Building Inspector - Trainee

Waikato District Councils; Cambridge; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Waipā District Council is seeking a motivated individual to join our Building Compliance team as a Building Inspector - Trainee. If you're passionate about construction and want real career progression while you learn, we'd love to hear from you.

This permanent, full-time role offers a mix of field visits and desk-based support, with hands-on training from day one. You’ll learn to inspect residential work for compliance and to manage essential documentation as you work toward competency.

Qualifications

• No prior Building Inspector experience required; training provided.
• Interest in construction, building, trades or property.
• Strong communication skills and solution-focused customer service.
• Organised and detail-focused; comfortable using technology.
• Must hold a full New Zealand driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Shadow Building Inspectors on site and assist with on-site visits.
• Learn to inspect residential building work for compliance with the Building Code and Building Act.
• Manage the inspections calendar and waiting lists to keep projects moving.
• Develop ability to issue CCC, COA, CS and BWOFs as competencies are gained.
• Build relationships with homeowners, builders, architects and developers.

Skills

Construction/building background

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Customer service

Attention to detail

NZ Driver's Licence

Education

Regulation 18 qualification (Level 6 Building Surveying Diploma)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Kick-start your career in the building industry with paid training, mentoring and real career progression.

Waipā District Council is looking for a motivated and curious individual to join our Building Compliance team as a Building Inspector - Trainee. If you're passionate about construction, enjoy problem-solving, and want a career where you can learn while you work, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a permanent, full-time position working 40 hours per week, offering the opportunity to gain valuable experience and build your skills as a Building Inspector.

What you'll do

This role offers a dynamic mix of out-in-the-field shadowing and critical desk-based support. From day one, you’ll be hands-on with both site visits and the essential documentation that keeps our industry moving. You will be the backbone of our daily operations as you learn the ropes.

As you develop your knowledge and work toward your Building Inspector competency, you will:

• Learn how to inspect residential building work for compliance with the Building Code and Building Act.
• Shadow experienced Building Inspectors on site and receive comprehensive on-the-job training.
• Manage the inspections calendar and waiting lists to keep projects moving smoothly.
• Learn to assess vital documentation and independently issue Code Compliance Certificates (CCC), Certificates of Acceptance (COA), Compliance Schedules (CS), and Building Warrants of Fitness (BWOFs).
• Build relationships with homeowners, builders, architects and developers.

What we're looking for

You don't need to be an experienced Building Inspector. We're interested in people who:

• Have a practical interest or background in construction, building, trades, or property.
• Are eager to learn and develop a long-term career.
• Have strong communication skills and a solution-focused approach to customer service.
• Are organised, detail-focused and comfortable using technology.
• Hold a full New Zealand driver's licence.

A relevant Regulation 18 qualification (such as a Level 6 Building Surveying Diploma) would be an advantage but isn’t essential. If you don’t currently have one, you must be willing to commit to the study and development needed to achieve it, and we’ll support you through the relevant Building Surveying study as you work towards becoming a fully qualified Building Inspector.

What's in it for you?

• Structured training and mentoring, with support to gain industry-recognised qualifications. A training agreement, including a bonding period, will apply to Council-funded qualification enrolment and the first-time achievement of Residential 1 (R1) and Residential 2 (R2) competencies.
• Be part of a close-knit, genuinely supportive team that values real work-life balance.
• A varied work week with a mix of office and field-based work.
• Enjoy the use of a work vehicle, including commuting use for those living within 35 km of our offices.
• The opportunity to build a rewarding career serving your local community.
• Competitive local government salary and benefits, including insurance, retail discounts, subsidised health and fitness memberships, and three days’ special leave over Christmas and New Year.

We welcome applications from

School leavers, recent graduates, tradespeople looking to get off the tools, and anyone with a genuine interest in the building industry.

Applications close: Monday, 7th September at 5pm.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.