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Playground Safety Inspector Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Playground Safety Inspector information

See Austin, TX salary details

$35.7K

$51K

$76.3K

How much do playground safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for playground safety inspector in Austin, TX is $51,002.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,700.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by playground safety inspectors during site assessments?

Playground Safety Inspectors often encounter challenges such as identifying hidden hazards like deteriorating hardware or improper surfacing that may not be immediately obvious. They must also navigate varying equipment standards and modifications made by users or maintenance staff. Additionally, inspectors frequently need to balance thorough documentation with time constraints, especially when inspecting multiple sites in a day. Effective communication with facility managers and maintenance teams is essential to ensure that identified safety issues are understood and addressed promptly.

What is the difference between Playground Safety Inspector vs Playground Equipment Technician?

AspectPlayground Safety InspectorPlayground Equipment Technician
CertificationsSafety inspection certifications, such as CPSC or ASTM standardsEquipment repair and maintenance certifications, such as OSHA or manufacturer-specific training
Work EnvironmentInspecting playgrounds at schools, parks, and recreational facilitiesInstalling, repairing, and maintaining playground equipment
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private parks, schools, municipalitiesConstruction companies, maintenance firms, equipment manufacturers

While both roles focus on playground safety and equipment, the Playground Safety Inspector primarily assesses existing playgrounds for safety compliance, whereas the Playground Equipment Technician handles installation and repairs. Both require knowledge of safety standards, but their daily tasks and certifications differ.

What is a playground safety inspector?

Playground Safety Inspectors are trained professionals responsible for evaluating playgrounds to ensure they meet safety standards and guidelines. Their work involves inspecting equipment, surfacing, and overall site conditions to identify hazards and recommend necessary repairs or improvements. By conducting regular inspections, they help to minimize the risk of injuries and create safer play environments for children. Many inspectors are certified by organizations such as the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

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

To thrive as a Playground Safety Inspector, you need a solid understanding of playground safety standards, hazard identification, and inspection procedures, usually supported by a certification such as Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI). Familiarity with inspection software, measurement tools, and regulatory guidelines is essential for accurate documentation and evaluation. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities help inspectors effectively identify issues and work with stakeholders. These competencies are vital to ensure playgrounds remain safe, minimizing injury risks and maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

How do you become a playground safety inspector?

To become a playground safety inspector, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should complete training in playground safety standards, such as those from the Consumer Product Safety Commission or ASTM. Gaining experience in safety inspections, understanding of equipment maintenance, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects. Inspectors often work for local government agencies or private companies and may need to pass background checks and have good communication skills.

What does a playground safety inspector do?

As a playground safety inspector, you inspect playground equipment and play areas to identify potential risks and hazards. These can range from a swingset in need of repairs to surface materials that are uneven or abrasive, which increases the likelihood that children may sustain cuts and scrapes. Your duties and responsibilities revolve around ensuring that playgrounds and parks comply with all applicable safety guidelines. In some roles, you recommend appropriate remediation and repair, while in others you work with a team to perform the needed work.

What are popular job titles related to Playground Safety Inspector jobs in Austin, TX?

For Playground Safety Inspector jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Playground Safety Inspector jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Playground Safety Inspector jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Playground Safety Inspector jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Playground Safety Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Playground Safety Inspector job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,002 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Senior Machinist / Shop Manager

PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein)

Austin, TX • On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


PVH Corp. rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Senior Machinist / Shop Manager

Location: Onsite – Austin, TX · Employment Type: Full‑Time

About 9 Mothers

9 Mothers is an Austin-based defense tech company operating as an SOT/Class‑III manufacturer. Our R&D work spans advanced robotics and novel firearms systems. What you build today will be tested on the range tomorrow.

Position Summary

The Senior Machinist / Shop Manager will be the first and primary machinist on staff. This is a hands‑on production and prototyping role. You will machine parts, maintain equipment, manage consumables and tooling, and serve as the shop authority on design for manufacturability (DFM), actively coaching engineers to improve designs before they reach the floor. As the team grows, this role will take on direct management of junior machinists.

