What is a Government Property Inspector or Investigator?

Job Description: Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

Life As a Government Property Inspector or Investigator

• Inspect government property, such as construction sites or public housing, to ensure compliance with contract specifications or legal requirements.
• Inspect government-owned equipment or materials in the possession of private contractors to ensure compliance with contracts or regulations or to prevent misuse.
• Testify in court or at administrative proceedings concerning investigation findings.
• Examine records, reports, or other documents to establish facts or detect discrepancies.
• Coordinate with or assist law enforcement agencies in matters of mutual concern.
• Locate and interview plaintiffs, witnesses, or representatives of business or government to gather facts relevant to inspections or alleged violations.

Government Property Inspector or Investigator Needed Skills

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Types of Government Property Inspector or Investigator

• Property Inspector
• Environmental Specialist
• Warehouse Examiner
• Quality Control Manager
• Rehabilitation Construction Specialist

Is There Job Demand for Government Property Inspectors and Investigators?

There were about 288,300 jobs for Government Property Inspector or Investigator in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 23,700 new jobs for Government Property Inspector or Investigator by 2026. There will be an estimated 25,900 positions for Government Property Inspector or Investigator per year.

The states with the most job growth for Government Property Inspector or Investigator are Utah, Nevada, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Government Property Inspector or Investigator Make?

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators make between $38,320 and $109,650 a year.

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or California, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Government Property Inspectors and Investigators in different U.S. states.

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alabama	$67,700
Alaska	$80,840
Arizona	$64,340
Arkansas	$56,820
California	$82,380
Colorado	$73,710
Connecticut	$84,590
Delaware	$77,670
District of Columbia	$93,240
Florida	$63,890
Georgia	$63,030
Hawaii	$69,980
Idaho	$59,420
Illinois	$74,180
Indiana	$61,970
Iowa	$63,340
Kansas	$60,030
Kentucky	$58,260
Louisiana	$61,230
Maine	$66,230
Maryland	$77,250
Massachusetts	$83,100
Michigan	$71,470
Minnesota	$76,190
Mississippi	$54,700
Missouri	$62,180
Montana	$62,620
Nebraska	$68,610
Nevada	$67,540
New Hampshire	$70,670
New Jersey	$83,210
New Mexico	$68,290
New York	$76,370
North Carolina	$67,100
North Dakota	$70,970
Ohio	$67,140
Oklahoma	$59,340
Oregon	$71,860
Pennsylvania	$71,090
Rhode Island	$76,440
South Carolina	$61,390
South Dakota	$57,930
Tennessee	$61,780
Texas	$74,690
Utah	$59,470
Vermont	$69,520
Virginia	$75,900
Washington	$84,340
West Virginia	$60,740
Wisconsin	$62,700
Wyoming	$67,370

What Tools & Technology do Government Property Inspectors and Investigators Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Government Property Inspectors and Investigators may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Access
• Email software
• Word processing software
• SAP
• Microsoft Windows
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
• Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
• Database software
• Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
• Bentley Microstation
• Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite
• Esri ArcGIS

How to Become a Government Property Inspector or Investigator

What education is needed to be a Government Property Inspector or Investigator?

What work experience do I need to become a Government Property Inspector or Investigator?

Where Government Property Inspectors and Investigators Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Related Careers

Those interested in being a Government Property Inspector or Investigator may also be interested in:

• Assessors

Are you already one of the many Government Property Inspector or Investigator in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

• First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: via

More about our data sources and methodologies.