Field Inspector Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Are you searching for a field inspector job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a field inspector. Feel free to use our field inspector job description template to produce your own field inspector job description. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a field inspector.
Who is a Field Inspector?
A Field Inspector compiles data and provides property value appraisals of homes, businesses, and vehicles. Field inspectors visually inspect a property, taking pictures, gathering information, and compiling a report with an estimated property value based on their findings.
A field inspector makes travel preparations, sets out for the places, and documents the situation by taking pictures and making notes. If the utilities are on, they could examine the house to see if it has been damaged or repaired.
Following the visit, the field inspector creates a report, which they then send along with the images to their employer via an app or online portal. Basic winterizing or preservation actions, such as changing locks, boarding windows, emptying water heaters, or turning off the water, are occasionally included in the field inspection. Contractors and home inspectors may conduct further technical assessments or specific repairs.
Depending on the type of inspection, a field inspector’s responsibilities may vary, but they often involve traveling to a place, doing a visual examination, taking pictures, and producing a report. Field inspectors perform appraisals for lenders and institutions that include an external inspection and photographic documentation. Field inspectors frequently carry out winterization or property preservation tasks, such as boarding windows, changing locks, emptying water heaters, and turning off the water supply to a building or home.
Field inspectors frequently work for public or commercial organizations that offer inspection services. They work full-time, depending on the company they work for and the type of inspections they conduct. Field inspectors may need to travel to several areas to do their jobs.
Field Inspector Job Description
What is a field inspector job description? A field inspector job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a field inspector in an organization. Below are the field inspector job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a field inspector job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of the field inspector include the following:
- Account for the procedures related to replacing pavement removed for construction work.
- Carry out medium-sized building projects as the primary inspector.
- Inform interested parties of the contractor’s progress and any potential delays or quantity overruns.
- Check job site to ascertain the field conditions, get permits, inspect contractor crews to ensure that the work meets company requirements, manage correspondence, clerical work, and complaints, and verify the correctness of the contractor’s bill.
- Conduct commercial reviews, like those of commercial properties, such as eateries, shops, and warehouses.
- Control construction progress inspections to ascertain whether the progress is adequate to permit the granting of a later loan.
- Conduct home inspections to evaluate the state of the properties and determine if the customers’ requested loan amount is necessary.
- Drive to the designated locations and conduct an exhaustive survey or examination of the subject properties.
- Ensure to inform management of any substantial reasons for worry, such as property litigation or inadequate security.
- File reports discreetly and sends them to the appropriate parties.
- Manage collateral inspections to check if the equipment is located on a designated property as it should be.
- Obtain instructions for handling daily field inspections and plan routes to guarantee that every site is covered.
- Provide technical direction to workers working on the project and examine the contractor’s activities to ensure they meet technical requirements.
- Utilize photography tools to take pictures that will serve the state of the chosen property.
- Write a report on appraised or inspected properties using standard forms, and management should receive them as soon as possible.
Qualifications
- A high school diploma or a GED
- An associate’s or a bachelor’s degree (though not compulsory)
- Experience in field inspections, insurance inspections, or property inspections (preferred by some firms)
- Relevant training in a classroom or online (advantageous)
- Great photography skill
Essential Skills
Field inspectors need to possess some skills to excel in their careers. They are:
- Communication
- Detail-oriented
- Data Analysis
- Equipment Operation
- Flexibility
- Leadership
- Product Expertise
- Problem-solving
- Quality Assurance
- Non-destructive Testing
- Safety Guidelines
- Report Writing
- Inspection
- Organization
Communication
The capacity to transfer and exchange clear information is known as communication. Field inspectors use this skill to explain their findings, respond to inquiries from customers or contractors, or offer input on projects. Working with people more productively and successfully can be facilitated by excellent communication. Additionally, communicating technological knowledge in a way everyone can grasp requires it.
Detail-oriented
The capacity for careful observation and the awareness of minute details is known as attention to detail. Field inspectors pay close attention to the details when inspecting a building’s structure, looking through construction plans, or assessing safety procedures. This ability may assist them in spotting possible dangers and guarantee that every facet of a project complies with industry requirements. Providing accurate reports and suggestions also enables them to carefully and accurately evaluate a lot of data.
Data Analysis
The capacity to evaluate and comprehend data is known as data analysis. Field inspectors apply this skill when reading inspection reports, assessing test findings, or looking at any other kind of project-related data. They may use data analysis to pinpoint possible hazards and safety issues, ascertain whether building techniques are efficient, and assess whether projects achieve their objectives.
Device Operation
The capacity to utilize and maintain construction-related equipment is known as equipment operation. Field inspectors use tools, equipment, and vehicle for their work. They may require this skill to ensure contractors use safety equipment according to industry standards. Field inspectors must also know how to use their tools for proper testing and inspections.
Flexibility
Being flexible means having the capacity to change course and adapt when necessary. Field inspectors frequently need to be adaptable since they might need to alter their plans if a client can’t meet deadlines or if unanticipated weather prevents them from reaching a building site when setting up inspections. Additionally, flexibility aids them in maintaining composure and composure under pressure, such as when an accident happens on the construction site.
