Construction Inspector Jobs in California
Construction inspector jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in infrastructure, public works, residential development, and commercial construction, with openings at every level from entry-level field inspector through senior project oversight roles. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento drive the highest volume of hiring, anchored by large employers such as Caltrans, Turner Construction, and the Los Angeles Department of Public Works. The most in-demand specialties include structural inspection, transportation and highway inspection, and building and safety compliance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 60+ Construction Inspector jobs
Definition
THIS RECRUITMENT WILL CLOSE AFTER RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 50 APPLICATIONS, OR BY OCTOBER 16, 2026, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
Applications must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application, but may be additionally attached.
Anchored in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada - 20 miles east of Sacramento and about 1.5 hours from Lake Tahoe - the City of Folsom is comprised of beautiful parks and trails, and boasts excellent schools, family-orientated neighborhoods, and outstanding shopping, dining, and cultural options. Folsom is a high-tech, forward-looking city, with firms ranging from small to large international corporations. Voted by WalletHub as the Best Place for Families to Live in California, and 2nd Best Lake Town in America, Folsom is recognized for its affordability, fair weather, education, and health.
The City of Folsom's Community Development Department is currently recruiting for a Construction Inspector I/II to support the Engineering/Development Team. This is a non-exempt position Monday - Friday, and is represented by Local 39 IUOE.
Under the direction of the Community Development Director and Development Engineering Manager, the Construction Inspector I/II will inspect workmanship and materials used in the construction of public and/or private development projects and adjacent public improvements or impacts to ensure conformance with applicable laws, ordinances, standards, plans, specifications, and departmental regulations; and/or serve as the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspector depending on assigned department. Incumbents at the II level may oversee, monitor, and/or direct the work of lower level personnel.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Construction Inspector I (salary range M51: $73,822.47 - $93,516.09) annually is the entry-level class of the technical Construction Inspector series. Initially under close supervision, the incumbents perform the more routine duties while learning city policies and procedures and becoming familiar with the variety of departmental systems and practices. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision. This class is flexibly staffed with Construction Inspector II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after two years and demonstrating proficiency that meets the qualifications.
The Construction Inspector II (salary range M53: $77,512.49 - $98,190.50 annually) is the experienced/journey level class in the series, fully competent to independently perform duties. This class is distinguished from those in the lower classification of Construction Inspector I by the relative independence with which they perform their duties of inspecting workmanship and materials used in the construction of public and private projects to insure conformance with applicable laws, ordinances, standards, plans, specifications, and departmental regulations. This class is distinguished from the Senior Construction Inspector in that the latter serves either as the senior or advanced level specialist in the series.
Examples of Essential Duties
NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.
- Inspect materials and construction workmanship for City capital improvement and private projects to ensure compliance with contract documents, which includes checking line, grade, size, and location of facilities; observe work during progress and upon completion.
- Review project plans and specifications for a variety of public and private projects.
- Confer and meet with property owners, developers, and/or contractors regarding project schedule, hazards, and inconvenience.
- Prepare documentation and reports in accordance with city standard construction management and inspection procedures.
- Inspect adjacent properties for damage from construction activity.
- Coordinate work with other City departments and staff, developers, contractors, and utilities.
- Review and monitor construction schedule to ensure construction is progressing according to contract requirements.
- Serve as the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspector
- Perform storm water inspections throughout the construction of public and private projects to ensure compliance with State erosion control standards.
- Perform educational outreach for SWPPP to employees, industry associations, educational institutions, etc.
- Investigate, document and track issues and complaints from the public relating to construction projects and storm water related concerns.
- Perform related duties as assigned
Employment Standards
NOTE: The level and scope of the knowledge abilities listed below are related to job duties as defined under the "Examples of Essential Duties" section of this specification.
Knowledge of:
- Construction management and inspection requirements of complex construction projects.
- Proper inspection techniques to examine construction workmanship and materials for defects and faults.
- Materials, specifications, methods, regulations, and requirements related to the construction and installation of streets, gutters, storm drains, culverts, and other related facilities associated with public projects.
- Mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Tools, surveying instruments, and equipment used in the construction of public projects.
- Soil reports, conditions, types, and formations.
- Applicable laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies governing the construction of assigned projects.
- Technical report writing and computer related database tracking.
- Safety rules, regulations, and practices applied to construction areas and office spaces.
- Common word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. (Folsom implemented eTRACKit and when assigned to the Community Development Department, knowledge of this system or a similar system is desirable).
- Detect and locate faulty materials and workmanship at a stage of construction in which defects are most easily remedied.
- Understand and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
- Prepare and maintain records relating to public and private projects.
- Operate a personal computer and other electronic equipment, including field entry devices and cellular phones.
