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Lead Inspector Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

M&J is seeking a Senior Inspector to lead daily field inspections and supervise inspection/testing staff, supporting highway and bridge construction work on Maryland Department of Transportation ...

M&J is seeking a Senior Inspector to lead daily field inspections and supervise inspection/testing staff, supporting highway and bridge construction work on Maryland Department of Transportation ...

M&J is seeking a Senior Inspector to lead daily field inspections and supervise inspection/testing staff, supporting highway and bridge construction work on Maryland Department of Transportation ...

The ability to manage and lead is essential. a) Work with local resources to successfully accomplish the complicated task of vertical transportation inspection and testing. b) Travel globally to ...

Elevator Inspector

Arlington, VA · On-site

$115K - $120K/yr

The ability to manage and lead is essential. a) Work with local resources to successfully accomplish the complicated task of vertical transportation inspection and testing. b) Travel globally to ...

Construction Inspector I

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$30.30 - $42.30/hr

Lead, provide direction and may coordinate activities of lower level inspectors. * Performs advanced fieldwork and assists with project management. * Drive a vehicle such as a Ford F-150 or ...

Construction Inspectors spend the majority of their time working on projects performing ... Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement. Terracon's vision of ...

Resident Inspector

Laurel, MD · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

... lead. * Develop construction punch list * Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making ... High-School Diploma * 6+ years of experience in field inspection, civil, mechanical, structural ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Inspector information

See Washington, DC salary details

$14

$34

$67

How much do lead inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead inspector in Washington, DC is $34.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $45.05 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 Washington, DC?

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

Infographic showing various Lead Inspector job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,489 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Construction Inspector (VDOT)

M&J Engineering

Washington, DC

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

M&J Engineering, D.P.C. (M&J) is a quality provider of multi-discipline engineering and construction management services with a focus on “Innovative and State-of-the Art Solutions”. We specialize in providing full-service construction management, CE&I and design services for a full spectrum of industries encompassing construction projects for heavy highway roadway, bridge, railroad, tunnel, airport, seaport and marine, commercial and institutional building facilities, ITS, mechanical, electrical, environmental, water, sewer, utility, as well as design-build services for both new infrastructure and renovation projects. M&J proudly serves a broad range of clients, including federal and state agencies, local municipalities, private owners, architects, engineers, and contractors.

Since its inception in 2004, the M&J Company has steadily evolved its business and built a diverse and dedicated employee force of over 300, fostered by a culture that serves to attract, retain, and develop a workforce that is inclusive and representative of the communities that we serve. M&J bases its employment and personnel decisions on the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity, with the intent to further the Company’s Affirmative Action commitment. M&J does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, employment status, veteran or military status, or any other category protected by law. M&J vigorously pursues opportunities to recruit and develop job candidates who have the desire and potential for becoming qualified employees through our Affirmative Action Plan.

We are seeking an experienced Construction Inspector to inspect monitors and inspect highway, roadway, structure, and bridge construction and maintenance projects. Operating under varying levels of supervision—ranging from entry-level workforce development roles to independent Lead Inspectors—this position ensures contractor compliance with project plans, specifications, and agency standards (such as VDOT) to deliver a safe, high-quality transportation system.

Salary: $90,000–$130,000 annually, commensurate with experience, certifications, and VDOT project expertise

Apply through this site or send resume to recruit@mjengineers.com.


  • Inspect all phases of civil construction—including excavations, drainage structures, traffic control devices, road surfaces, and structures—to ensure work matches engineering plans and contract specifications.
  • Review the placement of and perform standard field tests on construction materials; assist in obtaining designated highway material certifications through on-the-job and classroom training.
  • Verify lines, grades, dimensions, and elevations using standard survey and field engineering equipment.
  • Enforce the proper installation of erosion/siltation controls, work zone setups, and traffic control safety devices.
  • Coordinate and schedule construction phases and inspection timelines with the Contractor’s superintendent and agency personnel.
  • Manage project coordination with property owners, utility companies, and local/federal government representatives, especially on environmentally sensitive or high-traffic projects.
  • Observe, document, and communicate daily production rates and project milestones with contractors; immediately identify and report non-compliant work or violations of the plan of operations.
  • Recommend modifications to construction plans to adapt to changing field conditions or to achieve project cost savings.
  • Maintain meticulous project records, including daily inspector diaries, workbooks, materials notebooks, and as-built plans.
  • Take precise field measurements of pay items, track pay quantities, and assist with or prepare monthly progress estimates.
  • Evaluate progress schedules, perform work order analyses, and aid in the development of work orders or investigations into Notices of Intent.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support successful project delivery.

  • Comprehensive knowledge of roadway, structure, and bridge construction, maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation methods, materials, standards, and specifications.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of VDOT Road and Bridge Specifications, Road and Bridge Standards, Construction Manual, Inspector Manual, and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
  • Thorough understanding of complex construction plans, symbols, engineering terminology, and specifications.
  • Deep knowledge of state and federal guidelines and regulations concerning environmental protection, job site safety, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).
  • Proven ability to provide technical supervision, guidance, and leadership to a team of field inspectors.
  • Ability to apply advanced mathematical formulas and field management principles to independently determine, authorize, and execute major field adjustments.
  • Proficient in preparing agendas for, scheduling, and conducting formal project-related meetings.
  • Ability to draft formal, professional correspondence that clearly communicates complex technical, contractual, or regulatory information to agency staff, contractors, and the general public.
  • Ability to maintain detailed, legally defensible, and accurate project records (including daily diaries, materials notebooks, and as-built plans).
  • Competency in performing, reviewing, and documenting specialized materials testing in the field.
Licensure/Certifications and Experiences

VDOT Certifications

  • Soil and Aggregate Compaction - NICET LEVEL II*
  • Asphalt Field Level I & II
  • Hydraulic Cement Concrete Field - ACI Concrete Field Level I, or WACEL Concrete I, or NICET LEVEL II*
  • Pavement Marking
  • Slurry Surfacing
  • Surface Treatment
  • Flagger Certification
  • GRIT (Guardrail Certification)
  • *Beginning in 2013, VDOT Materials Division will no longer be recognizing Mid-Atlantic Regional Technician Certification Program (MARTCP) certifications; current VDOT Letters of Reciprocity will remain valid until the expiration of the MARTCP or state DOT certification that the letter is based on.
  • VDOT Materials Division will start recognizing NICET Level II Certifications in Soils and Concrete.

Other Certifications

  • Certification for Erosion and Sediment Control Inspection - Virginia DEQ
  • Nuclear Gauge Safety Training - Nuclear Regulatory Commission Recognized Provided
  • Stormwater Management (Inspector) Certification (Obtained prior to installation of stormwater items)
  • Intermediate Work Zone Traffic Control - VDOT Approved Provider
  • 10 Hour OSHA Safety Training - OSHA
  • 7+ year of experience

M&J is a leader in providing quality engineering consulting services to a diverse and exciting client base.  We attract experienced professionals who understand proactive client service, safety, risk management and loss prevention practices, quality control, teamwork, and the development of younger staff.  We seek employees who enjoy their work, desire continuous improvement, and want to contribute to the vision and growth of a quality, employee-owned, professional firm. To all full-time employees we provide a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental and eye insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, etc. Salary will depend on experience and credentials.