Job Description

Are you looking for a fast-paced, collaborative work environment with plenty of opportunities for career growth? If so, DPSI, an established multi-discipline firm of engineering, land surveying, inspection, construction and safety professionals might have the perfect opportunity for you! We’re looking for an experienced AMPP Certified Coating Inspector for part-time, on-call inspection work in the Fountain Valley, CA area. This is a great opportunity for individuals seeking flexible, part-time work in a professional, technical field environment! Please review the summary below to see if your skills would be a fit for our team.

Job Description

Summary

The AMPP Certified Inspector performs and verifies the application of protective coatings on structural steel, pipelines, tanks, and other infrastructure projects at various client sites. This role brings strong technical knowledge, QA/QC discipline, and collaborative field experience in industrial, marine and municipal settings. The position involves regular travel throughout California.

Job Functions

Technical Support/Expertise

• Perform field inspections of surface preparation and coating application in compliance with project specifications and AMPP/SSPC standards.
• Utilize coating inspection tools such as dry film thickness (DFT) gauges, holiday detectors, surface profile comparators, and environmental monitoring equipment.
• Monitor environmental conditions (e.g., dew point, temperature, humidity) during coating application and cure periods.
• Interpret project specifications, technical drawings, and coating schedules to verify compliance in the field.
• Provide on-site technical guidance to contractors regarding surface prep, coating application, and curing.
• Enter confined spaces such as tanks and pressure vessels while wearing fitted respirator and/or fall protection harness.

Document & Reporting

• Maintain detailed daily inspection reports, including environmental readings, surface prep condition, and coating system details.
• Issue non-conformance reports (NCRs) and track corrective actions through resolution.
• Prepare photographic documentation and final inspection packages.
• Input data into digital reporting tools and company databases.
• Support QA/QC audits with thorough and organized inspection records.

Communication & Collaborative Support

• Coordinate with project managers, clients, and contractors to relay inspection findings and resolve issues.
• Attend project meetings to represent inspection progress and provide technical input.
• Communicate coating issues clearly and professionally to field personnel and project stakeholders.
• Support pre-job planning meetings and post-application reviews as needed.

Quality Assurance

• Verify that all coatings are applied per manufacturer’s product data sheets and project specifications.
• Ensure surface cleanliness and profile meet SSPC/AMPP surface preparation standards.
• Confirm appropriate curing times and environmental conditions before overcoating or returning assets to service.
• Track and escalate non-compliant work to ensure timely correction and re-inspection.

Team Leadership

• Mentor junior or trainee coating inspectors, providing on-the-job training in proper inspection procedures.
• Lead small inspection teams on larger projects or during complex application phases.
• Assist in maintaining safety standards and ensure team compliance with jobsite requirements.
• Support development and implementation of best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Experience Required

• 2+ years in industrial or infrastructure coating inspection.
• Experience with Caltrans, municipal, port or refinery projects.
• TWIC Card preferred.

Education Required

• Certification: AMPP Coating Inspector Level 1 or higher (formerly NACE CIP Level 1+).
• AMPP Coating Inspector Level 2 or 3 preferred.
• SSPC C-3, C-5 or CAS certifications preferred.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of AMPP (formerly NACE) and SSPC standards for surface preparation and coating application.
• Proficient in use of DFT gauges, holiday detectors, surface comparators, and basic digital tools.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, product data sheets, and coating system specifications.
• Competent in preparing detailed field inspection reports, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and final QA/QC documentation.
• Comfortable using inspection and documentation software (e.g., Excel, cloud-based reporting systems, mobile apps

Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Maintains high standards for inspection accuracy and documentation.
• Problem Solving: Proactively identifies coating defects or non-compliance and recommends corrective actions.
• Time Management: Manages multiple inspections or tasks efficiently under tight deadlines.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiar with OSHA safety practices and environmental regulations relevant to industrial and infrastructure coatings in California.
• Able to convey technical information to clients, contractors, and team members clearly and concisely.
• Maintains a professional demeanor in high-pressure field environments.
• Builds trust through consistent, honest, and solution-oriented communication with project stakeholders.

Working Condition: Work is conducted both in controlled indoor environments and outdoor field environments, including construction sites, industrial plants, refineries and offshore platforms. Exposure to noise, heat, cold, wind, dust, and fumes may occur. May be required to work in confined spaces, on elevated structures, or in radiation-controlled zones depending on testing methods. Must be able to stand, walk, bend, squat, crawl and climb ladders/stairs for extended periods. Extended work hours, including nights and weekends, based on project needs. May require travel with overnight stays.

Must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, steel-toed boots, high-visibility vests, hearing protection, and in some cases, radiation dosimeters or fall protection harnesses.

Must maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation or access to company vehicles.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity

DPSI is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prohibit discrimination against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs