Inspectors and compliance officers enforce adherence to a wide range of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures that protect the public on matters such as health, safety, food, immigration, licensing, interstate commerce, and international trade. Depending upon their employer, inspectors' duties vary widely.
Health InspectorsHealth inspectors work with engineers, chemists, microbiologists, health workers, and lawyers to insure compliance with public health and safety regulations governing food, drugs, cosmetics, and other consumer products. They also administer regulations that govern the quarantine of persons and products entering the United States from foreign countries. The major types of health inspectors are consumer safety, food, agricultural quarantine, and environmental health inspectors. In addition, some inspectors work in agricultural commodity grading, a field closely related to food inspection.
Most consumer safety inspectors specialize in food, feeds and pesticides, weights and measures, cosmetics, drugs and medical equipment, or radiation emitting products. Some are proficient in several areas. Working individually or in teams under a senior or supervisory inspector, they periodically check firms that produce, handle, store, and market the products they regulate. Inspectors look for inaccurate product labeling, and for decomposition or chemical or bacteriological contamination that could result in a product becoming harmful to health. They may use portable scales, cameras, ultraviolet lights, container sampling devices, thermometers, chemical testing kits, radiation monitors, and other equipment to ascertain violations. They may send product samples collected as part of their examinations to laboratories for analysis.
After completing their inspection, inspectors discuss their observations with plant managers or officials and point out areas where corrective measures are needed. They write reports of their findings and, when necessary, compile evidence that may be used in court if legal action must be taken to enforce the law.
Federal and State laws empower food inspectors to inspect meat, poultry, and their byproducts to insure that they are safe for public consumption. Working onsite as a team under a veterinarian, they inspect meat and poultry slaughtering, processing, and packaging operations. They also check for correct product labeling and proper sanitation.
Agricultural quarantine inspectors protect American agriculture from the spread of foreign plant and animal pests and diseases. To safeguard crops, forests, gardens, and livestock, they inspect ships, aircraft, railroad cars, and motor vehicles entering the United States for restricted or prohibited plants, animals, insects, agricultural commodities, and animal by-products.
Environmental health inspectors, or sanitarians, who work primarily for State and local governments, insure that food, water, and air meet government standards. They check the cleanliness and safety of food and beverages produced in dairies and processing plants, or served in restaurants, hospitals, and other institutions. They often examine the handling, processing, and serving of food for compliance with sanitation rules and regulations and oversee the treatment and disposal of sewage, refuse, and garbage. In addition, inspectors may visit pollution sources and test for pollutants by collecting air, water, or waste samples for analysis. They try to determine the nature and cause of pollution and initiate action to stop it.
In large local and State health or agriculture departments, environmental health inspectors may specialize in milk and dairy products, food sanitation, waste control, air pollution, water pollution, institutional sanitation, or occupational health. In rural areas and small cities, they may be responsible for a wide range of environmental health activities.
Agricultural commodity graders apply quality standards to aid the buying and selling of commodities and to insure that retailers and consumers know the quality of the products they purchase. Although this grading is not required by law, buyers generally will not purchase ungraded commodities. Graders usually specialize in an area such as eggs and egg products, meat, poultry, processed or fresh fruits and vegetables, grain, tobacco, cotton, or dairy products. They examine product samples to determine quality and grade, and issue official grading certificates. Graders also may inspect the plant and equipment to maintain sanitation standards.
Regulatory InspectorsRegulatory inspectors insure compliance with laws and regulations that protect the public welfare. Important types of regulatory inspectors include immigration, customs, aviation safety, railroad, motor vehicle, occupational safety and health, mine, wage-hour compliance, postal, and alcohol, tobacco, and firearms.
Immigration inspectors interview and examine people seeking to enter the United States and its territories. They inspect passports to determine whether people are legally eligible to enter and to verify their citizenship status and identity. Immigration inspectors also prepare reports, maintain records, and process applications and petitions for immigration or temporary residence in the United States.
