In an interview with Govt Business Review, Mr. Wesley M. McBride, Public Works Inspector Manager at City of Denton, discusses the challenges and emerging trends in the world of public works and shares his insights into effectively navigating them.
A seasoned public works professional with over 25 years of experience, McBride began his career at the Texas Department of Transportation, gaining expertise in construction inspection, highway maintenance, contract management and budgeting. Since 2014, he has been with the City of Denton, serving as the Public Works Inspections Manager. He ensures compliance, efficiency and sustainable infrastructure development, emphasizing knowledge-sharing, adaptability and collaboration for long-term project success.
Roles And Responsibilities
As a manager for public works inspection, my main focus is to develop and support my team while continuously re-evaluating our inspection strategies to achieve greater efficiency and service quality. This includes developing and setting policies and processes while keeping interpretations of local laws and specifications in mind. I uphold the highest inspection standards, ensuring compliance with regulations and integrating sustainable innovations in public works.
As a division representative, I conduct and attend meetings with contractors and developers and make key decisions regarding the projects. Our work revolves around capital projects or private development projects, which require a more strategic approach in terms of efficiency and compliance.
My career began with the Texas Department of Transportation in 1995, working on highway signage. From there, it progressed through construction inspection, equipment operations, contract management and leadership roles. Almost 19 years later, in 2014, I moved to the City of Denton as a Public Works Inspector, gaining new experiences in utilities, water and sewer systems and private development regulations. Eventually, I served as a senior inspector and climbed up to a leadership position.
Assessing And Navigating The Spanner In The Works
The biggest challenge pertaining to the public works landscape is the lack of knowledge regarding varying regulations across jurisdictions. To keep up with that, we focus on extensive communication and coordination to grasp a full understanding of different compliance requirements. This involves conducting regular meetings with agencies and maintaining daily communication.
Inspections is a career where the more you invest, the more you gain. Even after 30 years, the challenges keep it fresh, making every day a new puzzle to solve, one that many wouldn’t trade for anything
As success in this field requires adaptability, staying fair and firm and learning from past mistakes — stepping out of comfort zone often leads to new avenues and better outcomes.
Inspectors should remain unbiased, prioritizing successful completion of projects without sacrificing efficacy. They must communicate effectively with various agencies while remaining honest, knowledgeable and firm in upholding standards. While contractors may push for the easiest solution, the best approach often requires careful consideration and resilience to ensure long-term project integrity.
Sustainability As A Cornerstone
Sustainability stands cardinal in the public works space and it’s important to evaluate the long term impact of various infrastructure projects. The financial, environmental and social implications of each project needs to be considered to ensure sustainable outcomes and minimize service interruptions or avoid costly delays.
Incorporating sustainability also involves leveraging historical project data, consulting expert resources and staying up to date with evolving construction practices. Experience is an inspector’s greatest asset, providing the insight needed to navigate challenges and handle situations effectively. Training and mentorship play a key role in passing down institutional knowledge, ensuring that lessons learned from past projects are applied to future initiatives.
Keeping Up With The Technological Innovations
Even though the industry is changing with every minute, the fundamentals remain the same. It’s crucial for an inspector to understand the reasoning behind every calculation, survey and equipment usage, as this foundational knowledge remains relevant despite evolving technology.
Technical proficiency is essential at every step, especially since the industry is highly data-driven. Denton’s public works division heavily relies on cloud-based software and mobile applications to streamline documentation and decision-making. However, technology is a tool, not a replacement for critical thinking.
AI and automation are emerging as valuable assets in public works and Denton is exploring AI-driven solutions for traffic control and work zone management. Additionally, advancements in surveying technology, including GPS-based tools and drones, are transforming the way inspectors assess infrastructure. While AI can detect anomalies, human judgment is needed to assess implications and make informed decisions. These tools reduce manual workload and enhance precision. Yet, it’s important to maintain traditional verification methods to cross-check automated data.
Leading Along The Curve: Insights From Industry Leader
In the future, inspectors may have tools to directly verify survey data without relying on extensive equipment setups, improving efficiency and accuracy. However, the future public works projects will ultimately depend on the knowledge and adaptability of inspectors.
The secret sauce for industry professionals is to adopt a “firm but fair” approach when working with contractors, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes quality without unnecessary rigidity. Inspectors need to continually expand their knowledge through training and mentorship, ensuring that best practices are carried forward. Those who invest in learning and embrace challenges will find long-term success and fulfillment in their careers.
