Virtual Inspector Jobs in Altoona, IA (NOW HIRING)

The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is adding experienced Site Inspectors to our Disaster Recovery team to support current and future disaster recovery operations across the United States.
This is an on-call, as-needed position supporting disaster recovery programs following hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, and other federally declared disasters. Assignments may be performed in the field, remotely, or through a hybrid arrangement depending on client and project requirements.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Position Summary:
As a Site Inspector, you will support disaster recovery efforts by documenting disaster-related damages to public infrastructure and facilities. Your inspections and documentation will help support funding determinations, project formulation, damage assessments, and recovery planning efforts.
You will work with applicants, facility representatives, engineers, architects, project managers, and recovery specialists to accurately capture damage information, document site conditions, and support the development of recovery projects. Recovery Cadre employees are engaged on an as-needed basis and may be offered assignments based on qualifications, availability, project requirements, contract awards, client needs, and disaster activity.
Essential Job Functions:
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:
Site Inspections and Damage Assessments
• Conduct field and desktop-based inspections of facilities and infrastructure impacted by disasters.
• Evaluate and document disaster-related damages to public buildings, roads, bridges, utilities, parks, drainage systems, and other facilities.
• Capture photographs, measurements, observations, and site conditions necessary to support recovery funding programs.
• Document building and site-specific attributes using data collection applications and technology platforms.
• Verify reported damages and support validation of project information.
• Conduct virtual inspections using photographs, videos, engineering reports, GIS tools, and other available documentation when field deployment is not required.
Data Collection and Documentation
• Collect, organize, and upload inspection data using cloud-based and mobile data collection platforms.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and supporting documentation.
• Develop clear and comprehensive site inspection reports.
• Review inspection reports for completeness, accuracy, and consistency.
• Maintain project documentation in accordance with client, program, and quality control requirements.
• Track assigned inspections and report completion status through designated management systems.
Applicant and Stakeholder Coordination
• Coordinate site visits with facility representatives, local government staff, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate inspection requirements and scheduling needs.
• Explain inspection processes and documentation requirements to applicants.
• Maintain professionalism and customer service throughout project delivery.
• Facilitate resolution of issues encountered during inspections and data collection activities.
Recovery Program Support
• Support FEMA Public Assistance and other disaster recovery programs through inspection and documentation activities.
• Assist project teams in understanding facility conditions and documented damages.
• Collaborate with engineers, cost estimators, architects, environmental specialists, and grant management professionals.
• Provide information necessary to support project formulation, eligibility reviews, and recovery planning activities.
• Maintain awareness of disaster recovery program requirements and inspection protocols.
Safety and Professional Standards
• Conduct all activities in accordance with Tetra Tech quality standards and safety requirements.
• Comply with client, program, and regulatory requirements.
• Work safely in varied environments, including construction sites, damaged facilities, and disaster-affected areas.
• Participate in training and continuous professional development opportunities.
• Maintain awareness of construction practices, building systems, and facility repair methods.
Required Qualifications:
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in building inspection, construction, facility assessment, infrastructure assessment, insurance inspections, damage assessments, engineering support, architecture, construction management, or a related field.
• Experience collecting, documenting, and organizing field-based data.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, mobile data collection applications, cloud-based information systems, and smartphone and tablet technology.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and changing priorities.
• Ability and willingness to travel on short notice as needed.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a motor vehicle records check.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Emergency Management, Building Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Logistics, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Prior FEMA Public Assistance, FEMA Individual Assistance, HUD, CDBG-DR, or other disaster recovery program experience.
• Experience conducting post-disaster damage assessments.
• Experience performing facility condition assessments or construction inspections.
• Knowledge of public infrastructure, facility systems, and construction practices.
• Experience working with state, local, tribal, or territorial governments.
• GIS, drone, or geospatial data collection experience.
• Previous deployment experience supporting disaster recovery operations.
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to perform site inspections that may require prolonged periods of standing and walking through facilities, construction environments, and disaster-affected areas.
• Ability to navigate varied site conditions while collecting photographs, measurements, observations, and other inspection data.
• Ability to use computers, smartphones, tablets, and mobile data collection technology for extended periods during field and remote assignments.
• Ability to travel to disaster-affected communities and client locations on short notice as assignments require.
Work Environment / Environmental Factors:
• Work may be performed in the field, remotely, or through a hybrid arrangement depending on client and project requirements.
• Field assignments may involve damaged facilities, construction environments, disaster-affected communities, and outdoor conditions with variable weather.
• Assignments may require work in fast-paced environments with changing priorities and periods of high-intensity workload during active disaster recovery operations.
• Work requires collaboration with facility representatives, government staff, nonprofit organizations, clients, and geographically dispersed multidisciplinary project teams.
Additional Information
• This is an on-call, as-needed Recovery Cadre position. Work assignments are not guaranteed and depend on disaster declarations, contract awards, client needs, recovery program activations, qualifications, and availability.
• Assignments may include field deployments, virtual damage assessments, desktop reviews, or hybrid project support.
• Potential deployment on short notice may be required during major disasters.
• Site visits may be required at damaged facilities and disaster-affected communities.
• Flexible assignment schedules are based on recovery operations, and evening or weekend work may be required during surge events.
• Acceptance of assignments is voluntary, and periods of inactivity between assignments may occur.
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs