Construction and Building Inspectors

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Approve building plans that meet required specifications.89
Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.87
Issue permits for construction, relocation, demolition, or occupancy.82
Inspect bridges, dams, highways, buildings, wiring, plumbing, electrical circuits, sewers, heating systems, or foundations during and after construction for structural quality, general safety, or conformance to specifications and codes.82
Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.81
Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.78
Confer with owners, violators, or authorities to explain regulations or recommend remedial actions.77
Measure dimensions and verify level, alignment, or elevation of structures or fixtures to ensure compliance to building plans and codes.73
Maintain daily logs and supplement inspection records with photographs.71
Conduct inspections, using survey instruments, metering devices, tape measures, or test equipment.68
Train, direct, or supervise other construction inspectors.64
Monitor construction activities to ensure that environmental regulations are not violated.63

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Evaluate project details to ensure adherence to environmental regulations.56
Inspect facilities or installations to determine their environmental impact.50
Examine lifting or conveying devices, such as elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, hoists, inclined railways, ski lifts, or amusement rides to ensure safety and proper functioning.47
Conduct environmental hazard inspections to identify or quantify problems, such as asbestos, poor air quality, water contamination, or other environmental hazards.44
Estimate cost of completed work or of needed renovations or upgrades.43
Evaluate premises for cleanliness, such as proper garbage disposal or lack of vermin infestation.35
Sample and test air to identify gasses, such as bromine, ozone, or sulfur dioxide, or particulates, such as mold, dust, or allergens.32
Inspect structures to determine cause and origin of damage.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking72
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening69
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking69
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving60
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making60
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Systems Evaluation56
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Time Management56
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning53
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Persuasion53
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Writing53
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.

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Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Mathematics50
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Negotiation50
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Quality Control Analysis50
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Systems Analysis50
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Management of Personnel Resources47
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Operations Monitoring44
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Service Orientation41
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Science38
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Operations Analysis25
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control22
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Troubleshooting22
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Management of Financial Resources13
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Building and Construction92
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Public Safety and Security76
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language74
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service66
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Design62
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Law and Government62
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Mathematics61
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and Management60
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Mechanical58
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Administrative57
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics57
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology55
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

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Education and Training53
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Personnel and Human Resources42
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Physics39
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Communications and Media37
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Telecommunications37
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Economics and Accounting35
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Geography33
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Psychology29
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Transportation29
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Chemistry27
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Production and Processing26
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Sales and Marketing24
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Foreign Language22
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
History and Archeology20
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Sociology and Anthropology16
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Biology14
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Food Production11
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Therapy and Counseling9
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Medicine and Dentistry7
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology7
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Fine Arts1
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Problem Sensitivity78
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning72
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension72
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Speech Clarity56
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition56
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Far Vision53
The ability to see details at a distance.

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Flexibility of Closure53
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Information Ordering53
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Visual Color Discrimination50
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Mathematical Reasoning47
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility47
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Speed of Closure47
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing47
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Originality44
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Memorization41
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Depth Perception38
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Gross Body Equilibrium31
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Spatial Orientation28
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Trunk Strength28
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Dynamic Strength25
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Extent Flexibility25
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity25
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Multilimb Coordination25
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision25
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision25
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control25
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time25
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Sound Localization25
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Stamina25
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength25
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Response Orientation22
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Finger Dexterity19
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity19
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Wrist-Finger Speed13
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Speed of Limb Movement10
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Explosive Strength6
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information86
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization82
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards82
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials82
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Documenting/Recording Information79
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge79
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates76
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Working with Computers76
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others73
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work73
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems72
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public72
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