- Effectively and clearly communicate verbally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Minimum Qualifications
Construction Inspector I
Education:
High school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.
Experience:
Two (2) years of full-time sub-professional engineering experience or journey-level land development, parks, utility, or public works construction experience.
Construction Inspector II
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience as a Construction Inspector I with the City of Folsom.
Education:
An associate's degree in construction management or construction supervision and inspection from an accredited college or university, or completion of a two-year certificate program.
Experience:
Two (2) years of full-time sub-professional engineering experience or journey-level land development, parks, utility, or public works construction experience.
Substitution:
Additional qualifying experience can substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
License, Certificate, Registration Requirements:
At the option of the City, persons hired into this class may be required to either possess at entry or obtain within specified time limits, designated licenses, certificates or specialized education and training relevant to the area of assignment. Additional requirements may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Some positions may require the possession of, or the ability to obtain and retain, a California Class C driver license by the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Inspector II level – ACIA Division 4, Public Works Certification is desirable.
- Qualified SWPPP Practitioner is desirable.
Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis. (1) Mobility: frequent performance of manual labor; frequent standing for long period of time; frequent bending and squatting. (2) Lifting: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds. (3) Vision: constant use of overall vision. (4) Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. (5) Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. (6) Emotional/Psychological: frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone. (7) Environmental: frequent exposure to loud noise; frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.
Definition
THIS RECRUITMENT WILL CLOSE AFTER RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 50 APPLICATIONS, OR BY OCTOBER 16, 2026, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
Applications must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application, but may be additionally attached.
Anchored in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada - 20 miles east of Sacramento and about 1.5 hours from Lake Tahoe - the City of Folsom is comprised of beautiful parks and trails, and boasts excellent schools, family-orientated neighborhoods, and outstanding shopping, dining, and cultural options. Folsom is a high-tech, forward-looking city, with firms ranging from small to large international corporations. Voted by WalletHub as the Best Place for Families to Live in California, and 2nd Best Lake Town in America, Folsom is recognized for its affordability, fair weather, education, and health.
The City of Folsom's Community Development Department is currently recruiting for a Construction Inspector I/II to support the Engineering/Development Team. This is a non-exempt position Monday - Friday, and is represented by Local 39 IUOE.
Under the direction of the Community Development Director and Development Engineering Manager, the Construction Inspector I/II will inspect workmanship and materials used in the construction of public and/or private development projects and adjacent public improvements or impacts to ensure conformance with applicable laws, ordinances, standards, plans, specifications, and departmental regulations; and/or serve as the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspector depending on assigned department. Incumbents at the II level may oversee, monitor, and/or direct the work of lower level personnel.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Construction Inspector I (salary range M51: $73,822.47 - $93,516.09) annually is the entry-level class of the technical Construction Inspector series. Initially under close supervision, the incumbents perform the more routine duties while learning city policies and procedures and becoming familiar with the variety of departmental systems and practices. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision. This class is flexibly staffed with Construction Inspector II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after two years and demonstrating proficiency that meets the qualifications.
The Construction Inspector II (salary range M53: $77,512.49 - $98,190.50 annually) is the experienced/journey level class in the series, fully competent to independently perform duties. This class is distinguished from those in the lower classification of Construction Inspector I by the relative independence with which they perform their duties of inspecting workmanship and materials used in the construction of public and private projects to insure conformance with applicable laws, ordinances, standards, plans, specifications, and departmental regulations. This class is distinguished from the Senior Construction Inspector in that the latter serves either as the senior or advanced level specialist in the series.
Examples of Essential Duties
NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.
- Inspect materials and construction workmanship for City capital improvement and private projects to ensure compliance with contract documents, which includes checking line, grade, size, and location of facilities; observe work during progress and upon completion.
- Review project plans and specifications for a variety of public and private projects.
- Confer and meet with property owners, developers, and/or contractors regarding project schedule, hazards, and inconvenience.
- Prepare documentation and reports in accordance with city standard construction management and inspection procedures.
- Inspect adjacent properties for damage from construction activity.
- Coordinate work with other City departments and staff, developers, contractors, and utilities.
- Review and monitor construction schedule to ensure construction is progressing according to contract requirements.
- Serve as the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspector
- Perform storm water inspections throughout the construction of public and private projects to ensure compliance with State erosion control standards.
- Perform educational outreach for SWPPP to employees, industry associations, educational institutions, etc.
- Investigate, document and track issues and complaints from the public relating to construction projects and storm water related concerns.
- Perform related duties as assigned
Employment Standards
NOTE: The level and scope of the knowledge abilities listed below are related to job duties as defined under the "Examples of Essential Duties" section of this specification.
