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Lead Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Chief Inspector or Lead Inspector experience * Transmission pipeline construction experience * Large-diameter HDD crossing experience * Multi-site project oversight Additional Information SGS is an ...

Quality and EH&S Manager

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$73K - $98K/yr

Guide and lead inspector personnel * Safety (EHS) Leadership & Compliance * Provide leadership and oversight of all company safety programs and policies * Ensure compliance with OSHA, NAVSEA ...

Quality and EH&S Manager

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$73K - $98K/yr

Guide and lead inspector personnel * Safety (EHS) Leadership & Compliance * Provide leadership and oversight of all company safety programs and policies * Ensure compliance with OSHA, NAVSEA ...

Lead NDT Inspector REPORTS TO: NDT Examiner, LIII FLSA STATUS: Exempt PAY RANGE: $90,000.00-$110,000.00 Anually DOE FT / PT STATUS: Full time LOCATION:Norfolk, VA SUMMARY Lead NDT Inspector will ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$30

$59

How much do lead inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead inspector in Virginia is $30.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $39.57 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.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Inspector jobs in Virginia?

For Lead Inspector jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Inspector jobs in VA?

For Lead Inspector jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lead Inspector job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,692 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Senior HDD Inspector - Contract

SGS U.S. Holding Inc.

Danville, VA • On-site

$178/day

Contractor

Re-posted 5 days ago


SGS rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 121 rated laboratories


Job description

Company Description

SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 97,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

Job Description

Our client is looking for an experienced HDD Inspector to work in Rockingham County, NC and Pittsylvania County, VA, supporting two active HDD crossings.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing HDD construction activities, reviewing drilling logs and bore profiles, monitoring frac-out risk and hole conditioning activities, and ensuring contractor compliance with project specifications and procedures. This position reports directly to the Chief Inspector and requires extensive HDD inspection experience on large-diameter pipeline projects.

Project Details

  • Location: Rockingham County, NC / Pittsylvania County, VA
  • Closest City: Danville, VA
  • Duration: Approximately 60-102 days
  • Preferred Start Date: Before the end of June
  • Schedule: 12-hour shifts, 6 days on / 1 day off
  • Per Diem: $178/day (for candidates residing more than 50 miles from the project)
  • Preference for 1099 contractors

Responsibilities

  • Provide inspection oversight for two active HDD crossings
  • Monitor HDD construction activities including drilling operations and reporting
  • Review drilling logs and bore profiles
  • Monitor frac-out risk and hole conditioning activities
  • Verify contractor compliance with project specifications and procedures
  • Prepare daily inspection reports and project documentation
  • Coordinate with project management, contractors, and the Chief Inspector
  • Ensure safe and compliant execution of HDD activities
Qualifications
  • 10-15+ years of pipeline inspection experience preferred
  • Strong HDD inspection experience required
  • Experience with 24"-42" HDD crossings preferred
  • Experience with drilling logs, bore profiles, reaming, pullback operations, and frac-out monitoring
  • API 1169 preferred
  • Strong reporting and documentation skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Preferred Experience

  • Chief Inspector or Lead Inspector experience
  • Transmission pipeline construction experience
  • Large-diameter HDD crossing experience
  • Multi-site project oversight
Additional Information

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a callback. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.


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