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Analyzing Data or Information70
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Scheduling Work and Activities70
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships69
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Processing Information68
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment67
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others66
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events61
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Performing Administrative Activities61
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Training and Teaching Others61
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others58
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Performing General Physical Activities56
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others53
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams53
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People53
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings53
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Coaching and Developing Others52
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Thinking Creatively48
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates46
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information43
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Developing Objectives and Strategies42
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment39
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources39
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Staffing Organizational Units39
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Assisting and Caring for Others37
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Handling and Moving Objects30
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes27
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Selling or Influencing Others25
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment17
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment16
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail90
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness87
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity85
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Leadership Orientation59
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Perseverance59
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Achievement Orientation55
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Confidence52
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Self-Control50
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Stress Tolerance50
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Cooperation42
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Intellectual Curiosity42
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

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Adaptability38
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative38
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Sincerity38
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Social Orientation29
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Humility17
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity12
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Empathy5
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism1
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic86
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional74
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative52
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising19
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social8
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic4
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day96%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day92%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day75%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom68%
- Some freedom32%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day80%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day64%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others48%
- Contact with others most of the time40%
- Contact with others about half the time12%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important56%
- Very important32%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day60%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day58%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important40%
- Very important40%
- Important12%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day52%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%

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Time Pressure
- Every day52%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom28%
- Some freedom52%
- Limited freedom16%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important32%
- Very important40%
- Important24%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day38%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day54%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results36%
- Important results36%
- Moderate results16%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day28%
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day48%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never16%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)12%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)52%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)20%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)16%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day52%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
Conflict Situations
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day44%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually16%
- More than half the time20%
- About half the time48%
- Less than half the time16%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious24%
- Very serious24%
- Serious24%
- Fairly serious16%
- Not serious at all12%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day44%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week60%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important16%
- Very important24%
- Important24%
- Fairly important24%
- Not important at all12%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours20%
- 40 hours64%
- Less than 40 hours16%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility32%
- Moderate responsibility24%
- Limited responsibility28%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive16%
- Highly competitive12%
- Moderately competitive44%
- Not at all competitive24%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually16%
- About half the time28%
- Less than half the time48%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never12%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important12%
- Very important28%
- Important20%
- Fairly important12%
- Not important at all28%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time12%
- About half the time56%
- Less than half the time32%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never16%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility24%
- Moderate responsibility16%
- Limited responsibility32%
- No responsibility24%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time48%
- Never24%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- About half the time20%
- Less than half the time72%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never36%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month52%
- Never16%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time84%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time52%
- Never24%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never32%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time80%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated24%
- Slightly automated44%
- Not at all automated28%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time68%
- Never20%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month52%
- Never32%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month48%
- Never36%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)35%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)65%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Very important12%
- Not important at all72%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never72%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never72%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never80%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never96%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Word processing software
Inspection Depot Home Guide System, Microsoft Word, New construction inspection form software, Residential home inspection form software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook
Compliance software
Automated permit system software, NorthWest Builders Network Plan Analyst, OptaSoft Commercial Building Inspector
Project management software
Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management, Oracle Primavera Systems
Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks, Quicken
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Municipal geographic management software, SAP software
Computer aided design CAD software
Arc Second PocketCAD, Autodesk AutoCAD
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, Real estate and tax software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcView
Procurement software
Vision Software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Data base reporting software
Mobile building inspection software
Internet browser software
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Map creation software
Trimble Digital Fieldbook

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Authorize construction activities.
Evaluate construction projects to determine compliance with external standards or regulations.
Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.
Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.
Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
Monitor construction operations.
Communicate with clients about products, procedures, and policies.
Evaluate projects to determine compliance with technical specifications.
Measure work site dimensions.
Verify alignment of structures or equipment.
Record operational or environmental data.

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Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.
Direct construction or extraction personnel.
Train construction or extraction personnel.
Inspect industrial or commercial equipment to ensure proper operation.
Estimate construction project costs.
Test air quality at work sites.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector
Field Tech Concrete/Masonry Inspect
Field Tech Soil/Asphalt Inspector
Field Tech Steel/Weld/Fireprof Inspect
Inspector, Building
Utility Locator/Locator Technician

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology