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Road Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Roadway/Water Inspector provides support to the Resident Engineer on complex construction management projects or programs, by performing construction engineering and inspection activities. This ...

New

The Roadway/Water Inspector provides support to the Resident Engineer on complex construction management projects or programs, by performing construction engineering and inspection activities. This ...

New

Dewberry is currently seeking a Roadway Construction Inspector to join our Transportation Group in Rancho Cordova, CA . Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than ...

Opportunity for advancement The services to be provided consist of providing construction inspection related services in support of Public Works administered road, bridge, flood control, sewer, water ...

The Machine Shop Inspector is responsible for performing dimensional and visual inspections of ... road performance engineering. We design and manufacture high-end automotive and motorsport ...

The Machine Shop Inspector is responsible for performing dimensional and visual inspections of ... road performance engineering. We design and manufacture high-end automotive and motorsport ...

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Showing results 1-20

Road Inspector information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$54.2K

$97.7K

How much do road inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for road inspector in California is $54,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $62,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a road inspector?

Road inspectors are professionals responsible for examining and evaluating the condition of roads, highways, and related infrastructure. They ensure that construction and maintenance projects meet safety standards, regulatory requirements, and project specifications. Road inspectors document findings, report deficiencies, and may oversee contractor work to guarantee quality. Their work helps maintain safe and efficient transportation networks for the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a road inspector?

To thrive as a Road Inspector, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, road construction standards, and relevant regulations, often supported by a degree or technical training in civil engineering or construction management. Familiarity with inspection tools, GPS devices, digital reporting systems, and sometimes certifications like NICET are typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors identify issues and ensure compliance. These skills are crucial to maintaining road safety, quality, and regulatory adherence throughout construction and maintenance projects.

What are the typical challenges a road inspector faces when ensuring compliance with construction standards?

Road Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing tight project deadlines, addressing unexpected site conditions, and ensuring that contractors strictly adhere to safety and quality standards. They must balance maintaining good communication with construction teams while remaining impartial in their assessments. Additionally, Road Inspectors frequently document findings and may need to resolve conflicts or discrepancies between project plans and on-site realities, making attention to detail and problem-solving skills crucial in this role.

What is the difference between Road Inspector vs Construction Inspector?

AspectRoad InspectorConstruction Inspector
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in construction or civil engineering often preferredHigh school diploma; certifications in construction, civil engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentInspecting roads, highways, and infrastructure sitesInspecting various construction sites, including roads, buildings, and infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageTransportation departments, civil engineering firms, government agenciesConstruction companies, government agencies, civil engineering firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Road Inspectors and Construction Inspectors work in the civil engineering and construction industries, often requiring similar certifications and working environments. While Road Inspectors focus specifically on roads and highway infrastructure, Construction Inspectors oversee a broader range of construction projects. The roles are closely related, with overlapping skills and employer types, making them common points of comparison for job seekers in civil and infrastructure fields.

How do you become a road inspector?

To become a road inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience or training in construction, civil engineering, or related fields. Many positions require knowledge of construction standards, safety regulations, and the use of inspection tools, with some roles requiring relevant certifications such as a construction safety card or engineering license.

What are the duties of a road inspector?

A road inspector is responsible for monitoring construction and maintenance of roads to ensure compliance with safety standards, specifications, and regulations. They inspect materials, review work progress, identify defects, and document issues for corrective action. The role often requires knowledge of construction practices, safety protocols, and the use of inspection tools and equipment.

What are popular job titles related to Road Inspector jobs in California?

For Road Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Road Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,220 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Roadway/Water Inspector

WSP

San Bernardino, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Full Time Roadway/Water Inspector for our San Bernardino, California office.  Be involved in projects with our Construction Management Group and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client's objectives and solves their challenges.