Customs inspectors enforce laws governing imports and exports. Stationed in the U.S. and overseas at airports, seaports, and border crossing points, they examine, count, weigh, gauge, measure, and sample commercial and noncommercial cargoes entering and leaving the United States to determine admissibility and the amount of tax that must be paid. They insure that all cargo is properly described on accompanying manifests to determine the proper duty. They inspect baggage and articles worn by passengers and crew members to insure that all merchandise is declared, proper duties are paid, and contraband is not present. They also ensure that people, ships, planes, and anything used to import or export cargo comply with all appropriate entrance and clearance requirements.
Postal inspectors observe the functioning of the postal system and enforce laws and regulations. As law enforcement agents, postal inspectors have statutory powers of arrest and the authority to carry firearms. They investigate criminal activities such as theft and misuse of the mail. In instances of suspected mismanagement or fraud, inspectors conduct management or financial audits. They also collaborate with other government agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service, as members of special task forces.
Aviation safety inspectors insure that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations which govern the quality and safety of aircraft equipment and personnel are maintained. Aviation safety inspectors may inspect aircraft and equipment manufacturing, maintenance and repair, or flight operations procedures. They usually specialize in either commercial or general aviation aircraft. They also examine and certify aircraft pilots, pilot examiners, flight instructors, repair stations, schools, and instructional materials.
Railroad inspectors verify the compliance of railroad systems and equipment with Federal safety regulations. They investigate accidents and review railroads' operating practices.
Motor vehicle inspectors verify the compliance of automobiles and trucks with State requirements for safe operation and emissions. They inspect truck cargoes to assure compliance with legal limitations on gross weight and hazardous cargoes.
Traffic inspectors oversee the scheduled service of streetcar, bus, or railway systems and determine the need for additional vehicles, revised schedules, or other changes to improve service. They also report conditions hazardous to passengers and disruptive to service.
Park rangers enforce laws and regulations in State and national parks. Their duties range from registering vehicles and visitors, collecting fees, and providing information regarding park use and points of interest, to patrolling areas to prevent fire and theft, participating in first aid and rescue activities, and training and supervising other park workers. Some rangers specialize in snow safety and avalanche control. With increasing numbers of visitors to our national parks, their duties increasingly resemble those of traditional urban law enforcement officers in a rural setting, a kind of forest police.
Occupational safety and health inspectors visit places of employment to detect unsafe machinery and equipment or unhealthy working conditions. They discuss their findings with the employer or plant manager and urge that violations be promptly corrected in accordance with Federal, State, or local government safety standards and regulations.
Mine safety and health inspectors work to insure the health and safety of miners. They visit mines and related facilities to obtain information on health and safety conditions and to enforce safety laws and regulations. They discuss their findings with the management of the mine and issue citations describing violations and hazards that must be corrected. Mine inspectors also investigate and report on mine accidents and may direct rescue and firefighting operations when fires or explosions occur.
Wage-hour compliance inspectors inspect employers' time, payroll, and personnel records to insure compliance with Federal laws on such matters as minimum wages, overtime, pay, and employment of minors. They often interview employees to verify the employer's records and to check for complaints.
Equal opportunity representatives ascertain and correct unfair employment practices through consultation with and mediation between employers and minority groups.
Alcohol, tobacco, and firearms inspectors inspect distilleries, wineries, and breweries; cigar and cigarette manufacturing plants; wholesale liquor dealers and importers; firearms and explosives manufacturers, dealers, and users; and other regulated facilities. They insure compliance with revenue laws and other regulations on operating procedures, unfair competition, and trade practices, and determine that appropriate taxes are paid. Some alcohol, tobacco, and firearms inspectors have statutory powers of arrest and the authority to carry firearms and investigate criminal activities.
Securities compliance examiners implement regulations concerning securities transactions. They investigate applications for registration of securities sales and complaints of irregular securities transactions, and recommend necessary legal action.
Revenue officers investigate delinquent tax returns and liabilities. They attempt to resolve tax problems with taxpayers and recommend penalties, collection actions, and prosecution when necessary.
Chief bank examiners direct investigations of financial institutions to enforce Federal and State laws and regulations governing the institution's operations and solvency. Examiners schedule audits, determine actions to protect the institution's solvency and the interests of shareholders and depositors, and recommend acceptance or rejection of applications for mergers, acquisitions, establishment of a new institution, or acceptance in the Federal Reserve System.
