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Transit Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities NV5 is seeking a Construction Inspector with 3-5 years of field experience supporting public infrastructure, transit, or aviation construction projects. Candidates with heavy civil ...

Responsibilities NV5 is seeking a Construction Inspector with 3-5 years of field experience supporting public infrastructure, transit, or aviation construction projects. Candidates with heavy civil ...

... transit, transportation, and infrastructure consulting services on public projects across the ... Perform inspection of major reinforced concrete structures including pile foundations, roadways ...

Senior Transit Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

Perform railroad, transit, and/or civil engineering/design planning, analysis, and design aspects ... Periodic travel for client visits, site visits, field assessments, and construction inspections, as ...

Showing results 21-40

Transit Inspector information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$54.2K

$97.7K

How much do transit inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for transit 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 transit inspector?

Transit Inspectors are professionals responsible for monitoring the operation of public transportation systems, such as buses, subways, or trains, to ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies. They inspect vehicles, review schedules, observe staff performance, and investigate complaints or incidents. Their work helps maintain high standards of service, safety, and reliability in public transit systems. Transit Inspectors may also prepare reports and recommend improvements to enhance system efficiency and passenger experience.

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

To thrive as a Transit Inspector, you need strong knowledge of transportation regulations, safety protocols, and investigative procedures, often backed by experience in public transit or law enforcement. Familiarity with inspection checklists, incident reporting systems, and sometimes specialized inspection tools or software is essential. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and effective communication help transit inspectors excel in identifying issues and interacting with staff and the public. These abilities are crucial to ensuring safety, compliance, and the efficient operation of public transportation systems.

What are some typical challenges faced by a transit inspector in ensuring compliance and safety standards?

Transit Inspectors often encounter challenges such as balancing thorough inspections with tight schedules and high ridership demands. They must stay up to date with evolving safety regulations while effectively communicating findings to operators and maintenance teams. Navigating diverse transit environments—such as buses, trains, or streetcars—requires adaptability and attention to detail, especially when addressing non-compliance or coordinating corrective actions. Building positive relationships with frontline staff and management is key to fostering a culture of safety and cooperation.

What is the difference between Transit Inspector vs Transit Supervisor?

AspectTransit InspectorTransit Supervisor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in safety or transit operationsHigh school diploma; leadership or supervisory certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentInspecting transit vehicles, stations, and infrastructure; enforcing safety regulationsOverseeing transit staff, managing operations, and ensuring service quality
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, rail systems, bus companies

While both roles are integral to transit operations, Transit Inspectors focus on safety inspections and compliance, whereas Transit Supervisors oversee daily operations and staff management. The roles often overlap in safety protocols, but their primary responsibilities differ, with Inspectors emphasizing safety enforcement and Supervisors managing overall transit service delivery.

How do you become a transit inspector?

To become a transit inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience in transportation or safety roles. Applicants often undergo background checks, drug testing, and may need to complete training on transit systems, safety protocols, and customer service. Certification or licensing requirements vary by agency but generally include passing written exams and practical assessments.
Infographic showing various Transit Inspector job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,220 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Construction Inspector - Transportation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

NV5
Civil Engineering Construction • 1 - 5K employees

$50 - $80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

NV5 is a leading provider of tech-enabled engineering, testing, inspection, and consulting solutions for the built environment. We specialize in engineering design, asset management, and geospatial data analytics to support infrastructure resilience and building systems performance throughout the entire asset lifecycle.

NV5's 5,000 consulting engineers, inspectors, and analysts play a critical role in shaping our communities through resilient infrastructure that will stand the test of time and efficient smart building systems for optimized facility environments.

With more than 100 offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 assists clients with planning, designing, building, testing, certifying, and operating infrastructure assets that improve the communities where we live and work.

Build California's Future with NV5

NV5 is hiring Assistant Resident Engineers and Lead Construction Inspectors to support exciting transportation and infrastructure projects across California.

Opportunities are available in the Central Valley, including Fresno, Visalia, Sacramento and Bakersfield, as well as the Greater Los Angeles Area, Inland Empire and San Diego.

Join a team that helps bring vital projects from plans to reality. You'll collaborate with leading engineers, contractors and public agencies while overseeing construction activities, ensuring quality and supporting safe, successful project delivery.

Explore a rewarding opportunity with NV5 and help shape the infrastructure that connects California communities.

Responsibilities

NV5 is seeking a Construction Inspector with 3-5 years of field experience supporting public infrastructure, transit, or aviation construction projects. Candidates with heavy civil transportation experience and familiarity with Caltrans plans, specifications and construction practices are strongly preferred.

The ideal candidate has excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to work effectively with contractors, engineers, inspectors and public-agency representatives. Knowledge of aviation-industry practices and regulations is a valuable plus.

Key Responsibilities
  • Perform daily field inspections of construction activities, materials and workmanship
  • Verify contractor compliance with approved plans, specifications, permits and contract documents
  • Monitor progress, work methods, equipment and site conditions
  • Document inspections, quantities, installed materials, deficiencies and corrective actions
  • Prepare daily reports, field notes, photographs and project correspondence
  • Review contractor submittals, schedules, RFIs and change-order documentation
  • Support measurement and tracking of completed work for payment purposes
  • Identify safety, quality and constructability concerns and promptly elevate issues
  • Coordinate with resident engineers, project managers, contractors, utility representatives and agency staff
  • Observe testing and special inspections and verify that required documentation is completed
  • Assist with punch-list development, final inspections and project closeout
  • Monitor traffic control, site access and public safety requirements
  • Support compliance with environmental, stormwater and inspection requirements
  • Maintain awareness of aviation operations, security procedures and restricted-area protocols when working at airports
Qualifications 
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience providing field inspection or construction management support on public infrastructure, transportation, transit or aviation projects
  • Working knowledge of construction plans, specifications, contract documents and inspection procedures
  • Experience verifying contractor compliance with project requirements, quality standards and safety regulations
  • Ability to prepare accurate daily reports, field notes, quantity records and project correspondence
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with contractors, engineers and agency representatives
  • Proficiency in documenting construction progress, reviewing workmanship and identifying deficiencies
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
  • Familiarity with Caltrans specifications and procedures is preferred
  • Heavy civil, structures, utilities, roadway, or airport construction experience is highly desirable
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced field environment and manage multiple priorities
  • Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites as needed

The pay range for this California position is $50.00- $80.00 per hour. Base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

All local employment laws apply. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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Employment Type: OTHER

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About NV5

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US