Knowledge of:
- Construction management and inspection requirements of complex construction projects.
- Proper inspection techniques to examine construction workmanship and materials for defects and faults.
- Materials, specifications, methods, regulations, and requirements related to the construction and installation of streets, gutters, storm drains, culverts, and other related facilities associated with public projects.
- Mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Tools, surveying instruments, and equipment used in the construction of public projects.
- Soil reports, conditions, types, and formations.
- Applicable laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies governing the construction of assigned projects.
- Technical report writing and computer related database tracking.
- Safety rules, regulations, and practices applied to construction areas and office spaces.
- Common word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. (Folsom implemented eTRACKit and when assigned to the Community Development Department, knowledge of this system or a similar system is desirable).
- Detect and locate faulty materials and workmanship at a stage of construction in which defects are most easily remedied.
- Understand and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
- Prepare and maintain records relating to public and private projects.
- Operate a personal computer and other electronic equipment, including field entry devices and cellular phones.
- Effectively and clearly communicate verbally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Minimum Qualifications
Construction Inspector I
Education:
High school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.
Experience:
Two (2) years of full-time sub-professional engineering experience or journey-level land development, parks, utility, or public works construction experience.
Construction Inspector II
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience as a Construction Inspector I with the City of Folsom.
Education:
An associate's degree in construction management or construction supervision and inspection from an accredited college or university, or completion of a two-year certificate program.
Experience:
Two (2) years of full-time sub-professional engineering experience or journey-level land development, parks, utility, or public works construction experience.
Substitution:
Additional qualifying experience can substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
License, Certificate, Registration Requirements:
At the option of the City, persons hired into this class may be required to either possess at entry or obtain within specified time limits, designated licenses, certificates or specialized education and training relevant to the area of assignment. Additional requirements may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Some positions may require the possession of, or the ability to obtain and retain, a California Class C driver license by the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Inspector II level – ACIA Division 4, Public Works Certification is desirable.
- Qualified SWPPP Practitioner is desirable.
Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis. (1) Mobility: frequent performance of manual labor; frequent standing for long period of time; frequent bending and squatting. (2) Lifting: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds. (3) Vision: constant use of overall vision. (4) Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. (5) Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. (6) Emotional/Psychological: frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone. (7) Environmental: frequent exposure to loud noise; frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.
See All 60 Construction Inspector Jobs in California
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Find Construction Inspector JobsConstruction Inspector Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Construction Inspector Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- BKF Engineers13
- Terracon Consultants5
- Cannon3
- NV52
- Jacobs2
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services10
- Construction & Real Estate2
- Education1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in construction inspector jobs across California.
- ICC certification or California DSA approval preferred or required by most employers
- Knowledge of California Building Code, Title 24, and local jurisdiction standards
- Experience reading and interpreting construction plans, blueprints, and specifications
- Valid California driver's license with reliable transportation for field site visits
- Proficiency with inspection documentation software and digital reporting tools
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for regulatory and contractor coordination
Construction Inspector Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a construction inspector in California?
Most construction inspector roles in California require a combination of field experience and certification from the International Code Council, with many public agencies also requiring approval through the California Division of the State Architect for school and public building projects. A background in construction trades, engineering technology, or a related field strengthens candidacy. Some municipalities have their own testing and registration requirements, so checking with the specific city or county building department is the most reliable step.
Which companies hire construction inspectors in California?
Employers hiring construction inspectors in California right now include BKF Engineers, Terracon Consultants, and Cannon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's large public infrastructure programs and active residential permitting activity mean both government agencies and private construction firms maintain ongoing demand for qualified inspectors year-round.
Which California cities have the most construction inspector jobs?
Los Angeles, San Jose, and Ventura are the California cities with the most construction inspector openings, driven by sustained residential permitting activity in Southern California, major transit and infrastructure investment in the Bay Area, and the Sacramento region's steady stream of state government and public works projects that consistently require inspection staff.
Are there remote construction inspector jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 56% of construction inspector openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the fact that most inspection work requires direct physical presence at job sites. The portions of the role most suited to remote work include plan review, documentation, and permit coordination functions found in larger municipal or agency settings.
How can I get hired as a construction inspector in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as an inspection aide or construction technician with a California city or county building department, which regularly hires candidates with a trades background or coursework in construction technology even without full certification. Caltrans and large California water districts also hire entry-level inspection assistants. Earning an ICC residential inspection certification before applying gives candidates a measurable edge, and lateral moves from carpentry, electrical, or plumbing trades are a well-recognized pathway into the role.
Where can I find and apply to construction inspector jobs in California?
You can find and apply to construction inspector jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across cities, specialties, and experience levels. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to each one.
See All 60 Construction Inspector Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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