Special Inspector Structural Investigator

KPFF Consulting Engineers; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan Options

Dental & Vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Family Leave

Transit benefits

On-site gym

Downtown Portland location

Job summary

KPFF Consulting Engineers - Portland Structural is seeking an experienced Special Inspector / Structural Investigator to join our Structural Investigation Group. This role conducts special inspections, construction materials testing, and structural investigations on a variety of projects.

The candidate will work closely with structural engineers and fellow inspectors, use field equipment, and deliver clear inspection findings for KPFF clients. Some sites may require travel within the region.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and understand construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to understand and comply with safety standards and building codes.
• Must pass a federal background check.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two current special inspection qualifications (ICC or WABO, or AWS CWI).
• At least two years of special inspection experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform special inspections, construction materials testing, and structural investigations.
• Coordinate with engineers, contractors, owners and project teams on site.
• Document inspection observations clearly and concisely.
• Inspect structural steel, concrete construction, masonry, and fireproofing as required.
• Work on-site in varied weather and travel to project sites as needed.

Skills

Field inspection

Reading plans

Safety & codes

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ICC/WABO/CWI certification

Job description

Job Description

KPFF Consulting Engineers - Portland Structural is seeking an experienced and motivated Special Inspector / Structural Investigator to join our Structural Investigation Group. This role supports KPFF’s structural engineering practice by performing special inspections, construction materials testing, and structural investigation services on a variety of projects. The successful candidate will work closely with structural engineers and fellow inspectors, use technical field equipment, and help deliver clear, reliable inspection and investigation services for KPFF clients.

Role Focus:

This position is best suited for a candidate with a strong field inspection background, sound judgment on active construction sites, and the ability to coordinate effectively with project teams. Approximately five (5) years of relevant experience in special inspection, construction materials testing, structural investigation, or a closely related field is preferred.

Qualifications:

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to read and understand construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to understand and comply with safety standards and building codes.
• Must possess a valid Oregon Driver’s License and have an acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to pass a federal background check.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two (2) current special inspection qualifications, such as ICC or WABO, or American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
• At least two (2) years of special inspection experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Approximately five (5) years of relevant experience in special inspection, construction materials testing, structural investigation, or a closely related field.
• Experience providing inspections for structural steel, concrete construction, masonry, fireproofing, or similar construction materials and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with engineers, contractors, owners, and project teams in the field.
• Strong technical communication skills, including clear documentation of inspection observations and findings.

Job Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• Frequently outdoors and conducts construction site visits in all weather conditions.

• Work schedules are variable and may be project dependent.

• Some work may be above ground, using elevated platforms.

• Provide special inspections in one or more areas, including structural steel, concrete construction, masonry, and fireproofing.

• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach and lift up to 50 pounds.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Additional Information

Culture and Benefits At KPFF, we offer a rewarding career path that emphasizes autonomy, innovation, and professional development. Our culture prioritizes employee ownership, teamwork, and shared values, creating an environment where contributions are celebrated, and career growth is encouraged. We support local collaboration with A/E/C firms and are committed to creating lasting relationships with our clients. We aren’t just colleagues; we’re a community that has been dedicated to collaborative innovation over the last five decades, providing you the platform to make a lasting impact on meaningful projects. KPFF Consulting Engineers offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

KPFF Employee Benefits

• Medical Plan Options : Choice of Traditional PPO or HDHP with HSA, covering health care needs and prescriptions.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) : Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Dental & Vision: Full preventive care, plus coverage for major dental services and vision allowances.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) : Free, confidential support for personal, family, and work challenges.

• Life & AD&D Insurance: Company-provided life insurance equal to one year’s salary, plus AD&D.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan : KPFF contributes 3% of salary, with no match needed.

• Disability Insurance : Short-term and long-term coverage at 60% income, fully covered by KPFF.

• Paid Time Off : Generous PTO, two floating holidays, and paid company holidays.

• Paid Family Leave : Six weeks at 60% pay, with options to use PTO for full income. Compliant with Paid Leave Oregon policies.

• Transportation: 50% subsidized TriMet/CTRAN passes and free bike parking for all employees.

• Additional Perks: Located in downtown Portland, we are in close proximity to Midtown Beer Garden’s food carts, the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and Pioneer Courthouse Square, and are centered on Portland’s Transit Mall. We provide free membership to the on‑site gym and its fitness classes, a wide variety of complimentary snacks (including on‑tap cold brew and kombucha), access to an employee lounge with ping‑pong table and TVs, and more.

KPFF is an Equal Opportunity / Aff…

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.