Structural Steel Inspector (Part-Time)

Position Summary

The Steel Inspector performs special inspections of structural steel welding and high-strength bolted connections on construction projects throughout New York City and New York State. This role verifies that structural steel fabrication and erection comply with approved construction documents, project specifications, applicable industry standards, and governing building codes.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of structural steel inspection experience, the required welding and bolting certifications, and a strong understanding of inspection procedures and documentation requirements. The inspector is responsible for maintaining accurate field records, preparing timely reports, identifying non-conforming work, and communicating deficiencies to the project team.

Key Job Functions

Welding Inspection

• Verify welder qualifications and continuity records to confirm that welders are qualified for the welding processes and positions being used.
• Review Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) for compliance with AWS D1.1 and project requirements.
• Inspect joint fit-up, preheat and interpass temperatures, filler metals, weld profiles, and weld sizes before, during, and after welding.
• Perform visual weld inspections and coordinate or witness nondestructive testing (NDT), including ultrasonic testing (UT), magnetic particle testing (MT), liquid penetrant testing (PT), and radiographic testing (RT), when required.
• Document welding deficiencies, verify corrective repairs, and conduct follow-up inspections to confirm compliance.

Bolting Inspection

• Inspect high-strength bolted connections to verify proper installation, pretensioning, and tightening sequences in accordance with applicable AISC and RCSC requirements.
• Verify approved bolting installation methods, including turn-of-nut, calibrated wrench, twist-off-type tension-control bolts, and direct tension indicators.
• Witness pre-installation verification testing when required.
• Confirm bolt, nut, and washer certifications, lot identification, and proper storage.
• Inspect faying surfaces, bolt-hole conditions, and compliance with snug-tightened and pretensioned joint requirements.

Reporting and Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare accurate daily inspection reports, discrepancy logs, and non-conformance reports (NCRs), submitting documentation within established project deadlines.
• Complete and support required jurisdictional documentation, including applicable DOB NOW inspection entries and TR forms for projects in New York City.
• Promptly communicate deficiencies to contractors, engineers of record, project managers, and other relevant parties.
• Track outstanding deficiencies and follow up to verify that corrective actions are completed and accepted.
• Maintain current certifications and registrations required for assigned inspection work.
• Follow all applicable job-site safety requirements and company procedures.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in structural steel inspection, including welding and high-strength bolted connections.
• Ability to read and interpret structural drawings, welding symbols, construction specifications, and inspection requirements.
• Working knowledge of AWS D1.1, AISC 360, RCSC specifications, and applicable building codes.
• Understanding of special inspection documentation, quality assurance procedures, and non-conformance reporting.
• Ability to communicate inspection findings clearly and professionally.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and independent judgment.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to multiple project sites throughout New York City and New York State.
  
   

Required Certifications

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), or an equivalent qualification accepted by the applicable authority having jurisdiction.

• ICC Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector certification, or an equivalent bolting qualification accepted by the applicable jurisdiction.

• Qualifications and registrations meeting NYC Department of Buildings requirements under 1 RCNY §101-06, Appendix A, for applicable New York City projects, or the requirements of the relevant local jurisdiction for projects elsewhere in New York State.

Salary: $55–$60 per hour