You inspect construction sites for erosion-and-sediment control and stormwater compliance — walking projects, identifying issues, documenting findings, and supporting the regulatory compliance that NPDES and state stormwater rules require.
Inspection work runs on construction sites of varied stage and size — walking active sites with permit holders or contractors, inspecting silt fences, sediment basins, and stabilization measures, documenting deficiencies, supporting permit-compliance work. Inspections completed and finding-resolution rates anchor the operating measures.
The harder part is often the weather-and-schedule reality — stormwater compliance issues surface during and after rain events, and inspectors visit sites under conditions that aren't controlled. Variance across employers shapes the work: contractor-employed inspectors handle self-inspection for permit compliance; consulting firms serve multiple clients across project portfolios; municipal and state inspectors handle enforcement.
It fits people comfortable on construction sites in varied weather, technically careful with compliance documentation, and steady under contractor pushback on findings. CESSWI certification anchors the role; PE and CPSWQ credentials extend advancement. The trade-off is the weather-exposure dimension — inspectors work outdoors in conditions that compliance situations sometimes demand.
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View all Business Operations roles →You inspect construction sites for erosion-and-sediment control and stormwater compliance — walking projects, identifying issues, documenting findings, and supporting the regulatory compliance that NPDES and state stormwater rules require.
Median pay for a Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI) is about $78K nationally, with the field ranging roughly from $46K to $130K depending on experience, employer, and metro (BLS).
Core skills for this role include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
Most people in this role hold a bachelor's degree.
Employment in this field is projected to grow about 3% through 2034, with roughly 397,770 people working in it today (BLS).
Closely related roles include F and B Director (Food and Beverage Director), L and D Director (Learning and Development Director), and Certified Indoor Environmentalist.
Don't do Truest if you aren't ready
to invest in yourself and your career.