Leadership
Field inspectors frequently collaborate in groups and may act as department heads. Their team members will perform better if they can inspire them to master new skills and increase team morale. When overseeing a work or project, they might also exercise leadership abilities since they might need to assign roles and offer direction. Additionally, having strong leadership abilities might help them develop in their career.
Product Expertise
Field inspectors must have a comprehensive grasp of the goods they examine. This involves being aware of how these people or machines create things, what comprises the materials, and any hazards they could pose. When field inspectors recognize problems with a product or process, it will enable them to respond appropriately. Additionally, it helps them to give thorough feedback on their inspections and make well-informed choices on safety rules.
Problem-Solving Skills
Field inspectors must be able to employ problem-solving techniques when they run into difficulties when performing inspections. For instance, if a field inspector discovers a possible safety danger at work, they may need to address the issue by alerting the employer and offering solutions. Field inspectors also employ problem-solving techniques when they notice flaws in items or materials. They can use this skill to figure out what caused the flaw and how to avoid it happening again.
Quality Assurance
The capacity to guarantee that a product complies with particular criteria is known as quality control. Field inspectors utilize quality control while assessing products and materials to ascertain if products and materials adhere to safety laws or other criteria. Along with ensuring that manufacturing procedures are safe for workers, quality control includes keeping track of any production-related problems.
Non-destructive Testing
A field inspector used this testing to examine materials without being harmed. This might be helpful when looking at goods like machinery or building materials still in use. Additionally, it is crucial for the preservation of artwork and historical relics. It is relevant to have a solid grasp of the material you are evaluating before beginning non-destructive testing so that you can choose the appropriate tests to run.
Safety Guidelines
The guidelines that dictate how a business or organization must function are known as safety regulations. Field inspectors use their expertise in safety standards to spot possible workplace dangers and ensure they adhere to the rules. They should be conversant with the rules for the sectors they often investigate because safety laws differ by industry.
Reports Writing
Field inspectors need this skill to generate reports that describe a property’s condition and any required repairs. These reports are crucial for real estate transactions, so they must be written well with all the necessary details. They may be required to speak on their findings; thus, they should know how to talk in front of audiences.
Inspection
Field inspectors assess a product or service’s quality using their inspection abilities. They check goods for flaws and make sure they adhere to industry requirements. To ensure they are safe and compliant with standards, Field inspectors also check buildings, cars, and other structures to ensure quality. This involves the capacity to spot possible problems and close attention to detail.
Organization
Organization skill is the ability to monitor several duties and obligations. Field inspectors use this skill when arranging inspections, documenting information, and filing reports. Field inspectors must be able to prioritize their jobs to perform all essential tasks promptly. Strong organizational abilities also aid them in maintaining concentration and avoiding derailment.
How to Become a Field Inspector
The route to becoming a field inspector is straightforward and not complex like some careers. Below is the route to take to start field inspecting:
Education Route
Most field inspector positions require at least a GED or high school diploma. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as agriculture, biology, or chemistry, may be necessary for some employers.
Get The Right Tools
Field inspectors need a trustworthy mode of transportation to travel to the inspection sites, a smartphone or camera to record and photograph the sites, and an internet connection to post reports. Most firms also require one to have a current driver’s license and a clear background investigation.
Apply for Field Inspectors’ Role
You can work as a field inspector for businesses like house inspection or mortgage servicing firms that subcontract their services to banks. Positions working directly for an insurance firm or bank may also be available. The chances of field inspectors getting a job also depend on how many inspections exist in a region and the available inspections.
Since most field inspectors operate as independent contractors, they may not always have full-time or consistent employment. Those who do not have a full workload could find it advantageous to work for more than one inspection firm.
Education and Work Experience
Many employers need candidates to undergo a training program before starting their jobs. These programs may entail shadowing current field inspectors, working in the field under supervision, and preparing a final report. They can take a few weeks to a few months.
Certifications
Field inspectors may benefit from certification in two ways: first, by demonstrating their dedication to their line of work; second, by demonstrating their expertise in their field. Along with the initial training, which they frequently give, some businesses additionally need certificates or additional training programs.
Where to Work as a Field Inspector
Field inspectors can operate from the main office of a business providing field services or a regional office of an insurance company, bank, or mortgage lender. However, if they work alone, their main location is probably their home office. As field inspectors, they will be traveling around a specific area most time. To preserve the property value, they must visit properties to gather information, take pictures, and occasionally do routine maintenance. To do research, they must also go to public record halls.
Field Inspector Salary
In the United States, field inspectors make an average salary of between $44,266 and $84,445 per month based on their experience, region, talents, and other criteria.
In the United Kingdom, a field inspector makes an average yearly pay of £29,675.
In Canada, a field inspector makes an average salary of CAD$63,570 yearly. Most experienced professionals earn up to CAD$82,500, while entry-level occupations start at $46,313 annually.
In Germany, field inspectors make an average salary of €30,866 yearly. They may expect to earn an average between €23,119 and €36,268 per year. They often have a high school diploma as their highest degree of schooling.
In Australia, a field inspector can expect to make AUD$87,439 a year on average.
A field inspector in Nigeria earns an average annual salary of ₦1,265,000.
In Ireland, a field inspector’s annual income is projected to be €51,448. Their salary depends on location, industry, etc.