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Soil Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Your Opportunity We are currently seeking Environmental Inspectors with Qualified Stormwater ... Conduct multi-media sampling (soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, naturally ...

Your Opportunity We are currently seeking Environmental Inspectors with Qualified Stormwater ... Conduct multi-media sampling (soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, naturally ...

Your Opportunity We are currently seeking Environmental Inspectors with Qualified Stormwater ... Conduct multi-media sampling (soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, naturally ...

Your Opportunity We are currently seeking Environmental Inspectors with Qualified Stormwater ... Conduct multi-media sampling (soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, naturally ...

Your Opportunity We are currently seeking Environmental Inspectors with Qualified Stormwater ... Conduct multi-media sampling (soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, naturally ...

Environmental Inspector

Roseville, CA · On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

Your Opportunity We are currently seeking Environmental Inspectors with Qualified Stormwater ... Conduct multi-media sampling (soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, naturally ...

Sort soiled linens and laundry items by color, fabric, and degree of soil. * Inspect linens and uniforms for stains or damage and report any issues to the supervisor. * Fold, stack, and store clean ...

Environmental Inspector

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$57K - $81K/yr

We are currently seeking Environmental Inspectors who will work with Stantec's Environmental group ... Conduct multi-media sampling (soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, naturally ...

Environmental Inspector

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$57K - $81K/yr

We are currently seeking Environmental Inspectors who will work with Stantec's Environmental group ... Conduct multi-media sampling (soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, naturally ...

Showing results 21-40

Soil Inspector information

See California salary details

$12

$26

$51

How much do soil inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for soil inspector in California is $27.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $31.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a soil inspector?

Soil inspectors are professionals who assess soil conditions at construction sites and agricultural areas to ensure they meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. They collect soil samples, conduct field and laboratory tests, and analyze results to determine soil composition, stability, and suitability for specific projects. Their work helps prevent structural failures and environmental hazards by ensuring that the ground can adequately support buildings, roads, or crops. Soil inspectors often collaborate with engineers, architects, and government agencies to provide recommendations based on their findings.

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

To thrive as a Soil Inspector, you need a solid understanding of soil science, geology, and environmental regulations, typically supported by a degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with soil testing equipment, GIS software, and regulatory compliance systems is commonly required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help Soil Inspectors interpret data and collaborate with engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring soil safety, compliance, and the success of construction and environmental projects.

What are the most common challenges faced by soil inspectors in the field?

Soil Inspectors often encounter challenges such as varying weather conditions, difficult terrain, and limited access to remote testing sites. They must also ensure that samples are collected and analyzed accurately while adhering to strict regulatory standards. Effective communication with engineers, construction managers, and environmental scientists is crucial, as Soil Inspectors provide recommendations that directly impact project outcomes and compliance. Adapting to new technologies and staying current with evolving environmental regulations can also be demanding, but these factors contribute to ongoing professional growth.

What is the difference between Soil Inspector vs Geotechnical Technician?

AspectSoil InspectorGeotechnical Technician
CertificationsOften requires soil testing certifications and state licensingMay require geotechnical or civil engineering certifications
Work EnvironmentField inspections at construction sites, soil samplingField and laboratory work involving soil and material testing
Industry UsageUsed mainly in construction, environmental, and land development projectsCommon in geotechnical engineering firms and consulting

While both Soil Inspectors and Geotechnical Technicians work in soil testing and site assessments, Soil Inspectors primarily focus on inspecting soil conditions for construction compliance, whereas Geotechnical Technicians often perform detailed soil testing and analysis for engineering purposes. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but their specific responsibilities differ based on project needs.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Soil Inspector jobs?

Cities in California with the most Soil Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Soil Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,159 per year, or $27 per hour.

