Special Inspector - ICC Soils

KS Engineers, P.C.•New York, NY

8d•$28 - $45

About The Position

A Soils Special Inspector in New York City is responsible for ensuring that earthwork, foundations, and soil compaction comply with the NYC Building Code (Chapter 17) and the project’s specific geotechnical report. This role is a "field-heavy" position that requires high technical accuracy to ensure the structural stability of New York’s high-density developments. The Soils Special Inspector performs mandated third-party inspections and testing of soil conditions, fill placement, and foundation elements. You will verify that the subsurface work matches the approved architectural/engineering plans and the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) Technical Reports (TR1).

Requirements

Entry-Level (1-3 years) or Mid-Level (4-9 years) in inspecting construction work in the city of NY, varied in size and complexity.
Bachelor’s Degree in Geotechnical, Civil, or Structural Engineering with 1 year of relevant experience; OR NICET Level 1 Geotechnical Certification with 2 years of relevant experience OR ICC Soils Special Inspector certification with 1 year of relevant experience.
ICC Soils
Nuclear Gauge Safety Certification (U.S. Dept. of Transportation)
OSHA 30
Familiarity with soil sampling and testing as per requirements of Chapter 17 of the NYC building code.
Ability to read and interpret complex Foundation Plans, Borings Logs, and Geotechnical Reports.
Proficiency in field testing equipment (Sand cone, Nuclear gauge, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer).
Strong documentation skills using field apps (like PlanGrid, Procore, or Metafield).
Handle, inspect, and /or feel materials and/or equipment relevant to the job.
Move around on the jobsite, including ascending or descending on the landscape or usage of scaffolding or on a ladder, and positioning oneself appropriately to assess necessary testing materials and equipment, usually for prolonged periods of time.
Lift and/or move up to 50lbs for some types of monitoring and inspections.

Nice To Haves

Willing to pursue professional development, training, and licensing.

Responsibilities

Site Preparation & Subgrade Inspection: Verify that the site is stripped of organic matter and prepared according to the Geotechnical Report (BC 1704.7.1) before footings or fill are placed.
Fill Placement Monitoring: Oversee the placement of structural fill, ensuring lift thicknesses do not exceed code limits (typically 8–12 inches) and that the material matches specified classifications (BC 1704.7.2).
In-Place Density Testing: Perform field density tests using a Nuclear Moisture-Density Gauge (Troxler/Humboldt) to ensure soil reaches the required compaction percentage (usually 95% Modified Proctor).
Foundation Oversight: Inspect excavations for shallow foundations (spread footings) and deep foundations (piles, caissons, or helical piers) to confirm bearing capacity and depth (BC 1704.8/1704.9).
Reporting: Prepare and submit Daily Field Reports (DFRs). Identify non-conformance issues (NCRs), document them with photos, and verify when they have been corrected and re-tested.
Safety Compliance: Maintain a safe work environment in active excavation zones, adhering to OSHA standards and NYC DOB site safety protocols.