Field work frequently is performed outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and involves walking on rough, uneven or rocky surfaces. Incumbents are given oral direction or graphic information such as blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts or other visual aids when receiving assignments. When operating a computer, incumbents sit for extended time periods with the ability to move at will. When laying out traffic control patterns, incumbents place and observe the placement of cones to ensure compliance with safety standards. Construction inspection duties require incumbents to coordinate movement of more than one limb simultaneously while driving, to get in and out of a vehicle repeatedly, and to make visual inspections of contractors' work.
Incumbents review or check the work product of less experienced staff.
When performing construction inspection duties, incumbents observe people in the field to monitor compliance with safety standards. In the Public Works Department, functional area assignments within a division are flexible, shifting as division needs change. Incumbents in this department discriminate among or match colors in order to inspect curb painting, pavement marking, and traffic signs. They also use machetes to remove brush. When maintaining, assembling, or operating survey equipment, incumbents make skillful, controlled manipulations of small parts, screws, and tools.