Environmental Inspectors (Field Based)

ERM

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

$94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

ERM is hiring Environmental Inspectors to conduct inspections at construction sites in Santa Clara, California. Successful candidates must be flexible and responsive to a changing work environment where schedules, site locations, and tasks fluctuate according to the needs of the project.They must understand industry safety procedures and practices, including experience implementing them on the job. The individual needs to be focused on safety and the need to keep the whole team safe. They need to be a proactive communicator and be able to work with construction personnel in the field to educate them about the project requirements and problem solve when issues arise. They need to practice frequent and clear communication with the whole team to relay and resolve issues and make sure the team is delivering the services our clients expect. Must be able to inspect construction sites to ensure compliance with client internal procedures, permit conditions and landowner agreements. Inspectors may need to deliver environmental tailboard trainings to crews in the field. The EI should be familiar with typical construction BMPs and good housekeeping procedures. The role of an environmental inspector requires technical skills, as well as strong organizational and communication skills. This is a full-time (40 hours/week), limited-term role with a duration of 12 months and the possibility of renewal.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Conducting field inspections, monitoring and field survey work as directed.
  • Interacting with and serving as a point of contact with agency officials, regulatory agency staff, landowners, contractors, clients, and other project members.
  • Reviewing and implementing project documents and providing support and critical judgment on environmental compliance issues.
  • Critically assessing environmental conditions in the field to evaluate potential environmental impacts from construction.
  • Evaluating potential issues and concerns ahead of construction activities.
  • Overseeing the proper implementation of mitigation measures.
  • Conducting environmental sampling (hydrostatic test water, soil, etc.) and/or collect samples of stormwater at designated locations and visually inspect the quality of the sample.
  • Overseeing and verifying flagging of wetland boundaries, cultural and biological resources exclusion zones, refueling zones, etc.
  • Inspecting and documenting compliance with a project's environmental requirements by preparing daily written inspection reports that provide up-to-date and consistent written and photo documentation of activities observed in the field.
  • Participating in various construction meetings.
  • Evaluating restoration activities.
  • Support compliance with environmental regulations concerning spill prevention, wastewater, stormwater, storage tanks, and waste management.
  • Perform work safely, complying with ERM and client requirements and always wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hardhat, safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, and orange high-visibility vest.
  • Work within quality/budget/schedule expectations and scope-specific assignments.
  • Communicate with ERM Project Manager, Senior EIs, various regulatory agencies, and client staff and subcontracts at the various client facilities. Key aspect of work is to develop relationship with client personnel at the facilities to promote environmental stewardship.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • A minimum of 2 years of construction inspection or monitoring is required; stormwater inspection experience is a plus.
  • Bachelor's Degree in an environmental discipline is preferred.
  • A general knowledge of environmental disciplines including, SWPPP BMP installation and maintenance, water resource protection, biology, materials storage and stockpiles, air quality and dust control, Hazmat storage, spill control and countermeasures, water and soil management and waste management
  • Ability to communicate effectively and a willingness to learn and take direction from more senior Environmental Inspectors.
  • A working vehicle, valid driver's license, and a good driving record; ability to drive to the various project locations.
  • Effective observational and organization skills; experience recording detailed technical data a plus.
  • Effective communication skills with ERM and client staff.
  • Experience with water and soil sample collection a plus.
  • Proficient in basic computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Outlook, Work, Excel) for communication and preparation of inspection documentation.
  • Daily hours and duration are variable depending on the site location and work to be completed.
  • Other desired experience includes soil and water sampling, SWPPP certifications, Hazmat evaluations and or sampling, species specific biology or nesting bird experience and cultural resources.

Pay Transparency:

For the Environmental Inspectors position, we anticipate the annual base pay of $71,742-$94,432, $34.49/hr. - $45.40/hr.USD, limited-term, non-exempt. An employee's pay position within this range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs. We also may have instances where employee's fall outside of the range based on the factors noted above. This job may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/Flexforce employees are NOT bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life & disability insurance tobenefits eligible* employees.

*Benefits Eligibility is limited to Regular employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week. Fixed-Term employees (including Flexforce) who are regularly scheduled to work 20 hours a week or more are eligible for alimitedbenefits package. Casual employees are NOT benefits eligible. See your recruiter for more details.

You can apply for this role throughhttps://www.erm.com/careers/apply/or through the internal careers portal if you are a current employee.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, determinable, and payable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Who We Are:

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter. Based on review of these responses, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!


ERM logo

About ERM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

City of London, Greater London, GB

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