Special Inspector

UES, Inc.; Overland Park (KS); On-site; USD 54,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. in Overland Park is seeking an ICC Certified Special Inspector to contribute to safety and quality on commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects.

You'll perform field inspections, work with engineers and clients, and interpret codes and specs while building strong client relationships and advancing your career. Travel up to 40% is possible; a valid driver's license and relevant certifications are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; welding or vocational training preferred.
• 3+ years of field inspections or materials testing experience.
• Industry certifications such as ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician or ICC preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Ability to read blueprints, standards, and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent field inspections and materials testing on various construction projects.
• Interpret and apply building codes, project specs, and standards to ensure compliance.
• Compile detailed inspection reports, diagrams, and findings with minimal oversight.
• Provide technical support and mentorship to junior inspectors.
• Communicate effectively with project teams including engineers and clients.
• Maintain certifications and stay up-to-date with regulatory changes and best practices.
• Operate company vehicles and document maintenance needs.

Skills

Field inspections

Materials testing

Blueprint reading

Independent work

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; welding certificate preferred

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

Overland Park, KS | Build Your Career on Projects That Shape Communities

Are you an ICC Certified Special Inspector looking for a role where your expertise has a direct impact on the safety and quality of construction projects? Join our growing team in Overland Park, Kansas, and work alongside engineers, project managers, and construction professionals on some of the region's most important commercial, industrial, and infrastructure developments.

We're looking for a motivated professional who enjoys being in the field, building relationships with clients, and contributing to projects that help communities grow. If you have an EIT certification, that’s a plus. Experience working within the Kansas City Metro (KCMO) market is highly valued.

About the Role

As a Special Inspector, you'll serve as a trusted technical resource on construction projects, helping ensure work is performed in accordance with applicable codes, specifications, and quality standards. You'll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects, collaborate with industry experts, and expand your technical expertise while advancing your career.

This is more than an inspection role. It's an opportunity to be a key contributor to project success from the ground up.

What You'll Work On

• Perform special inspections on commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects
• Partner with contractors, engineers, project managers, and clients to support quality construction
• Help ensure compliance with applicable building codes, project specifications, and industry standards
• Provide clear communication and technical insights to project stakeholders
• Support projects through critical construction milestones
• Build strong client relationships through responsiveness and professionalism
• Contribute to safe, successful, and high-quality project outcomes

What Makes Someone Successful

• Commitment to quality, safety, and technical excellence
• Strong attention to detail and sound professional judgment
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with project teams
• Problem-solving mindset and ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Desire to continue learning and growing within the industry

Responsibilities

• Perform independent field inspections and materials testing for a range of construction projects.
• Interpret and apply building codes, project specifications, and standards to ensure compliance.
• Compile detailed inspection reports, diagrams, and findings with minimal oversight.
• Provide technical support and mentorship to junior or trainee inspectors.
• Communicate effectively with project teams, including engineers, dispatchers, and clients
• Maintain certifications and stay up-to-date with regulatory changes and technical best practices.
• Operate company vehicles and ensure timely documentation of maintenance needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training or welding certificate preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in field inspections or materials testing.
• Industry certifications strongly preferred (e.g., ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician, ICC certifications).
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, standards, and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision

Travel Requirements

This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 40% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This position primarily works in an outdoor work environment, regularly exposed to varying field conditions, including:
  • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
  • Moderate to loud noise levels, common in active construction and industrial environments.
  • Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.
• The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:
  • Ability to lift and/or carry 35 to 75 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
  • Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
  • Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
  • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here