Inspectors should be great at:

• Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Technicians will often be asked these tasks:

• Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

• Writing reports or case summaries for documenting investigations.
• Searching computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources for locating persons or for compiling information for investigations.
• Obtaining and analyzing information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances for solving cases, for identifying criminal activity, or to gathering information for court cases.
• Conducting private investigations on a paid basis.
• Testifying at hearings or court trials for presenting evidence.
• Questioning persons for obtaining evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals’ character or financial status.
• Observing and documenting activities of individuals for detecting unlawful acts or for obtaining evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.
• Alerting appropriate personnel to suspects’ locations.
• Performing undercover operations, such as evaluating the performance or honesty of employees by posing as customers or employees.