Essential DutiesShop Operations
  • Establish safety protocols, inventory systems, and maintenance schedules
  • Manage consumables, tooling, and fixture inventory on an ongoing basis
CNC & Manual Machining
  • Set up and operate Yama Seiki 5‑axis CNC mill and Yama Seiki CNC lathe to produce prototype and low‑volume production parts from engineering drawings and models
  • Write and edit CNC programs (conversational or G‑code); optimize feeds, speeds, and toolpaths for prototype iteration cycles
  • Perform manual machining operations on mills, lathes, and drill presses as required
  • Hold dimensional tolerances consistent with engineering specifications; document inspection results
Fabrication & Additive Manufacturing
  • Operate polymer and metal additive manufacturing systems; manage post‑processing and finishing across both material classes
  • Fabricate fixtures, jigs, and holding devices to support machining and assembly operations
Engineering Collaboration & DFM
  • Review engineering drawings and 3D models prior to manufacture; identify and flag features that are non‑manufacturable, unnecessarily tight, or will drive excessive cycle time
  • Work directly with engineers to iterate on designs for manufacturability – communicating tradeoffs clearly and suggesting specific geometric changes
  • Provide cycle time and material cost estimates in support of engineering design studies
  • Participate in design reviews as the shop authority on machining and fabrication constraints
  • Interface with outside vendors and contract manufacturers – communicating specifications clearly, reviewing quotes, and managing delivery of outsourced parts and assemblies
Requirements
  • 10+ years of hands‑on machining experience, including 5‑axis CNC mill and CNC lathe operation and setup
  • Demonstrated ability to program CNC equipment (conversational and/or G‑code)
  • Proficient in Mastercam 2026
  • Proficient in reading and interpreting GD&T engineering drawings and 3D CAD models
  • Legally eligible to work with NFA‑regulated items in a licensed manufacturing environment (no disqualifying factors under 18U.S.C. §922)
  • U.S. citizen or U.S. person as defined under ITAR (22CFR §120.62) – required due to the nature of development programs
  • Ability to pass an ATF‑required background investigation
Nice‑to‑Have
  • Prior experience in a firearms or defense manufacturing environment
  • Experience operating or maintaining polymer and metal additive manufacturing systems
  • Familiarity with MIL‑SPEC materials and surface finish requirements
  • Prior experience with Yama Seiki CNC lathe and CNC 5‑axis mills
  • Prior experience mentoring junior machinists or engineers on DFM
  • Exposure to SAAMI or MIL‑STD dimensional requirements for small arms components
Work Environment

Full‑time, on‑site in Austin, TX. This is a startup environment – expect ambiguity, rapid design iterations, and a small team. The shop will be built around this person's input on equipment and layout. You will interact daily with engineers and be a direct contributor to prototype timelines.

Benefits
  • Meaningful Early Equity: You aren't just an employee; you are a foundational owner. Your contributions directly drive the value of your stake in the company.
  • Direct Roadmap Influence: Forget the bureaucracy of big defense. You will have a seat at the table, directly shaping our product and technology trajectory from day one.
  • Mission‑Critical Work: We don't build for "what if." We build systems the Department of War actively needs to counter immediate, real‑world threats.
  • The Builder's Playground: Work in a brand‑new lab fully optimized for rapid prototyping, equipped with NVIDIA Jetsons, high‑end scopes, and 3‑D printers.
  • 100% Employer‑Paid Premiums: We cover 100% of your medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums and cover 50% of healthcare premiums for your dependents.
  • Unlimited PTO: We value results, not clock‑watching. Take the time you need to stay sharp and recharge.
  • Zero Red Tape: You report to the founders. You have the autonomy to make technical decisions that would take months of committee approval at a larger firm.
  • Austin‑Based Culture: Join an onsite team in Austin, TX, where we prioritize high‑bandwidth collaboration
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