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Public Transportation Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ESP Associates

CEI Transportation Inspector

Boone, NC · On-site

Previous experience in the inspection of transportation projects and current certifications, or the ... Public Private Partnerships (P3). Our role is to be a valued asset to the project team, adding ...

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Public Transportation Inspector information

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$19.5K

$64.2K

$92K

How much do public transportation inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for public transportation inspector in the United States is $64,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public transportation inspector?

Public transportation inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that buses, trains, and other forms of public transit operate safely and comply with regulations. They inspect vehicles, review safety procedures, and verify that operators and equipment meet established standards. Their work helps protect passengers, maintain reliable service, and enforce transportation laws. Inspectors may also investigate accidents or complaints and recommend improvements to transit systems.

What are some common challenges faced by public transportation inspectors in their daily work?

Public Transportation Inspectors often encounter challenges such as balancing thorough inspections with tight schedules, handling non-compliance issues diplomatically, and staying up-to-date with evolving safety regulations. Inspectors must be detail-oriented when reviewing vehicles and facilities for adherence to safety and operational standards, often working in busy or noisy environments. Collaborating with operators, maintenance staff, and regulatory agencies is essential to resolve issues efficiently while maintaining a professional and safety-focused atmosphere.

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

To thrive as a Public Transportation Inspector, you need a solid understanding of transportation regulations, safety standards, and inspection procedures, often supported by relevant certifications or a background in transportation or engineering. Familiarity with inspection tools, GPS systems, and reporting software is typically required for accurate assessments and documentation. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities help inspectors identify issues and collaborate with transit personnel. These skills ensure compliance with safety standards, efficient transit operations, and public safety.

What is the difference between Public Transportation Inspector vs Transit Security Officer?

AspectPublic Transportation InspectorTransit Security Officer
CredentialsMay require state or local inspector certificationsSecurity or law enforcement training, possibly security licenses
Work EnvironmentInspects transit systems, checks compliance, reviews safety proceduresPatrols transit stations and vehicles, monitors for security threats
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, government transportation departmentsTransit agencies, private security firms
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for safety and compliance roles in transitFocuses on security and safety enforcement in transit settings

While both roles focus on safety within transit environments, Public Transportation Inspectors primarily ensure compliance and safety standards, whereas Transit Security Officers focus on security enforcement and threat prevention. Both positions are vital for maintaining safe and efficient transit systems.

How do you become a public transportation inspector?

To become a public transportation inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in transit or safety roles, and knowledge of transportation regulations. Some positions may require passing written exams, background checks, and obtaining certifications related to safety or inspection procedures.
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What cities are hiring for Public Transportation Inspector jobs?

Cities with the most Public Transportation Inspector job openings:

What job categories do people searching Public Transportation Inspector jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Transportation Inspector jobs are:

Public Transportation Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Transportation Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,183 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Senior Transportation Inspector (Full-Time)

MBP

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview
EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION:
Do you bring VDOT or other DOT inspection experience and a strong understanding of roadway and bridge construction methods?
MBP is looking for a Senior Transportation Inspector to support transportation projects by providing on-site compliance inspection, quality assurance, and progress monitoring, with a focus on VDOT or other DOT work.
Responsibilities
What You'll Do:
Serve as a key on-site contact to coordinate with clients, contractors, adjacent property owners, and project stakeholders while representing MBP. Provide guidance to contractors regarding conformance with plans, specifications, and codes. Oversee quality assurance and progress monitoring for assigned operations and recommend corrective actions within project scope. Exercise sound judgment in field conditions and support MBP objectives through professional communication and coordination. Offer mentorship to less experienced inspectors and contribute to a safe and compliant work environment. Responsibilities include:
  • Provide on-site compliance inspection, quality assurance, and progress monitoring for conformance to plans, contracts, specifications, and applicable codes; advise contractors of discrepancies and facilitate corrective actions
  • Maintain project records including daily diaries, materials notebook, permit compliance, and civil rights compliance; perform algebraic, geometric, and trigonometric calculations and prepare associated sketches in daily diaries
  • Check materials and review material documents to verify testing and coordinate additional samples to clients or testing laboratories for verification
  • Review payment applications, provide final inspections, and create and track punchlists
  • Communicate professionally with the client, contractor, traveling public, adjacent property owners, other project stakeholders, and MBP team members
  • Provide oversight of less experienced construction inspectors and assist with training
  • Verify that highway work zones and traffic control conform to current standards
  • Perform work of basic to moderate difficulty including materials testing and basic surveying
  • Complete administrative tasks including a daily timesheet, monthly expense report, and monthly mileage report
  • Work on project sites, including standing and sitting as needed, climbing ladders, working at heights, working outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions, and safely navigating uneven terrain

Who We Are Looking For
Experience:
  • Construction work experience with advanced understanding of construction means and methods for transportation projects
  • VDOT or other DOT experience inspecting projects including roadway widening, intersection improvements, signalization, bridges, roadway maintenance, streetscape, utilities, and similar work activities
  • Construction-related training and/or experience or coursework in road/bridge construction, civil engineering, materials, and tools utilized in transportation projects

Qualifications
Education/Knowledge:
  • High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
  • Basic mathematics including algebraic, geometric, and trigonometric computations based on field measurements
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Email, Internet navigation, project management information systems, and web-based tools

Preferred Certifications:
  • OSHA 10-hour or OSHA 30-hour certification required or obtainable within 3 months of hire
  • Certification(s) from VDOT such as Intermediate Work Zone Protection, Asphalt Field Level I and II, Soils and Aggregate, Pavement Marking, Nuclear Gauge Safety, Guard Rail Inspector Training, ACI Concrete, and DEQ Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management (required)
  • Other relevant certifications including WACEL, ICC, NICET, or MARTCP

Skills and Abilities:
  • Professional and effective communication with clients, contractors, stakeholders, and team members
  • Mentorship and training support for less experienced inspectors
  • Attention to detail in documentation, calculations, and compliance verification
  • Safe field practices including working at heights, outdoors in various weather, and navigating uneven terrain

Guidance/Responsibility:
  • Works independently in the field with responsibility for coordinating quality assurance and compliance verification for assigned operations
  • Represents MBP in client and stakeholder interactions while facilitating solutions consistent with project requirements
  • Provides oversight in the field and offers recommendations to address nonconformance within project scope

Supervisory:
  • May provide oversight of less experienced construction inspectors and assist with training

What We Offer:
We're focused on providing the tools and support you need to succeed, both personally and professionally. MBP offers a comprehensive benefits package including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance (for individual employees), a 401(k) profit-sharing plan, a health savings account with company contributions, competitive compensation with opportunities for semi-annual bonuses, and generous paid time off. We also provide unique perks like tuition assistance, student loan repayment, annual gym reimbursement, pet insurance, and paid volunteer time. Additional benefits include mental health resources, company-wide wellness activities, and training and development to support your professional growth. MBP also covers the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining certifications and licenses, such as OSHA 10-hour or OSHA 30-hour, VDOT Intermediate Work Zone Protection, Asphalt Field Level I and II, Soils and Aggregate, Pavement Marking, Nuclear Gauge Safety, Guard Rail Inspector Training, ACI Concrete, DEQ Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management, WACEL, ICC, NICET, and MARTCP.
Status: Full-time
The base hourly rate for this position is $34.00 to $41.00. Actual compensation will be determined based on work location, qualifications, experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training.
Requirements:
  • Valid driver's license with a good driving record
  • Fingerprint-based criminal background check, DMV driving record check, reference verification, and work history check
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

MBP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic; protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply

Apply