Attendance officers investigate continued absences of pupils from public schools.
Dealer compliance representatives inspect franchised establishments to ascertain compliance with the franchiser's policies and procedures. They may suggest changes in financial and other operations.
Logging operations inspectors review contract logging operations. They prepare reports and issue remedial instructions for violations of contractual agreements and of fire and safety regulations.
Travel accommodations raters inspect hotels, motels, restaurants, campgrounds, and vacation resorts. They evaluate travel and tourist accommodations for travel guide publishers and organizations such as tourism promoters and automobile clubs.
Quality control inspectors and coordinators inspect products manufactured or processed by private companies for government use to insure compliance with contract specifications. They may specialize in specific products such as lumber, machinery, petroleum products, paper products, electronic equipment, or furniture. Others coordinate the activities of workers engaged in testing and evaluating pharmaceuticals in order to control quality of manufacture and insure compliance with legal standards.
Other inspectors and compliance officers include coroners, code inspectors, mortician investigators, and construction and building inspectors. (Construction and building inspectors are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Inspectors promote the general health and safety by ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
Inspectors and compliance officers meet people and work in a variety of environments. Their jobs often involve considerable field work, and some inspectors travel frequently. They often are furnished with an automobile or are reimbursed for travel expenses.
Inspectors may experience unpleasant or dangerous working conditions. For example, mine safety and health inspectors often are exposed to the same hazards as miners. Food inspectors may examine and inspect the livestock slaughtering process in slaughterhouses and frequently come in contact with strong, unpleasant odors. Alcohol, tobacco, and firearms inspectors frequently confront risk when trying to curtail criminal activity. Customs inspectors may have to conduct body searches of passengers or crewmembers and may experience violence in the course of subsequent arrests. Park rangers may help work outdoors in very hot or bitterly cold weather, and risk injury in rough terrain or mountainous areas. Many inspectors work long and often irregular hours. Even those inspectors not engaged in some form of police work may find themselves in adversarial roles when the group being inspected does not want them there.
Inspectors and compliance officers held 155,000 jobs in 1992. State governments employed 33 percent, the Federal Government chiefly the Departments of Defense, Treasury, Agriculture, and Justice employed 28 percent, and local governments employed 20 percent. The remaining 19 percent were employed in the U.S. Postal Service and throughout the private sector primarily in education, hospitals, insurance companies, labor unions, and manufacturing firms.
The largest single employer of consumer safety inspectors is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but the majority work for State governments. Most food inspectors and agricultural commodity graders in processing plants are employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as are agricultural quarantine inspectors. Many environmental health inspectors work for State and local governments.
Most Federal regulatory inspectors work in regional and district offices throughout the United States. The Department of Defense employs the most quality control inspectors. The Treasury Department employs internal revenue officers, alcohol, tobacco, and firearms inspectors, and customs inspectors. Aviation safety inspectors work for the Federal Aviation Administration. The Environmental Protection Agency employs inspectors to verify compliance with pollution control laws. The U.S. Department of Labor and many State governments employ wage-hour compliance officers, occupational safety and health inspectors, and mine safety and health inspectors. Immigration inspectors are employed by the U.S. Department of Justice, while the U.S. Department of Interior employs park rangers. Like agricultural quarantine inspectors, immigration and customs inspectors work in the United States and overseas at airports, seaports, and border crossing points.
Because of the diversity of functions, qualifications for inspector and compliance officer jobs differ greatly. Requirements are a combination of education, experience, and often a passing grade on a written examination. Employers generally prefer applicants with college training, including courses related to the job. The following examples illustrate the range of qualifications for various inspector jobs.
Food inspectors must have related experience and pass an examination based on specialized knowledge.
Postal inspectors must have a bachelor's and a graduate degree or one of several professional certifications, such as certified public accountant. They also must pass certain age and health requirements, possess a valid State driver's license, and be a U.S. citizen.
Aviation safety inspectors must have considerable experience in aviation maintenance and operations and knowledge of the industry and relevant Federal laws. In addition, FAA mechanic or pilot and medical certificates are required. Some also are required to have an FAA flight instructor rating. Many aviation safety inspectors have had flight and maintenance training in the Armed Forces. No written examination is required.
