manholes, vaults, large-diameter mains) according to permit procedures; perform atmospheric testing (oxygen, LEL, H2S) and enforce lockout/tagout and other safety protocols prior to entry.
Verify materials and equipment on-site (pipes, fittings, valves, hydrants, meters, duct banks) against approved submittals and catalogs, flag nonconforming items, and document material traceability for project closeout.
Validate workmanship and installation tolerances (grade, slope, alignment, bedding, backfill compaction) using survey tools and field measurement devices; record deviations and coordinate corrective actions with contractors.
Review and interpret engineered plans, as-built drawings, shop drawings, permits, and specifications to confirm that field work aligns with design intent and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate and witness pressure and leak testing for potable water and gas mains, sanitary sewer force mains, and service lines; collect and report test results per municipal and regulatory test procedures.
Maintain accurate daily field logs, inspection checklists, test reports, photographic records, and digital forms in the agency’s asset management or inspection software system.
Mark and map utility locations in the field using GPS and GIS tools, update asset location layers, and communicate with survey teams to produce as-built GIS datasets.
Enforce traffic control and public safety measures around active work zones, verify proper signage, barriers, and flagging, and liaise with traffic control crews to minimize risk to workers and the public.
Conduct pre-construction and pre-installation verification walkthroughs with contractors to confirm staging, erosion control, environmental protections, and permit compliance prior to mobilization.
Review contractor submittals, request clarifications, and provide formal acceptance or rejection with documented rationale tied to specifications and codes.
Evaluate trimming and restoration work after trenching or excavation—check topsoil replacement, compaction, surface restoration, paving, curb and sidewalk repair, and landscape restoration per contract standards.
Monitor contractor adherence to environmental controls (silt fencing, turbidity monitoring, spill prevention) and report noncompliance to environmental specialists or regulatory agencies when necessary.
Participate in intersection and roadway excavation inspections to ensure proper shoring, trench box use, and compliance with Cal/OSHA/OSHA excavation standards and local excavation ordinances.
Provide inspection support during emergency incidents (breaks, leaks, collapses) by assessing damage, documenting conditions, assisting repair crews, and producing incident reports for restoration and claim purposes.
Track work progress against project schedules, communicate delays and deficiencies to project managers, and recommend rework or acceptance based on observed quality and test results.
Coordinate utility locates and clearance verifications with one-call systems and private utility owners prior to excavation to protect existing infrastructure and reduce risk of service interruptions.
Conduct final acceptance inspections and prepare punch lists and deficiency reports, verifying corrective work has been completed before issuing acceptance or recommending withholding of final payment.
Collaborate with engineering and construction management teams to provide field-based input on constructability, design adjustments, and continuous improvement of standard details and specifications.
Train and mentor junior inspectors and field staff on inspection procedures, safety practices, data collection methods, and use of inspection software and field equipment.
Provide clear, professional communication to property owners, contractors, and municipal staff about inspection findings, timelines for corrective actions, and regulatory implications; respond to questions and clarify enforcement steps.

Secondary Functions

Support preparation of technical reports, permit documentation, and regulatory submissions derived from inspection data and field measurements.
Assist in populating and maintaining the department’s asset management database and GIS layers with validated inspection and as-built information.
Participate in risk assessments and condition prioritization workshops to help determine rehabilitation and replacement schedules for utility assets.
Help develop and refine inspection checklists, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance forms to improve consistency and data quality.
Provide on-call support rotation for after-hours emergency inspections and coordination with operations teams during service outages.
Act as a subject matter resource for small projects and provide input during design review meetings to ensure field realities are represented in plans.
Coordinate with laboratory personnel for field-collected samples (water, soil) and ensure chain-of-custody procedures are followed when required.
Assist procurement and inventory teams by verifying delivered materials and documenting discrepancies for warranty and supplier claims.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven experience conducting above- and below-ground utility inspections for water distribution, sanitary sewer, and stormwater systems.
Proficient in CCTV sewer inspection equipment operation and video logging interpretation.
Skilled with confined space entry procedures, atmospheric monitoring instruments (multi-gas monitors), and relevant confined space certifications.
Knowledgeable of OSHA (or local equivalent) regulations, excavation and trenching safety, shoring requirements, and traffic control standards (MUTCD).
Competent with GPS/GIS data collection tools and workflows; proficiency uploading field-collected assets into GIS or CMMS platforms.
Ability to read and interpret civil/site plans, as-built drawings, specifications, and construction details.
Competent with basic survey tools (leveling rods, laser levels, total station basics) to verify grades and alignments.
Experience performing pressure, leak, and hydrostatic tests, and documenting results per regulatory protocols.
Familiarity with backfill, compaction testing procedures, and understanding of geotechnical compaction requirements.
Skilled in digital documentation: mobile inspection apps, tablets, digital cameras, cloud-based inspection and asset management systems.
Working knowledge of pipe materials (PVC, ductile iron, HDPE, cast iron), joint types, and common failure modes for utilities.
Proficient in producing clear, technical inspection reports and photographic records suitable for legal and compliance purposes.
Experience with permit processes and ability to verify contractor compliance with permit conditions and environmental controls.
Familiarity with utility locate processes and one-call center coordination practices.
Certifications (or ability to obtain) such as Confined Space Entry, OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR, and, where applicable, inspector certifications (e.g., NASSCO PACP/LACP, ACI or similar).

Soft Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear, professional interaction with contractors, property owners, and agency stakeholders.
Attention to detail and a methodical approach to documenting deficiencies, tests, and corrective actions.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to evaluate field situations and recommend practical corrective measures.
Time management and organizational skills to balance multiple inspections, reports, and project deadlines.
Ability to work independently in the field with minimal supervision and escalate issues appropriately.
Customer-service orientation when dealing with affected residents and businesses during inspections and repairs.
Physical endurance and comfort working outdoors in varying weather conditions, on uneven terrain, and in confined spaces.
Team collaboration skills to coordinate with engineering, operations, and environmental staff.
Adaptability and composure when responding to emergency repairs, unplanned outages, or evolving field conditions.
Ethical judgment and integrity when enforcing regulations and documenting noncompliance.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED; demonstrated field experience in utilities, construction, or inspection.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or certificate in Civil Technology, Construction Management, Environmental Science, or related technical discipline.
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management, or related field is advantageous for advancement.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Civil Engineering Technology
Construction Management / Construction Technology
Environmental Science / Environmental Technology
Geomatics / GIS Technology
Urban/Public Works Studies

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years of hands-on utility or construction inspection experience; entry-level positions may accept 0–2 years with strong field skills and certifications.

Preferred:

3–7 years of progressive field inspection experience in municipal or utility construction projects.
Demonstrated experience with CCTV pipeline inspections, confined space entries, GPS/GIS asset collection, and construction testing.
Relevant certifications such as NASSCO PACP/LACP, OSHA 10/30, confined space entry, and industry-specific inspector credentials are strongly preferred.