Overview
Coatings Inspector — Water Storage Tanks Jobs in DeSoto, TX at Honest Quality Consulting
Overview:
HQC is hiring a Coating Quality Assurance (QA) Inspector who will be an essential member of an inspection team tasked with the responsibility of examining tanks, pipes, fittings, valves, and associated components and assemblies within the domestic water supply system. This role entails working in a field environment on a regular basis. The Inspector will be responsible for performing thorough inspections and validating tests, in addition to documenting these findings daily. Inspections may be conducted on system components prior to, during, or subsequent to coating operations.
Coatings Inspector — Water Storage Tanks
AMPP CIP Level 2 / NACE Level 2 Certified
Reports To: Project Manager
Type: Contract/1099
Duration: ~100 working days (3-4 months)
Location: Dallas, TX USA
Compensation: $50/hr. plus mileage
Start Date: November 2026
Position Summary
Provide independent third-party quality assurance inspection for surface preparation and protective coating of water storage tanks, including elevated tanks, standpipes, and ground-level reservoirs. Verify that all work conforms to the project specification, the coating manufacturer’s product data sheets, and applicable AMPP/SSPC, ASTM, and AWWA D102 standards. Enforce hold points, document all inspection activity, and report non-conformances to the Owner.
Essential Duties
Surface Preparation and Cleanliness
- Verify pre-cleaning per SSPC-SP 1 and removal of sharp edges and surface defects per NACE SP0178.
- Verify the specified degree of blast cleaning — typically SSPC-SP 5/NACE No. 1 (White Metal) for interior immersion service, or SSPC-SP 10/NACE No. 2 — assessed against SSPC-VIS 1 visual standards.
- Verify compressed air cleanliness per ASTM D4285 each shift and abrasive cleanliness prior to use.
- Verify surfaces are free of dust and residual abrasive per ISO 8502-3, and conduct soluble salt testing by the Bresle method (ISO 8502-9) where specified.
- Verify coating is applied within the specified time window after blasting, with no flash rusting or recontamination. Reject and require re-preparation of contaminated surfaces.
Blast Profile
- Measure and document surface profile per ASTM D4417 (Method C replica tape, or Method A/B as specified).
- Verify profile falls within the range required by the specification and product data sheet, typically 2.0–4.0 mils for immersion linings.
- Take readings at the frequency and distribution required by applicable SSPC standards and the project Inspection and Test Plan (ITP); retain labeled replica tape samples as project record.
Environmental Conditions
- Record ambient air temperature, relative humidity, dew point, and substrate temperature at minimum four-hour intervals and at each change of work area, using calibrated equipment as approved for the project. This could include a sling psychrometer per ASTM E337.
- Verify substrate temperature remains at least 5 °F (3 °C) above dew point and rising throughout preparation, application, and cure.
- Verify all readings fall within the manufacturer’s published limits; stop work and document a hold when conditions fall outside limits.
- Monitor dehumidification equipment and log interior containment conditions during blasting, coating, and cure.
Dry Film Thickness
- Measure DFT per SSPC-PA 2 and ASTM D7091 using calibrated Type 2 gages, with shim verification at the start and end of each shift.
- Apply correct spot and area measurement structure and the specified Coating Thickness Restriction Level.
- Verify each coat and the total system fall within the specified minimum and maximum range; document and require correction of both thin and excessive areas.
- Measure WFT per ASTM D4414 during application as process control.
Holiday Testing
- Perform holiday testing of interior immersion linings after full cure, per NACE SP0188 and ASTM D5162.
- Use low-voltage wet sponge (Method A) for systems 20 mils DFT or less; high-voltage spark (Method B) above 20 mils, with voltage set to the measured film thickness.
- Log, mark, and photograph all discontinuities; verify repair per the manufacturer’s procedure and re-test 100% of repaired areas.
Documentation
- Submit daily inspection reports covering work performed, environmental readings, all test results, hold points, non-conformances, and photographs.
- Issue written Non-Conformance Reports and track to closure.
- Maintain instrument calibration logs, batch/lot records, and the final coating system record.
Required Qualifications
- AMPP CIP Level 2 (or valid legacy NACE Level 2), current and in good standing
- 3–5 years field coatings inspection experience, preferably on steel water storage tanks
- Working knowledge of SSPC-SP series, SSPC-PA 2, SSPC-VIS 1, NACE SP0188, AWWA D102, and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 requirements for potable water contact
- Proficiency with DFT gages, psychrometers, replica tape, and holiday detectors, including calibration and verification
- Strong written documentation skills; valid driver’s license
Safety Requirements
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction (10-Hour minimum)
- Confined space entry qualification per 29 CFR 1910.146 — interior tank work is confined space entry
- Fall protection training
- Current respirator fit test per 29 CFR 1910.134
- Lead awareness per 29 CFR 1926.62 where existing coatings contain lead
Physical Requirements
Climb fixed ladders and work at heights over 100 feet; enter and egress confined spaces through restricted manways; wear respirator and harness for extended periods; lift 50 lbs; work in extreme heat, cold, and high-humidity containment.
Authority
The Inspector represents the Owner and exercises independent judgment, with authority to reject non-conforming work and stop work when conditions or workmanship fall outside specification. The Inspector shall have no financial or employment relationship with the coating contractor or manufacturer on the assigned project.
Qualified applicants can send a copy of their resume to [email protected] or [email protected].
Please reference the “Coatings Inspector — Water Storage Tanks” position in the subject line of your email.
Pay: $50.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Title: Coatings Inspector — Water Storage Tanks
Company: Honest Quality Consulting
Location: DeSoto, TX
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