Help shape the future of our community’s water and wastewater infrastructure!

As our Utility Inspector and Plans Examiner, you’ll be the District’s go-to expert for inspecting water and sewer construction, reviewing development plans, and ensuring every project meets District standards.

If you’re ready for a dynamic role that blends fieldwork, technical review, and collaboration, we’d like to hear from you.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Utility Inspector

Inspect and approve all phases of public and private water and wastewater system improvements to assure that the construction is completed utilizing appropriate and sound techniques and in full compliance with the approved plans and District standards and specifications, including adherence to all special requirements, rules, and regulations. Operate valves on behalf of the Contractor and as needed to support construction activities. Provide and coordinate advanced notice to customers prior to planned disruptions to water or sewer services to accommodate construction improvements. Issue correction notices for any defective or out of compliance work within the District’s scope of authority and collaborate with Contractor to ensure corrective action is satisfactorily performed.

Typical examples of public and private water and wastewater construction include the installation of water distribution and wastewater collection pipelines, residential and commercial water and sewer services, fire hydrants, fire service lines, meter pits and vaults, grease and sand interceptors, sewer manholes, and related structures as assigned.

Supervise and approve quality control testing for new construction such as sewer main air tests and water main pressure tests. Administer disinfection clear water testing for water lines and appurtenances prior to placing them in service. Perform and issue final inspection punch lists upon completion of water and sewer improvements. Notify the Engineering Development Manager upon satisfactory completion of eligible improvements and provide a recommendation for initial acceptance and commencement of the warranty period. Track ongoing warranty status and inspect improvements prior to the end of warranty and provide recommendations for final acceptance to the Engineering Development Manager. Other duties as assigned.

Plans Examiner

Guide developers and consulting engineers through the District’s application and plan approval processes for new construction and tenant finish projects. Review site civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans for compliance with District standards and specifications. Issue comprehensive, written correction notices identifying design deficiencies or conflicts with the District standard specifications. Coordinate with District GIS staff to ensure approved plans accurately transition to the asset management system.

Collaborate with the Engineering Development Manager during the plan review process. Participate in strategic planning and coordination of water system shutdowns and sewer bypasses. Upon plan approval for new projects, the Plans Examiner independently schedules and conducts Pre-Construction meetings to introduce project stakeholders and outline District expectations for the project. Other duties as assigned.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License with an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
Minimum of five years of relevant experience performing utility inspections, and/or water and sewer construction experience; proficient in understanding and interpreting engineering construction plans.

Necessary Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities

Take directions from others as well as work independently with minimal supervision and exercise good judgment.
Demonstrate safe and effective use while operating listed tools and equipment.
Knowledge of construction standards.
Team player, willing to jump in and help wherever needed.
Ability to interpret District standards, specifications, rules and regulations and determine if projects are incompliance.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to give and take directions and provide potentially controversial findings with developers, engineers and contractors.
Knowledge of State and Federal regulatory requirements relating to water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
Must be able to prepare, organize and maintain inspection field and office data, reports and systems, ability to perform required mathematical computations, and ability to effectively communicate complex technical information verbally and in writing, to contractors, developers, property owners, employees, consultants, and the public.
Ability to read and understand technical literature, maps, schematic drawings, blueprints, and equipment operations and maintenance manuals.
Utilize computers and an iPad to enter and record daily maintenance tasks and generate work orders in our asset management program.
Follow through tasks and adapt to changing priorities, process conditions, and circumstances.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other departments, officials and the public and work with people from diverse backgrounds and points of view as part of a team.
Represent the district professionally with integrity and excellence. Encourage a respectful, collaborative, and accountable work environment while demonstrating ethical conduct in all interactions.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of the Engineering Development Manager.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, generally from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The work schedule will vary depending on weather conditions, projects, events, programs, meetings, and staffing levels, and will include some evening, early morning, weekend, and overtime hours. May be required to report during non-scheduled hours. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

Tools and Equipment Used

Motor vehicles, testing equipment, power and hand tools typically used in water distribution and wastewater collection facilities and building maintenance such as power and hand tools, pressure gauges, ladders, valve keys, trench box, manhole cover hooks, leak detection equipment, pressure and flow recorders. Gas detection monitors, fall arrestors, personal protective equipment, confined space safety equipment and other safety equipment. Calculator, smart phone, tablet, telephone, and radio equipment, various computer software and hardware, and general office and breakroom equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to perform work mostly outside in field settings stand, walk, use hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to taste or smell.

The employee must be able to lift and / or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work under hazardous and adverse conditions, including but not limited to, slippery and uneven surfaces, proximity to moving mechanical equipment, broken glass and other materials, vibration, electrical currents, high places, precarious places, and confined spaces.

Work may result in exposure to smoke, gases, chemicals, fumes, odors, mist, dust, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals that can affect the respiratory system, skin, or other aspects of the body. Work may result in exposure to wastewater and untreated water supplies containing infectious disease agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Work may result in exposure to high noise levels requiring the wearing of personal protection equipment. Frequently exposed to wet and humid conditions.

This position demands frequent use of sensory activities such as talking, hearing, smelling, identifying objects by touch, and specific vision abilities, including but not limited to, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The employee regularly works outside in all types of weather conditions including extreme temperatures below 20 and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Work is performed both in an indoor office setting and outdoors during all seasons of the year. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud when in the field.

Selection Guidelines

Formal application or resume, rating of education and experience, panel interview, reference check, background check and job-related tests might be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific states of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the District’s and requirements of the job change.

Highlands Ranch Water & Sanitation District is dedicated to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age over 40, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Our Benefits

We prioritize your well-being and recognize the importance of a work/life balance by offering outstanding benefits:

Health & Retirement!

100% paid employee-only medical insurance premiums
100% paid employee-only dental & vision insurance premiums
100% paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance premiums
100% contribution match for the pension plan
Up to 6% employer contribution for the optional retirement plan

Work/life Balance!

80 hours of earned vacation per year, increasing after 5 years
80 hours of annual sick leave
32 hours of annual personal leave
10 paid (8 hour) holidays
200 hours of medical leave with certification

Wellness & Improvement!

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, guidance, and resources for employees and their families.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for additional medical expenses.
Up to $2,000 a year for education reimbursement.
Highlands Ranch Community Association recreation center pass for a discounted fee.

Saving, Planning & Other!

Optional 457 deferred compensation plan to help employees plan for their retirement.
Generous stipend for personal cell phone.
Discounts for employees on over 1,000 products and services.

Application Information

Pre-employment screening includes a background check, illegal substances screening and motor vehicle record review.

We will be accepting applications for at least two weeks or until the position is filled.

Submit applications at highlandsranch.org/apply or if viewing this posting from our career center, click "Apply" below.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Utility Inspector and Plans Examiner