Combination Building Inspector

Combination Building Inspector performs responsible technical work in enforcement of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) as interpreted by the State Building Code Technical Review Board and applicable City Code for new or existing residential/commercial buildings.

Reports to the Building Code Official and works under general supervision.

Preferred hiring range $25.81–$31.08 per hour ($53,684.80–$64,646.40 annually).

• 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Health insurance options with employer contribution
• Employer‑paid life insurance
• City retirement options (defined benefit and defined contribution)
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Continuing education/training opportunities

Perform routine field inspections of buildings, structures, and/or properties to ensure code and ordinance compliance; investigate complaints of sub‑standard or hazardous conditions; check for code compliance and safety; approve or reject inspections; issue warnings and stop‑work orders; review building plans and permit applications; produce certificates of occupancy; write letters or reports; maintain inspection records; respond to citizen complaints; answer questions about code enforcement;

assist in coordination with interdepartmental or intergovernmental bodies; operate city vehicle; testify in court; conduct inspections; use City equipment; maintain attendance.

• After‑hours inspection/investigation of fire or structural failures.
• Cross‑train in related areas as needed.
• Represent department on organizational committees.
• Perform additional duties as required.

High School Diploma or GED AND at least 3 years of experience in building construction, construction processes, inspections, or related trades; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that confers the required knowledge.

• Obtain Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code certification within 18 months of start.
• Maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Pass a pre‑employment background check and drug screen.

• General knowledge of building construction, materials, and methods.
• Knowledge of Virginia construction codes, laws, and City ordinances.
• Understanding of typical construction stages and potential violations.
• Knowledge of poor workmanship, hazards, and fire/structural risks.
• Familiarity with housing inspections, electrical, elevators, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing, and property maintenance.

• Can read and understand newspapers, magazines, instruction manuals, reference materials, and building code materials.
• Can read and interpret plans and specifications of ordinary complexity.

• Can organize data and write clear, concise reports, business letters, explanations, and summaries.

• Can use number systems, simple formulas, fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, and measurement.

• Effective working relationships with coworkers, officials, agencies, businesses, and the public.
• Provides and receives information ranging from standard to complex.
• Handles stressful or aggressive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Uses persuasion to gain cooperation and understanding.

• Performs work following general instructions or SOPs; makes limited decisions among a few options.

• Use Microsoft Office and department software.

• No budgetary or fiscal responsibilities.

• No supervisory responsibilities; may assist helpers, interns, or temporary staff.

• Organization and time‑management skills under strict deadlines.
• Teamwork.
• Ability to perform tedious or exacting work.
• Managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Handling frequent changes, interruptions, and requests for service.
• Ability to respond to emergencies.
• Willingness to work additional or non‑traditional hours.
• Handles angry or upset individuals.

• Light work: lift up to 25 lbs occasionally; 10 lbs frequently.
• Field work: climb, crawl, stoop, crouch, balance, maneuver safely on uneven terrain.
• Operate computer and office machinery.
• Communicate and exchange accurate information with citizens and businesses.
• Observe details at close range.

• Standard office equipment and telephone; construction tools and inspection equipment.

• On‑site inspections and office environment; access to various areas during emergencies and all weather.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures, brightness, chemicals, gases, electrical hazards, fumes, dust, pollen, wildlife, and traffic.
• Noise varies from moderate to loud.