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Welding Inspector Trainee Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Provides systematic safety inspection of vehicles and/or equipment to established state standards ... One year of related experience including experience with Hydraulic equipment, welding and light ...

New

Welding Inspector Trainee information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$21

$38

How much do welding inspector trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding inspector trainee in Portland, OR is $21.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.32 and $24.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a welding inspector trainee?

Welding Inspector Trainees are individuals who are learning to inspect welded joints and structures to ensure they meet specific codes, standards, and safety regulations. Under the supervision of experienced inspectors, trainees gain hands-on experience in visual inspections, reviewing documentation, and understanding weld procedures. They typically assist with identifying welding defects, measuring weld dimensions, and reporting findings. This role is essential for developing the skills and knowledge needed to become a certified welding inspector in the future.

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

To thrive as a Welding Inspector Trainee, you need a solid understanding of welding processes, basic metallurgy, and blueprint reading, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant training. Familiarity with inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and a willingness to pursue certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) are typically expected. Attention to detail, strong observation skills, and effective communication help trainees accurately assess weld quality and collaborate with welders and supervisors. These skills ensure safe, high-quality welds and compliance with industry standards, which are critical for structural integrity and project success.

What are some common challenges faced by a welding inspector trainee during their initial months on the job?

As a Welding Inspector Trainee, one of the main challenges you'll encounter is learning to accurately interpret welding codes and standards while adapting to the fast-paced environment of construction or manufacturing sites. Trainees often need to quickly develop observational skills to identify welding defects and ensure proper documentation, all while working closely with experienced inspectors, welders, and engineers. Gaining confidence in communicating findings and recommendations, sometimes in high-pressure situations, is another key aspect of the learning curve. Support from mentors and a willingness to ask questions are invaluable during this period.

What is the difference between Welding Inspector Trainee vs Welding Inspector?

AspectWelding Inspector TraineeWelding Inspector
CertificationsBasic safety and introductory welding certificationsAdvanced certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Work EnvironmentSupervised, training-focused settings on job sitesIndependent inspections on construction, manufacturing, or industrial sites
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting inspectors, observing, learning inspection proceduresPerforming detailed weld inspections, ensuring code compliance

The main difference between a Welding Inspector Trainee and a Welding Inspector is experience and certification level. Trainees are in learning mode, assisting experienced inspectors, while inspectors are fully qualified professionals responsible for conducting inspections independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welding Inspector jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Welding Inspector jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Welding Inspector Trainee jobs in Portland, OR?

For Welding Inspector Trainee jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Welding Inspector Trainee jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Welding Inspector Trainee jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Welding Inspector Trainee job openings in Portland, OR as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,908 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Mechanic Trainee

Portland, OR

Recology Service Center
Environmental Consulting Services • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Recology rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Shift:  Monday - Friday, 5:00am - 2:00pmRole

Under limited supervision, services, maintains, inspects and repairs vehicles, machinery and/or equipment to assure the safety and on-going operation of all vehicles and equipment in the company.

Essential Responsibilities
  • Schedules, maintains, services and repairs vehicles and equipment to assure the safety and on-going operation of all vehicles and equipment in the company.
  • Repairs, dismantles, assembles, and installs industrial machinery.
  • Provides systematic safety inspection of vehicles and/or equipment to established state standards including electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems.
  • Attends training classes to upgrade skills as the nature and complexity of vehicles and/or equipment change.
  • Works closely with drivers and operators to determine repair requirements as documented on trip reports following through to assure that repair has been effective for the operators.
  • Assists management in the purchase of new equipment or supplies as required.
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • High school degree or GED preferred
  • One year of related experience including experience with Hydraulic equipment, welding and light fabrication, repair and maintenance of heavy equipment machinery, truck and trailers, and industrial electric systems.
  • Valid Driver's License
Recology Offers
  • An ecologically innovative company that finds and mentors people committed to protecting the environment and sustaining our communities.
  • The largest employee-owned resource recovery company in the industry with terrific benefits to help you prosper.
  • A creative and caring culture that values community, diversity, altruism, accountability, collaboration, and learning by doing.
  • An inspired company mission driven to use and return resources to their best and highest use through the practice of the 4R's: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, and Recologize.
  • Distinct professional challenges to connect with, care for, and grow community that sees a world without waste.
Recology Benefits May Include
  • Paid time off and paid holidays.
  • Health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Retirement plans (Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with match).
  • Annual wellness incentives.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Educational assistance.
  • Commuting benefits.
  • Employee referral program.
Supplemental Information

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job; and pursuant to applicable law, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal records. It is important that you provide accurate information on the job application, inaccurate information may cause delays in the processing of your application and/or may disqualify you as a candidate.

Recology is an equal opportunity employer committed to supporting an inclusive work environment where employees are valued, heard, and provided development opportunities. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis that is prohibited by law.

This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job.

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

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