Also called:
Building Inspector, Building Official, Construction Inspector, Plumbing Inspector
In the Air Force:
Civil Engineer; Civil Engineer, Bomber; Civil Engineer, Environmental Engineer; Civil Engineer, General Engineer; Civil Engineer, RPA; Civil Engineer, Trainer; Electrical Systems Helper; Infrastructure Systems Superintendent; Structural Helper; Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Craftsman
In the Army:
Bridge Crewmember; Combat Engineering Senior Sergeant; Construction Engineering Supervisor; Construction Engineering Technician; Engineer; Engineer Senior Sergeant; General Engineering Supervisor; Interior Electrician; Research and Engineering; Technical Engineer
In the Coast Guard:
Damage Controlman; Marine Safety Specialist Engineer; Material Maintenance Specialty
In the Marine Corps:
Combat Engineer Officer; Ground Safety Officer; Ground Safety Specialist; Utilities Chief; Utilities Officer; Water Support Technician
In the Navy:
Advanced Builder; Assistant Public Works Officer; Commanding Officer, Naval Construction Forces; Construction Inspector; Executive Officer, Naval Construction Forces; Facilities Engineering Officer; Mobile Utilities Support Equipment (MUSE) Technician; Officer in Charge, Naval Construction Battalion Unit; Public Works Officer; Shipboard Elevator Mechanical Maintenance; Utilitiesman
We all depend on the built environment— buildings, homes, and even sidewalks and streets— to be safe and stable. Construction and building inspectors ensure that these, and many other structures, meet building codes, zoning regulations, and requirements spelled out in building contracts. There are many types of inspectors… from general building and home inspectors… to construction and mechanical inspectors… who examine everything from electrical systems, elevators, and HVAC systems… to bridges, sewer systems, and even paint coatings. Typically, inspectors perform an initial check during the first phase of construction, and follow-up inspections throughout a construction project. At project completion, they make a final inspection and write up their findings in a report. These workers spend most of their time inspecting worksites, but also work in field offices to review blueprints and schedule inspections. They may have to climb ladders or crawl in tight spaces to complete their inspections. Most inspectors work for local government… many also work in architecture or engineering firms. Although full-time, regular business hours are typical, additional hours may be needed during heavy construction seasons, or to respond to job site accidents. Inspectors typically learn on the job but most employers require a high school education, and extensive knowledge of construction trades. Many states require a license or certification.
What they do:
Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
On the job, you would:
Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
Approve building plans that meet required specifications.
Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology
building and construction
product and service development
Business
customer service
management
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Skills
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
Abilities
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Self Control
Cooperation
Analytical Thinking
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Word processing software
Inspection Depot Home Guide System
Microsoft Word
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Electronic mail software
Email software
Microsoft Outlook
Education
certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.