All About Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

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

Daily Life Of a Government Property Inspector or Investigator

• Submit samples of products to government laboratories for testing, as required.
• Prepare correspondence, reports of inspections or investigations or recommendations for action.
• 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.
• Inspect government property, such as construction sites or public housing, to ensure compliance with contract specifications or legal requirements.
• Inspect manufactured or processed products to ensure compliance with contract specifications or legal requirements.

Skills Needed to be a Government Property Inspector or Investigator

These are the skills Government Property Inspectors and Investigators say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Government Gauger
• Appraiser
• Environmental Specialist
• Port Patrol Officer
• Housing Inspector

Job Demand for Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 288,300 jobs in the United States for Government Property Inspector or Investigator. 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. The BLS estimates 25,900 yearly job openings in this field.

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.

How much do Government Property Inspectors and Investigators make in each U.S. state?

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

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

Becoming a Government Property Inspector or Investigator

Individuals working as a Government Property Inspector or Investigator have obtained the following education levels:

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

Where Government Property Inspectors and Investigators Are Employed

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

You May Also Be Interested In…

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

• Assessors

Those who work as a Government Property Inspector or Investigator sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

• 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.