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Lead Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

kennedyjc

Construction Inspector - Pipeline

Ventura, CA · On-site

$50/hr

... or Lead Inspector. What Makes This Role Different * Field insight that protects quality: Your documentation helps identify issues early, support timely decisions, and reduce rework, delays, or ...

American Propeller Service

Inspector

Redding, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Key Responsibilities The Lead Inspector is responsible for recording all functions on applicable paperwork in accordance with the specific requirements. Responsible for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT ...

American Propeller

Inspector

Redding, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Key Responsibilities The Lead Inspector is responsible for recording all functions on applicable paperwork in accordance with the specific requirements. Responsible for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT ...

Kennedy Jenks

Construction Inspector

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$50/hr

... or Lead Inspector. What Makes This Role Different * Field insight that protects quality: Your documentation helps identify issues early, support timely decisions, and reduce rework, delays, or ...

Kennedy Jenks

Construction Inspector

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$50/hr

... or Lead Inspector. What Makes This Role Different * Field insight that protects quality: Your documentation helps identify issues early, support timely decisions, and reduce rework, delays, or ...

VPET USA LLC

QC Lead (2nd shift)

Fontana, CA · On-site

Quality Control Inspector Lead Location: Fontana, CA, 92337 In the Quality Control Inspector Lead role, you will be responsible for supporting the Quality Control Manager and management team with the ...

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All JobsLead Inspector JobsLead Inspector Jobs in California

Lead Inspector information

See California salary details

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How much do lead inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead inspector in California is $30.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $39.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead inspector?

Lead Inspectors are professionals responsible for identifying the presence of lead-based paint and other lead hazards in homes, schools, and other buildings. They conduct visual assessments, collect samples of dust, paint, and soil, and use specialized equipment to detect lead contamination. Their work is crucial for ensuring that environments meet safety standards and protect occupants, especially children, from the harmful effects of lead exposure. Lead Inspectors often work with property owners, contractors, and government agencies to recommend and oversee remediation efforts.

What does a lead inspector do?

A lead inspector examines homes or buildings for the presence of lead paint or other material with a lead base. In this career, you may work in residential homes, public facilities, or commercial buildings. Most facilities that serve children, such as schools, need to have their buildings checked for lead content. You walk through the building, inspecting every wall and surface for the possibility of lead and test the paint to determine the severity of the hazard. After each inspection, you document your findings for your client or company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Inspector, you need strong attention to detail, knowledge of industry regulations, and relevant experience or certifications in inspection practices. Familiarity with inspection tools, quality management systems, and reporting software is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate teams and resolve issues efficiently. These skills are crucial to ensure compliance, maintain safety standards, and drive continuous improvement within inspection processes.

What are some common challenges faced by a lead inspector, and how are they typically addressed?

Lead Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing tight project deadlines, coordinating with multiple teams, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. To address these, they rely on strong organizational skills, clear communication, and up-to-date knowledge of industry standards. Building strong relationships with team members and stakeholders also helps streamline inspection processes and resolve issues efficiently, ensuring projects remain on track and compliant.

What is the difference between Lead Inspector vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectLead InspectorQuality Control Inspector
CertificationsOften requires certifications like ASQ CQI, API, or specific industry standardsMay require basic certifications, but less frequently
Work EnvironmentSupervises inspection teams, coordinates inspections, and ensures compliancePerforms inspections, checks products or processes, and reports issues
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and oil & gas industriesCommon across manufacturing, automotive, and production sectors

The main difference between a Lead Inspector and a Quality Control Inspector is that the Lead Inspector oversees inspection teams and manages inspection processes, while the Quality Control Inspector primarily conducts inspections and reports on product quality. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in ensuring compliance and quality standards within various industries.

How much do lead inspectors make?

Lead inspectors in New York City typically earn an average salary of around $70,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry sector. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of inspections, employer size, and additional skills such as report writing or specialized knowledge.
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Lead Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,402 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Construction Inspector - Pipeline

kennedyjc

Ventura, CA • On-site

$50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Construction Inspector with pipeline experience in California to support water and wastewater infrastructure projects with a focus on underground utilities, pipeline installation, field quality observation, and construction documentation.

In this role, you’ll observe contractor work, document progress, support testing and commissioning, and coordinate with construction managers, resident engineers, contractors, clients, and internal teams.

What You’ll Do

As a Construction Inspector, you'll work at the intersection of construction observation, quality assurance, field documentation, and project coordination to support the successful delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

  • Inspect field work: Conduct inspections to ensure contractor work aligns with plans, specifications, and quality standards.
  • Document progress: Prepare daily reports, including written documentation and photo logs.
  • Support testing and reviews: Assist with material testing, special inspections, contractor submittal review, and as-built drawing review.
  • Monitor requirements: Make sure work complies to public, regulatory, and permitting agency requirements, including SWPPP and safety practices.
  • Coordinate in the field: Support pipeline testing, flushing, commissioning, and startup activities; participate in progress meetings; interact with clients; and work under the direct supervision of the Construction Manager, Resident Engineer, or Lead Inspector.

What Makes This Role Different

  • Field insight that protects quality: Your documentation helps identify issues early, support timely decisions, and reduce rework, delays, or disputed field conditions.
  • Direct impact on essential infrastructure: Your work supports water and wastewater systems that serve communities and protect public health.
  • Bridge between plans and construction: You help project teams connect design intent, field conditions, contractor work, and client expectations.

What You Bring

  • Strong communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Work style: Ability to work independently and within a team.
  • Field coordination: Comfort working with contractors, clients, inspectors, testing firms, and internal project teams.

Qualifications

  • Education and experience: Technical school certificate or degree preferred, or equivalent experience; 3 years of water or wastewater infrastructure experience required, with pipeline or underground utility inspection experience strongly preferred.
  • Technical and software skills: Familiarity with construction blueprints, drawings, specifications, applicable codes, Microsoft Office, inspection tools, and reporting systems.
  • Work environment: Fieldwork includes exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, construction noise, traffic, equipment, and potential hazardous materials.
  • Safety requirements: Strict adherence to safety protocols is required, including use of required personal protective equipment and project-specific safety practices.

This role requires full-time presence on project sites and in the office as needed. KJ offers relocation support if needed.

Hourly Pay Rate: Anticipated at $50.00/hour and may vary based on experience, qualifications, certifications, and location. Many of our California public works projects are subject to prevailing wage, often exceeding base pay.

Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.

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