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Labor Market Survey |
General
Over the last decade, the Northern California area has become a major player among the Pacific Rim group of economic powers. As such, international trade coupled with defense-related spending brought an unprecedented boom to the construction industry. Most economists are forecasting growth in construction and other related industries. In most parts of the country, growth is excellent. Consequently, hiring of inspectors is expected to increase significantly.
Because of the current economic climate in Northern California, it has become imperative that entry-level inspectors be highly qualified. Consequently, one has to be multi-certified. According to Mr. Albert DeMuth, Jr. of WIT, the more certified an individual the easier it is to place an individual. It must be pointed out that in states like Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Alaska, Hawaii and Nevada, due to lack of a large pool of multi-certified inspectors, employment opportunities are excellently higher. The same should hold true for other states where cities are now requiring certification.
Opportunities in Special Inspection
Special inspectors are hired primarily by testing and inspection laboratories. Currently, there are several large independent testing and inspection laboratories in the area. There are also many smaller laboratories and some independent inspectors. Special inspectors are also hired by soil engineering firms, general contractors, construction management companies, school districts, governmental agencies, and engineering firms.
Some testing and inspection laboratories hire only union employees. The local union is the Operating Engineers Local 3 who contract at attractive wages with excellent benefits. Nonunion special inspectors can earn comparable wages but may not receive benefits.
Generally, employers prefer inspectors with education or proven experience, at least through special inspection certification in several categories. In the case of soils engineering firms, NICET certification in concrete, asphalt, and soils along with ICC special inspection certification makes one more employable.
The employers typically dispatch inspectors to construction projects over a wide geographical area. For example testing and inspection laboratories based in Sacramento County would be expected to cover work over an area ranging from San Francisco to Redding.
Potential for Future Job Opportunities
Based on the foregoing, individuals who are multi-certified will be in an excellent position for employment.
