Field Inspector

Lerch Bates; Kansas City, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Lerch Bates seeks experienced Part-Time Field Inspectors to support our Vertical Transportation team by evaluating existing elevator and conveyance systems in diverse buildings. You will conduct field inspections, maintenance audits, modernization evaluations, and documentation of findings with recommendations.

This role focuses on existing building work, helping owners with performance, code compliance, maintenance planning, and modernization strategies.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of conveyance equipment installation and elevator codes.
• Prior experience in the elevator or vertical transportation industry.
• QEI and/or CEI certification strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in elevated and confined environments with inspection accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Existing Building Assessments & Inspections: perform field evaluations of vertical transportation systems and document findings.
• Reporting & Technical Documentation: prepare detailed inspection reports and recommendations.
• Project Management & Client Service: manage your own schedule and communicate with clients and stakeholders.
• Additional Responsibilities: stay current with industry codes and best practices.

Skills

Conveyance equipment knowledge

Elevator codes familiarity

Written communication

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Field inspection experience

Ability to work in elevated envs

Education

QEI/CEI certification preferred

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Kansas City, MO, Department: Vertical Transportation

Lerch Bates is seeking experienced Part‑Time Field Inspectors to support our Vertical Transportation team by evaluating existing elevator and conveyance systems in a variety of building types. In this role, you will conduct field inspections, equipment assessments, maintenance audits, modernization evaluations, and condition surveys while providing clear, detailed, and timely documentation of findings and recommendations.

This position focuses primarily on existing building work, helping building owners and managers make informed decisions regarding system performance, code compliance, maintenance practices, equipment lifecycle planning, and modernization strategies. Field Inspectors manage their own schedules while serving as trusted technical resources on a project‑by‑project basis.

This is a part‑time, contingent position and is not currently eligible for benefits. It is ideal for seasoned industry professionals seeking flexible, project‑based work.

About Lerch Bates:

Lerch Bates (LB) is a global technical consulting firm focused on improving how buildings perform for owners, designers, and the people who use them every day. For more than 75 years we’ve partnered on some of the world’s most complex and high‑profile projects. Today we provide Total Building Performance expertise that integrates Building Science and Building Flow into a unified delivery model.

Our work spans design, construction, investigation, repair, rehabilitation, management, and modernization with one consistent goal: helping clients make confident, well‑informed decisions in an increasingly complex built environment.

We are 100% employee‑owned through our ESOP. That means when the company succeeds, our employee‑owners share in that success. It's more than a retirement benefit—it's an ownership mindset backed by the opportunity to build long‑term financial value while helping shape the future of the company.

What You’ll Do:

Existing Building Assessments & Inspections

• Conduct field evaluations of existing vertical transportation systems, including elevators, escalators, moving walks, wheelchair lifts, dumbwaiters, and other conveyance equipment.
• Perform condition assessments, maintenance audits, code compliance reviews, and modernization evaluations to support client decision‑making and long‑term asset planning.
• Document equipment conditions, operational performance, deficiencies, and observations during site visits.

Reporting & Technical Documentation

• Prepare detailed inspection reports, assessment findings, and technical recommendations in a timely and professional manner.
• Clearly communicate observations, risks, and recommended actions to support maintenance, repair, and modernization strategies.
• Ensure all documentation meets Lerch Bates quality standards and project requirements.

Project Management & Client Service

• Manage your own schedule and workload to ensure inspections, assessments, and reports are completed accurately and on time.
• Maintain professional and courteous interactions with building owners, property managers, maintenance providers, and other project stakeholders.
• Serve as a trusted technical resource by providing objective, experience‑based observations and recommendations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain knowledge of industry codes, standards, technologies, and best practices related to vertical transportation systems.
• Support special projects and other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring:

• Thorough knowledge of conveyance equipment installation, maintenance, and applicable elevator codes
• Prior experience in the elevator or vertical transportation industry
• QEI and/or CEI certification strongly preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and inspection accuracy
• Ability to work in elevated and confined environments, including high‑rise buildings and elevator shafts

Why Work with Lerch Bates?

• Even in a part‑time capacity, you’ll be working alongside a respected, employee‑owned consultancy known for technical excellence and a strong ownership mindset.
• Competitive, project‑based compensation
• Flexible scheduling
• Exposure to diverse projects and clients across multiple markets
• Collaboration with industry‑leading technical experts
• A values‑driven, employee‑owned culture

Core Values

Ownership Community Integrity Respect Optimism

Working Environment:

This role involves both physical and mental demands and may be performed in various settings, including offices, construction sites, and confined spaces like elevator pits. Tasks often require frequent movement in multiple directions. Lerch Bates will provide reasonable accommodation upon request through Human Resources.

Physical Demands:

This role requires regular sitting, talking, and hearing in meetings and by phone. Employees must navigate tight spaces, climb ladders, move around construction sites, take measurements, and travel by car, air, or rail. Duties may involve working at heights and in confined spaces, using hands for tasks like typing and operating elevator components, and applying up to 30 lbs. of force. Close visual attention is also required.

Mental Demands:

This position requires strong written and verbal communication, problem‑solving, and analytical skills. Employees must interpret complex information, apply mathematical and logical reasoning, quickly learn new skills, and manage detailed, multitask workloads under shifting deadlines. Regular interaction with executives, colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders is also expected.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre‑employment background check and drug test. The drug test includes screening for marijuana, regardless of state or local laws permitting its use. A conditional offer of employment will be rescinded if a candidate fails either the background check or the drug test. This requirement is mandated by federal regulations applicable to our government contracting obligations.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.