Special Inspector

Job Title: Special Inspector Job Description
The Special Inspector performs field observations, inspections, and testing of construction materials with a primary focus on structural elements. This role conducts inspections and testing on soils, asphalt, cast-in-place concrete, masonry mortar and grout, structural steel, and spray-applied fire-resistive materials. The Special Inspector prepares detailed daily reports documenting all inspections and tests performed, works both independently and collaboratively with other inspectors and technicians, and takes initiative to serve as a leader among peers while traveling locally to project sites.
Responsibilities
- Perform field observations and inspections of construction materials, with an emphasis on structural elements.
- Conduct testing of soils, asphalt, cast-in-place concrete, masonry mortar and grout, structural steel, and spray-applied fire-resistive materials.
- Carry out concrete testing and soil testing in accordance with applicable standards and procedures.
- Execute visual inspections of structural components and construction materials to verify compliance with project specifications and codes.
- Perform non-destructive examination (NDE/NDT) activities as required for welding and other structural elements.
- Utilize nuclear density equipment and other testing tools to assess material properties and compaction.
- Prepare clear, detailed daily reports describing the inspections and testing performed each day, including methods, results, and observations.
- Work independently in the field, managing time and tasks to meet project schedules and quality expectations.
- Collaborate effectively with other inspectors, technicians, and engineers to coordinate testing and inspection activities.
- Step up and act as a leader among peers, providing guidance, support, and a strong example of professionalism and technical quality.
- Travel locally to project sites to perform inspections and testing, ensuring timely and accurate service delivery.
- Support a variety of commercial, industrial, pharmaceutical, and municipal projects by delivering high-quality construction inspection and testing services.
- Follow established safety procedures and industry standards while working outdoors and hands-on with construction materials and equipment.
Essential Skills
- Three years of progressive testing and/or inspection experience in construction materials and structural elements.
- American Concrete Institute (ACI) Field Technician Level I certification.
- International Code Council (ICC) Reinforced Concrete certification.
- Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
- Ability to focus on inspections of primarily structural elements, including concrete, masonry, steel, and fireproofing.
- Capability to work both independently and as part of a team with other inspectors and technicians.
- Demonstrated leadership ability to step up and be a leader among peers.
- Experience with concrete and concrete testing.
- Experience with soil testing and related field procedures.
- Proficiency in visual inspection techniques for structural and welded components.
- Familiarity with non-destructive testing (NDT) and non-destructive examination (NDE) methods.
- Experience with nuclear density testing equipment and procedures.
- Understanding of welding inspection practices and structural welding requirements.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) diploma.
- Engineering Intern (EI) certificate, which may be considered in lieu of ACI and ICC certifications.
- Structural masonry certification.
- Prestressed concrete certification.
- Steel and bolting certification.
- Soils certification.
- Welding certification.
- Spray-applied fireproofing certification.
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential.
- Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI) Level I or higher certification.
- One or more ICC certifications in Structural Masonry, Prestressed Concrete, Structural Steel and Bolting, Soils, Welding, or Spray-Applied Fireproofing.
- Nuclear density certifications are a plus due to periodic nuclear density work.
- Interest in working outdoors and performing hands-on tasks with construction materials and equipment.
- Strong written communication skills for preparing detailed daily inspection and testing reports.
- Ability to adapt to varying schedules, including early mornings, evenings, overnights, and occasional weekend work.
- Motivation to be challenged and to develop professionally while contributing to the quality of the built environment.
Work Environment
This role supports a diverse range of projects, including commercial, industrial, pharmaceutical, and municipal work, primarily in the Raleigh–Durham area and surrounding region. The position involves frequent local travel to project sites, with overnight travel uncommon, though occasional early morning, evening, overnight, or weekend work may be necessary. The work is largely outdoors and hands-on, involving direct interaction with construction materials, testing equipment, and active job sites. The typical workload is around 40 hours per week, with the opportunity to increase hours if desired, and hours are generally kept below 60 per week. The organization offers strong benefits, including fully paid vision and dental coverage, and provides a take-home truck from the first day. Extensive on-the-job training is available, and most certifications needed to perform the job are paid for, supporting ongoing professional growth. The Special Inspector joins a team of experienced engineers, inspectors, and technicians who are dedicated to delivering high-quality construction inspection and testing services and to making a meaningful impact on the built environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Raleigh, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $49920.00 - $66560.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 401(K), 401(K) matching
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flex Spending Account
Health Savings Account
Short-term Disability
Long-term Disability
Paid Time Off
Professional development assistance
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Raleigh,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
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