Building Code Inspector III

DC Department of Human Resources; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB) seeks a qualified inspector within the Office of Construction and Building Standards (OCBS) to ensure public safety through permitting, inspections, and code enforcement in the District of Columbia. The role emphasizes accurate inspection reporting, customer service, and collaboration with owners, architects, engineers, and contractors.

The position requires specialized experience, relevant ICC certifications, and the ability to operate in field

Qualifications

• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare inspection reports and issue compliance actions.
• Ability to communicate with owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Prepares written and electronic inspection reports indicating the location of inspected area, compliance, or non-compliance with approved permits, plans and/or applicable codes. Inspection reports clearly articulate any required corrections based on inspection of the construction work, or that is necessary for the contingent approval of the work. Issues Stop Work Orders, Notices of Infraction, and/or Correction Orders as applicable for non-conforming work or illegal construction activity. Incumbent uploads inspection result data into DOB databases an electronic file on a daily basis and maintains files that are legally defensible records of all inspections and code violations.
• Maintains an effective customer service relationship with clients and the public and works to resolve customer service issues, either in person, by telephone, or in writing. Incumbent recognizes, evaluates, and properly resolves unique problems or situations in consultation with supervisor and/or Chief Building Official and maintains customer service documentation.
• Conducts discussions with owners, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, staff from Fire Marshall’s Office, specialty inspectors, DOB staff, and the public regarding permits, specifications, materials, methods, and plans, as appropriate and assists customers in obtaining compliance with applicable construction codes during the construction process.

Skills

Customer service

Written reports

Communication

Inspection coordination

Job description

Job Summary

This position is in the District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB), within the division of the Office of Construction and Building Standards (OCBS). The mission of the Department of Buildings is to protect the safety of residents, businesses, and visitors and advance the development of the built environment through permitting, inspections, and code enforcement. OCBS is responsible for ensuring public and private sector safety in the District of Columbia through inspection record management; code compliance, occupancy and zoning inspections for all buildings and structures; maintenance of issued building/trade permits; and enforcement of illegal construction activity, all in accordance with the adopted DC Construction Codes and referenced standards.

This position is in the District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB), within the division of the Office of Construction and Building Standards (OCBS). The mission of the Department of Buildings is to protect the safety of residents, businesses, and visitors and advance the development of the built environment through permitting, inspections, and code enforcement. OCBS is responsible for ensuring public and private sector safety in the District of Columbia through inspection record management; code compliance, occupancy and zoning inspections for all buildings and structures; maintenance of issued building/trade permits; and enforcement of illegal construction activity, all in accordance with the adopted DC Construction Codes and referenced standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares written and electronic inspection reports indicating the location of inspected area, compliance, or non-compliance with approved permits, plans and/or applicable codes. Inspection reports clearly articulate any required corrections based on inspection of the construction work, or that is necessary for the contingent approval of the work. Issues Stop Work Orders, Notices of Infraction, and/or Correction Orders as applicable for non-conforming work or illegal construction activity. Incumbent uploads inspection result data into DOB databases an electronic file on a daily basis and maintains files that are legally defensible records of all inspections and code violations.
• Maintains an effective customer service relationship with clients and the public and works to resolve customer service issues, either in person, by telephone, or in writing. Incumbent recognizes, evaluates, and properly resolves unique problems or situations in consultation with supervisor and/or Chief Building Official and maintains customer service documentation.
• Conducts discussions with owners, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, staff from Fire Marshall’s Office, specialty inspectors, DOB staff, and the public regarding permits, specifications, materials, methods, and plans, as appropriate and assists customers in obtaining compliance with applicable construction codes during the construction process.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession and maintenance of an ICC Commercial Combination Inspector Certification, which includes Commercial Building (B2), Commercial Electrical (E2), Commercial Mechanical (M2), and Commercial Plumbing (P2) issued by the International Code Council (ICC); AND an ICC Residential Combination Inspector Certification, which includes Residential Building (B1), Residential Electrical (E1), Residential Mechanical (M1), and Residential Plumbing (P1) Possession and maintenance of the ICC Fire Inspector I (66) Certification.
• Possession and maintenance of the ICC Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner (21) Certification.
• Possession and maintenance of the ICC Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner (79) Certification. All Certifications must be maintained per ICC requirements and are the financial responsibility of the Inspector.

Working Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in an office which is adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated as well as in the field completing inspections. Field inspections may be performed in inclement weather, under adverse conditions, and in unusual places. Soil and mud may be encountered when yards, vacant land and exterior structures are inspected. The incumbent occasionally encounters dust, solid waste, flooded areas, contaminated water, mold, mildew, and vermin during inspections. Normal safety precautions must be observed at all times. This position requires exposure to construction sites and the safety issues at each site. At many sites the incumbent is required to wear safety equipment such as a hard hat, safety vest, eye, and hearing protection, and/or steel toe safety shoes.

Other Significant Facts

• Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:15AM- 4:45PM
• Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-1801-13
• Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential
• Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is covered under a collective bargaining unit AFGE 2725 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through direct payroll deduction
• Duration of Appointment: Career Service Regular Appointment
• Position Designation: The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability – Safety Sensitive.
• Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement

The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.