Inspector

We're looking for people who:	love computers and want to help others use this resource well.
What you will do:	To search for defects, you will inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh raw materials and/or assembled parts or products Some specific tasks you will be asked to complete include: Analyze charts, manuals, and instructions to form a working knowledge of equipment and processes Create tests to check all materials for defects, using criteria you have created Check materials as they arrive to make sure they match what was ordered In some cases, select samples of materials for testing, after determining if the size of sample is representative of the entire shipment of materials Maintain inspection instruments to assure their proper functioning Weigh materials to determine they meet the weight standards Clean and/or correct defects found in materials you inspect Prepare reports about the inspection process, informing management of the percentages of defects you discover
Knowledge required for this job:	Understanding the production process and how it can maximized by an effective inspection process Understanding mathematical processes such as sampling and how the mean, median, and mode can help track the inspection process Understanding how standards for quality service impact the operation and reputation of your business Knowing the structure and rules of good written and oral communication
Skills required for this job:	Ability to conduct accurate tests to evaluate quality and performance Ability to understand written documents and complex technical material Capable of monitoring testing equipment to make sure machinery is in good working order Able to pay full attention to what people say
What education you need:	Most inspectors have a high school degree or lower. About one-half (51.3%) of people ages 25-44 who currently hold this kind of job have a high school degree or lower. An additional 33.1% have had some college experience. Only 13.8% have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Salary:	Nationally, people working in this job earn between $8.65 and $24.85 an hour. In Maryland, the pay scale ranges from $9.05 - $26.43 an hour. (Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) 2007)
Future job prospects	Nationally, inspectors' jobs are expected to decrease from 507,600 positions in 2004 to 494,400 in 2014. (-3%) In Maryland, jobs numbers are expected to decrease as well, with 5,230 positions in 2004 and 5,150 in 2014. (-2%)

Watch a video that shows what an inspector (a network and computer system administrator) does.

According to the Maryland Commission on Higher Education, training for this career is available through these resources:

Keyword: QUALITY ASSURANCE located this certificate program.
Keyword: CIP Code - 150702 - QUALITY CONTROL TECHNOLOGY/TECHNICIAN located these community college programs

The Maryland Career Clusters help students prepare for their future education and careers while they are in high school. The job of Inspector is part of the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology Career Cluster, in the core area of Quality Assurance.

You can explore other careers in the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology Career Cluster here.