Combination Building Inspector

General Summary

A Combination Building Inspector performs technical work in enforcing the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) as interpreted by the State Building Code Technical Review Board and applicable City Code for new and existing residential and commercial buildings. The role reports to the Building Code Official.

Preferred hiring range: $25.31 to $30.47 per hour ($52,644.80 to $63,377.60 annually).

This full‑time, non‑exempt position offers 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer‑paid life insurance, the City’s retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education opportunities.

General summary of benefits offered by the City is available on the City website.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. The position will close once sufficient qualified candidates have been reviewed or when a candidate is chosen.

• Perform, schedule, and plan routine field inspections of buildings, structures, and properties to ensure code compliance.
• Investigate complaints of sub‑standard and hazardous conditions in buildings and properties.
• Verify code compliance and safety of work being performed.
• Approve or reject inspections based on building codes.
• Issue warnings and stop‑work orders for code violations.
• Depending on assignment:
  • Review building plans, permit application information, and inspect structures during construction, alteration, or repair for compliance.
  • Produce certificates of occupancy and occupancy load calculations.
  • Write letters or reports of compliance or non‑compliance, inspection warrants, and notices of violations.
• Complete inspection reports and maintain records using appropriate database systems.
• Respond to citizen complaints and assist property owners in resolving code violations.
• Answer questions and update citizens, contractors, designers, and builders regarding code enforcement and upcoming changes.
• Coordinate and disseminate information with interdepartmental or intergovernmental partners.
• Operate a city vehicle safely during duties.
• Testify in court on code violation cases as needed.
• Conduct code inspections as required.
• Use and maintain city equipment, tools, and resources responsibly.
• Maintain reliable attendance.

• Perform after‑hours inspections or investigations where fires or structural failures have occurred.
• Cross‑train in related areas as needed or assigned.
• Represent the department on various organizational committees.
• Perform additional duties as required to support operations.

Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills through experience rather than formal education.

• High School Diploma or GED AND at least 3 years of experience and general knowledge in at least one of the following: building construction; building construction conceptual and administrative processes; building, fire, or housing inspections; plumbing, electrical or mechanical trades; or fire protection, elevator or property maintenance work.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if it confers equivalent knowledge and ability.

• Within 18 months of start date, obtain certification under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (Virginia Certification Standards).
• Maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving record per city criteria.
• Pass a pre‑employment background check and drug screen.

• General knowledge of building construction, materials and methods.
• Knowledge of Virginia construction codes, related laws and city ordinances.
• Knowledge of typical construction stages to identify violations and defects.
• Understand poor workmanship, deficiencies, inferior materials and fire/structural hazards.
• Working knowledge of construction, housing inspections, electrical, elevators, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing, and property maintenance.

• Intermediate:
  Ability to read and understand written materials such as…