Construction Inspectors
(NOC 2264)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyConstruction inspectors inspect the construction and maintenance of new and existing buildings, bridges, highways, and industrial construction to make sure that specifications and building codes are met and monitor work site safety. Home inspectors provide technical advice to buyers and owners of real estate. They work for federal, provincial, and municipal governments, construction companies, architectural and civil engineering consulting firms or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Construction Inspectors most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 59% of Construction Inspectors who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $60,935. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$20.00
Minimum$35.16
Median$38.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$14,546
Minimum$57,550
Median$102,405
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$37.80
Median$48.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Construction inspectors inspect the construction and maintenance of new and existing buildings, bridges, highways, and industrial construction to make sure that specifications and building codes are met and monitor work site safety. Home inspectors provide technical advice to buyers and owners of real estate. They work for federal, provincial, and municipal governments, construction companies, architectural and civil engineering consulting firms or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Construction inspectors:
- Examine plans, drawings, and site layouts for new buildings, building renovations and other proposed structures.
- Inspect construction of buildings, bridges, dams, highways and other types of building and engineering construction to make sure they conform to drawings, specifications, building codes or other ordinances.
- Inspect and test electrical or plumbing installations in buildings to ensure compliance with municipal, provincial, and federal regulations.
- Inspect steel framework, concrete forms, reinforcing steel mesh and rods, concrete or pre-stressed concrete to ensure quality standards and to verify conformance to specifications and building codes.
- Inspect construction of sewer systems and pipelines.
- Inspect construction sites to make sure that safe working conditions are maintained.
- Inspect existing buildings to identify and report on structural defects, fire hazards and other threats to safety.
- Inspect homes on behalf of clients and assess and provide reports on the physical condition of property.
Sample job titles
- building construction inspector
- building safety inspector
- carpentry inspector
- compliance inspector - buildings
- home inspector
- housing construction inspector
- mine construction inspector
- public works inspector - construction
- road construction inspector
- safety officer - construction
Skills
The ability to work effectively with the public under various circumstances is crucial. Good observational and analytical skills are necessary. You must be accurate and able to pay close attention to detail. Honesty and integrity are important. Excellent communication skills are also important.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- A college diploma in construction, civil engineering, or architectural technology plus several years of related work experience or several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a construction trade like plumbing, carpentry or electrical trade are required.
- Provincial certification in a skilled trade or as an engineering technologist is usually required.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.
Other considerations
None
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Public administration
Professional, scientific and technical services
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Utilities
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$61,947 median annual incomeHigh school
$57,418 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$39,871 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,062 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Architectural Engineering Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of architects, engineers and planners engaged in designing and developing buildings, urban complexes, and related systems. They include courses in design testing procedures, building site analysis, model building and computer graphics, engineering drawing, structural systems testing, analysis of prototype mechanical and interior systems, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Building/Home/Construction Inspection
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply industrial, labour, and governmental standards and laws to the oversight of construction projects and the maintenance of completed buildings and other structures. They include courses in construction processes and techniques, materials analysis, occupational safety and health, industry standards, building codes and specifications, blueprint interpretation, testing equipment and procedures, communication skills, accident investigation, and documentation.
Institutions providing this program
Carpentry
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures, using hand and power tools. They include courses in technical mathematics, framing, construction materials and selection, job estimating, blueprint reading, foundations and roughing-in, finish carpentry techniques, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Stellarton, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Civil Engineering Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of civil engineers engaged in designing and executing public works projects such as highways, dams, bridges, tunnels and other facilities. They include courses in site analysis, structural testing procedures, field and laboratory testing procedures, plan and specification preparation, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Electrician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs preapre students to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric-power wiring; and DC and AC motors, controls, and electrical distribution panels. They include courses in the principles of electronics and electrical systems, wiring, power transmission, safety, industrial and household appliances, job estimation, electrical testing and inspection, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Plumber
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to practice as licensed plumbers by applying technical knowledge and skills to lay out, assemble, install, and maintain piping fixtures and systems for steam, natural gas, oil, hot water, heating, cooling, drainage, lubricating, in home and business environments. They include courses in source determination, water distribution, waster removal, pressure adjustment, basic physics, technical mathematics, blueprint reading, pipe installation, pumps, welding and soldering, plumbing inspection, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Stellarton, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.