What does a transportation inspector do?
Depending on the means of transportation they work with, the job of a Transportation Inspector may vary. Part of your job is to ensure that all modes of transportation like, rails and subways are up and running. You will also ensure that all equipment strictly follows federal safety regulations, meets the right requirements, and is safe for passengers to ride. You will also have the responsibility to look for any customization that is also not in line with the safety regulations in place and check their emissions to be sure they meet environmental standards.
Transportation inspector responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real transportation inspector resumes:
- Conduct dimensional and visual inspections procedures on CMM machines to ensure geometrical characteristics of the product are in specification.
- Inspect certify pre own eligibility vehicles at Toyota and Lexus automotive dealers.
Transportation inspector skills and personality traits
We calculated that 83% of Transportation Inspectors are proficient in Asphalt, ACI, and OSHA. They’re also known for soft skills such as Dexterity, Math skills, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Transportation Inspectors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Asphalt, 83%
Collected 30+ asphalt core samples at the Bangor International Airport from predetermined locations.
- ACI, 13%
Developed technical reports of findings in the field with emphasis in the critical ones, to later be address by ACI.
- OSHA, 1%
Managed the Hazardous Material Program and ensured that all accumulation sites adhere to the OSHA standards.
- DOT, 1%
Worked independently on DOT & Non-Dot vehicles with completed inspection from head supervisor.
- Inspection Reports, 1%
Enhanced quality control/assurance by analyzing inspection reports and evaluations, application of codes, and standards and specification.
- Construction Projects, 0%
Managed, budgeting and direction of all construction projects.
Most transportation inspectors use their skills in "asphalt," "aci," and "osha" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential transportation inspector responsibilities here:
Math skills. Another essential skill to perform transportation inspector duties is math skills. Transportation inspectors responsibilities require that "knowledge of basic math is important for measuring, calibrating, and calculating specifications in quality control testing." Transportation inspectors also use math skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "machine operator- lap grinder, polish jack ndt inspector mathematical bearing match special process operator- black oxide"
Mechanical skills. transportation inspectors are also known for mechanical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to transportation inspector responsibilities, because "quality control inspectors use tools and machinery when testing products." A transportation inspector resume example shows how mechanical skills is used in the workplace: "test vehicles for damages, or improper adjustment, using mechanical or electrical devices. "
Physical strength. transportation inspector responsibilities often require "physical strength." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "quality control inspectors may be required to lift or maneuver heavy production materials or finished products." This resume example shows what transportation inspectors do with physical strength on a typical day: "achieved aci certification in field testing, concrete strength and aggregate testing. "
Technical skills. A commonly-found skill in transportation inspector job descriptions, "technical skills" is essential to what transportation inspectors do. Transportation inspector responsibilities rely on this skill because "to ensure that products and parts meet quality standards, inspectors must understand the relevant blueprints, technical documents, and manuals." You can also see how transportation inspector duties rely on technical skills in this resume example: "plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience. "
The three companies that hire the most transportation inspectors are:
- CDM Smith801 transportation inspectors jobs
- S&ME8 transportation inspectors jobs
- Jacobs Engineering Group
2 transportation inspectors jobs
Compare different transportation inspectors
Transportation inspector vs. Chief mechanical officer
A valet attendant is an employee who is responsible for parking and retrieving vehicles of guests who visit an establishment. Since they are the first person that guests encounter, valet attendants must aim to make good first impressions through acknowledgment and pleasant exchange. They must manage a podium that contains hooks that hold and organize car keys and keep them safe from getting lost or theft. They also perform other valet tasks that include direct traffic flow, monitor parking lots for safety, and putting up traffic cones.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a transportation inspector are more likely to require skills like "asphalt," "aci," "level inspectors," and "contract administration." On the other hand, a job as a chief mechanical officer requires skills like "equipment repair," "preventive maintenance," "emergency repairs," and "fra." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Chief mechanical officers tend to reach similar levels of education than transportation inspectors. In fact, chief mechanical officers are 2.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Transportation inspector vs. Motor vehicle compliance analyst
Each career also uses different skills, according to real transportation inspector resumes. While transportation inspector responsibilities can utilize skills like "asphalt," "aci," "level inspectors," and "contract administration," motor vehicle compliance analysts use skills like "drivers license," "license plates," "non compliance," and "identification card."
In general, motor vehicle compliance analysts achieve similar levels of education than transportation inspectors. They're 3.0% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Transportation inspector vs. Valet attendant
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, transportation inspectors are more likely to have skills like "asphalt," "aci," "level inspectors," and "contract administration." But a valet attendant is more likely to have skills like "professional demeanor," "customer service," "patients," and "strong customer service."
Valet attendants typically earn similar educational levels compared to transportation inspectors. Specifically, they're 4.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Transportation inspector vs. Rail technician
Types of transportation inspector
Updated January 8, 2025
