Special Inspector

Alta E&I; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid certifications

Mentorship and hands-on training

Job summary

Alta E&I is seeking a Special Inspector to serve as the field representative ensuring inspections and testing meet codes and project specs. You will work independently at active sites, documenting observations and communicating findings to project teams.

The role requires strong technical knowledge, good judgment, and clear communication with contractors, managers, engineers, and clients. Travel across the local service area with occasional overnight stays is expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Associate degree in Construction Technology, Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering, or related field is preferred.
• 2–4 years of experience in construction materials testing or special inspections; 5+ years may lead to Senior Special Inspector.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass pre-employment screening.
• Must have one ICC, ACI, and ATTI certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform special inspections and construction materials testing per project specs, codes, and standards.
• Inspect structural systems and materials (reinforced concrete, structural masonry, post-tensioned concrete, soils).
• Read, interpret, and apply drawings, plans, specs, and codes.
• Document field observations and test results in daily reports.
• Notify Project Manager of non-conforming work or issues.
• Communicate professionally with contractors, clients, engineers, and stakeholders.
• Travel within the local service area with occasional overnight travel.
• Maintain safety procedures and equipment; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Field inspections

Documentation

Communication

Safety awareness

Reading blueprints

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred in Construction Technology/Engineering Technology/Civil Engineering

Tools

ICC/ACI/ATTI Certifications

Job description

250 employees across the state. We’re 100% Arizona owned and managed, which means you’ll never feel like a number here. Our team delivers a full spectrum of services - civil engineering, surveying, geotechnical and materials testing, environmental, and EHS - giving you exposure to many paths and projects.

Alta is big enough to offer opportunities, and advanced technology - yet small enough that you’ll know your team, see your impact, and have leadership that knows you.

We’re proud to be a trusted partner to some of the nation’s largest corporations, developers, and public agencies - helping to build the future, while also protecting it through environmental stewardship and sustainable solutions.

General Summary

At Alta E&I, our Special Inspectors serve as the company's trusted representatives in the field, ensuring the technical details within construction projects are completed safely, accurately, and in compliance with applicable building codes, project specifications, and industry standards. Working independently at active construction sites, Special Inspectors perform inspections, observations, and testing on a variety of structural systems and construction materials while providing clear, accurate documentation of their observations.

This position requires strong technical knowledge, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with contractors, project managers, engineers, and clients. Special Inspectors work under the general supervision of a Professional Engineer or Project Manager but are expected to exercise independent decision-making while performing field assignments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform special inspections and construction materials testing in accordance with project specifications, applicable building codes, and industry standards.
• Conduct inspections of structural systems and materials including, but not limited to reinforced concrete, structural masonry, post-tensioned concrete, soils and earthwork.
• Read, interpret, and apply construction drawings, engineering plans, specifications, and applicable codes.
• Accurately document field observations, test results, and inspection findings through detailed daily reports.
• Review collected data for completeness and accuracy before submitting reports to the Project Manager.
• Notify the Project Manager of non-conforming work, field issues, or conditions requiring engineering review.
• Communicate professionally with contractors, clients, engineers, and project stakeholders while representing Alta E&I in the field.
• Perform pre-task planning and identify potential safety hazards before beginning work.
• Follow all OSHA regulations and Alta E&I safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain company-issued equipment, testing instruments, and vehicles in good working condition.
• Maintain quality standards and provide exceptional customer service on every project.
• Pursue and maintain required certifications necessary to support project assignments.
• Travel primarily throughout the local service area, with occasional overnight travel as project needs require.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Construction Technology, Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience performing construction materials testing, special inspections, or related engineering technician work.
• Candidates with 5 or more years of relevant experience may be considered for a Senior Special Inspector position.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Ability to successfully pass pre-employment screening, including a background check and drug test.
• Must have one (1) Special Inspector’s ICC, ACI, and ATTI

Preferred Certifications

One or more of the following certifications is preferred, with the ability to obtain additional certifications as required:

• American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
• Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI) Level I or II Inspector
• Nuclear Density Gauge Safety Certification

This position is primarily field-based and requires frequent travel to active construction sites. Employees should expect exposure to changing weather conditions, uneven terrain, dust, noise, heavy equipment, and active construction operations. Work may include early morning starts, extended shifts, and occasional overtime based on project schedules.

Why Alta?

See your impact.

How many people can drive by a highway, school, or major company and say, “I helped build that?”

At Alta, every employee can. The work we do is visible in the infrastructure communities rely on every day.

We’re passionate about developing people. Many of our leaders began their journey in entry level positions, and worked their way up into management. We invest in you from day one with hands-on training, paid certifications, and mentorship to help you progress in your career.

Working at Alta means:

• Career mobility: clear paths to grow into leadership roles.
• Multi-disciplinary exposure: civil, survey, geotechnical, materials testing, environmental, EHS, etc.
• Investment in you: paid certifications and ongoing training.
• Culture of belonging: supportive teams where your work is recognized.
• Impact you can see: the chance to contribute to projects that define communities.
• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Flexible work environment.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT. It is the policy of Alta E&I not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.