Special Inspector III

UES, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. is seeking aSenior Special Inspector to provide expert oversight on complex construction projects in Arizona. You will apply advanced certifications and field experience to ensure quality, safety, and compliance across diverse infrastructure and industrial scopes.

As a key resource for engineers, clients, and project teams, you will lead inspections, mentor junior staff, and drive quality assurance activities, while managing multiple projects and priorities with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; welding certificate or related vocational training.
• 5+ years of progressive inspection or materials testing experience.
• Advanced industry certifications required or preferred (e.g., ACI, ICC, AWS CWI)
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Expert knowledge in interpreting complex blueprints, codes, and standards
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and work independently.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision

Responsibilities

• Lead specialized inspections on complex commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as a technical resource for project teams, providing expertise on codes, standards, and construction best practices.
• Partner with engineers, contractors, and clients to identify solutions and support successful project execution.
• Drive quality assurance efforts that help ensure safe, compliant, and high-performing structures.
• Mentor and develop junior inspectors, helping elevate team capabilities and technical excellence.
• Contribute to challenging projects that expand your expertise across multiple inspection disciplines.

Skills

Blueprint interpretation

Leadership

Communication

Independent work

Education

High school diploma

Welding certificate

Advanced certifications (ACI/ICC/AWS CWI)

Tools

Valid driver's license

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

As a Special Inspector III, you'll serve as a trusted technical expert on some of Arizona's most complex and high-profile construction projects. Leveraging advanced certifications and extensive field experience, you'll provide critical inspection oversight, guide project teams through technical challenges, and help ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance.

#LI-KD1 #LI-Onsite

This role is ideal for experienced inspectors who enjoy solving complex problems, mentoring others, and serving as a key resource for clients, engineers, and construction teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead specialized inspections on complex commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as a technical resource for project teams, providing expertise on codes, standards, and construction best practices.
• Partner with engineers, contractors, and clients to identify solutions and support successful project execution.
• Drive quality assurance efforts that help ensure safe, compliant, and high-performing structures.
• Mentor and develop junior inspectors, helping elevate team capabilities and technical excellence.
• Contribute to challenging projects that expand your expertise across multiple inspection disciplines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; welding certificate or related vocational training.
• 5+ years of progressive inspection or materials testing experience.
• Advanced industry certifications required or preferred (e.g., ACI, ICC, AWS CWI
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Expert knowledge in interpreting complex blueprints, codes, and standards
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and work independently.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of special inspection, construction inspection, or materials testing experience.
• Advanced certifications such as ACI, ICC, AWS CWI, or equivalent credentials relevant to special inspections.
• Strong ability to interpret complex plans, specifications, codes, and standards.
• Proven experience working independently and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

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