The Roadway/Water Inspector provides support to the Resident Engineer on complex construction management projects or programs, by performing construction engineering and inspection activities. This person must be capable of applying diversified knowledge of construction engineering principles and practices and monitor construction for compliance with project documents. Must be able to read and interpret project plans and specification and has working knowledge of current Caltrans and industry construction standards. Elements to be inspected or monitored may include water line installation and relocation, maintenance of traffic, earthwork, drainage, utility relocation, storm water pollution prevention implementation and compliance, construction of roadway sections, pedestrian and bike facilities, structure elements of work, traffic and lighting improvements, landscape work and other similar activities.

Your Impact
  • Collect, compile, and analyze data from the physical work site, surveys, structural plans, blueprints, schematics, data, technical drawings, flow diagrams, material sampling, computer-generated reports, and other matrices for single, multi-phase, or multi-site field inspection activities.
  • Perform inspections on projects of moderate to increased complexity and/or scope, including proposed and existing site conditions, equipment, construction, materials, controls, resources, layout, alignment, and elevation to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, codes, and construction or operating permits.
  • Follow standard practices to provide technical assistance and guidance that accounts for the proper inspection, construction, and functioning of buildings, highways, roads, bridges, materials, structures, infrastructure, equipment, and/or mechanical systems according to design standard specifications.
  • Act as consultant regarding work progress and problem resolution; may serve as the only inspector on a construction project or assist in overseeing construction inspection activities for projects of a moderate/large scope and complexity within a district.
  • Perform an initial check during the first phase of construction and follow-up inspections throughout the construction project; at completion, performs a final, comprehensive inspection and provides written and oral feedback related to their findings.
  • Verify load calculations, change orders, interpretation of contract plans and specifications; resolving differences in interpretation of plans and specifications.
  • Monitor project phasing plans and contractors' work to ensure quality control and contract compliance; documenting work progress and issues arising throughout scope of project.
  • Work as an individual or as part of a cross-functional team to execute inspection work; occasionally leading tasks and inspection staff for technical or field assignments on project work.
  • Attend pre-construction meetings and answer questions from contractors and other attendees.
  • Calculate payments due to contractors for work completed.
  • Write technical reports summarizing inspection findings and conclusions; generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using photographs, sketches, calculations, software, spreadsheets, technical drawings, flow diagrams, 2D/3D illustrations, and reports.
  • Assist technical staff, project managers, and contractors with risk identification and assessment, offering input, analysis, escalation, or resolution with construction, mitigation, and improvement activities for more intricate and involved construction or engineering problems.
  • Assist with inspection plan preparation and coordination of any field/site work, reviewing staffing, and equipment utilization data and time/cost estimates.
  • Provide guidance and training to entry-level inspection staff.
  • Engage in contact with client and contractor personnel to schedule and coordinate project inspection.
  • Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of data obtained during site inspections, offering input with developing action plans for low to mid-level risk environmental, construction, installation, equipment operations, and/or mitigation activities.
  • Remain current in latest inspection and construction knowledge, techniques, and practices.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • High School Diploma.
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant post education experience in discipline with prior construction inspection experience.
  • T1 (Treatment) and D1 (Distribution) water main certifications
  • Essential professional licensure/certification(s).
  • Valid state driver's license.
  • Advanced knowledge of construction inspection principles, field inspection practices, process, methods and techniques.
  • Advanced knowledge of relevant construction codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of construction inspection principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate standards or regulations.
  • Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and installation of equipment, materials, and systems.
  • Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
  • Effective self-leadership with attention to detail, results orientation, and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.
  • Advanced proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, spreadsheets, and tools.
  • Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from inspection and testing results, data collation, load calculations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
  • Ability to assertively direct others in the field such as subcontractors and junior-level staff to consistently complete tasks safely, efficiently, and accurately according to specifications.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • T2 (Treatment and D2 (Distribution) certifications, or higher.
  • Bachelor's Degree in closely related discipline is preferred.
  • Professional Engineering License.

WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings. 

Compensation

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

Expected Rate : $75 - $90 hourly

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


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