Applicants for positions as mine safety and health inspectors generally must have experience in mine safety, management, or supervision or possess a skill such as that of an electrician (for mine electrical inspectors). Most mine safety inspectors are former miners.
Applicants for internal revenue officer jobs must have a bachelor's degree or 3 years of business, legal, or investigative work experience that displays strong analytical ability.
Park rangers need at least 2 years of college with courses in science and criminal justice. Many start as part-time, seasonal workers with the U.S. Forest Service.
Environmental health inspectors, called sanitarians in many States, sometimes must have a bachelor's degree in environmental health or in the physical or biological sciences. In most States, they are licensed by examining boards.
All inspectors and compliance officers are trained in applicable laws and inspection procedures through a combination of classroom and on-the-job training. In general, people who want to enter this occupation should be able to accept responsibility and like detailed work. Inspectors and compliance officers should be neat and personable and able to express themselves well orally and in writing.
Federal Government inspectors and compliance officers whose job performance is satisfactory advance through their career ladder to a specified full performance level. For positions above this level (usually supervisory positions), advancement is competitive, based on agency needs and individual merit. Advancement opportunities in State and local governments and the private sector are often similar to those in the Federal Government.
Some civil service examinations, including those for agricultural quarantine inspectors, aviation safety inspectors, and agricultural commodity graders, rate applicants solely on their experience and education and require no written examination.
Employment of inspectors and compliance officers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005, reflecting growing public demand for a safe environment and quality products. Employment growth, particularly in local government, will stem from the expansion of regulatory and compliance programs in solid and hazardous waste disposal and water pollution. In private industry, employment growth will reflect increasing self-enforcement of government and company regulations and policies, particularly among the rapidly growing number of franchise dealerships in various industries. Job openings will also arise from the need to replace those who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the labor force for other reasons.
Employment of inspectors and compliance officers is seldom affected by general economic fluctuations. Most work in programs which enjoy wide public support. In addition, Federal, State, and local governments which employ most inspectors provide workers with considerable job security. As a result, inspectors are less likely to lose their jobs than many other workers when government programs are cut.
The median weekly salary of inspectors and compliance officers, except construction, was about $630 in 1992. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $375; the highest 10 percent earned over $1,000.
In the Federal Government, the average annual salaries for inspectors varied substantially in 1993 from $24,800 to $59,300 depending upon the nature of the inspection or compliance activity. The following tabulation presents 1993 average salaries for selected inspectors and compliance officers in the Federal Government in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions.
Table 1. Average salaries of selected Federal inspectors and compliance officers, 1992
Aviation safety inspectors.....................................$59,300
Highway safety inspectors...................................... 55,100
Insurance examiners............................................ 51,100
Railroad safety inspectors..................................... 50,200
Equal opportunity compliance officials......................... 49,100
Mine safety and health inspectors.............................. 48,400
Internal revenue agent......................................... 48,000
Environmental protection specialists........................... 45,700
Import specialists............................................. 43,600
Safety and occupational health managers........................ 43,400
Alcohol, tobacco, and firearms inspectors...................... 41,500
Quality assurance inspectors................................... 41,000
Public health quarantine inspectors............................ 39,600
Securities compliance examiners................................ 36,500
Customs inspectors............................................. 36,400
Agricultural commodity graders................................. 34,200
Immigration inspectors......................................... 33,500
Food inspectors................................................ 29,800
Consumer safety inspectors..................................... 27,600
Transportation rate and tariff examiners....................... 25,600
Environmental protection assistants............................ 24,800
SOURCE: U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Salaries of inspectors and compliance officers in State and local government and in private industry are generally lower than those of their Federal counterparts.
Most inspectors and compliance officers work for Federal, State, and local governments and in large private firms, all of which generally offer more generous fringe benefits than do smaller firms.
Inspectors and compliance officers are responsible for seeing that laws and regulations are obeyed. Construction and building inspectors, fire marshals, State and local police officers, FBI and Secret Service agents, and fish and game wardens also enforce laws.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor