Building Codes Inspector - 9/21/26

Charleston County Government; Charleston (SC); On-site; AUD 73,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Leave and Holidays

Retirement and Pension Plan

Employee Wellness Program

Job summary

Charleston County Government is seeking a Building Codes Inspector to enforce county, state, and federal building codes across commercial and residential structures. The role requires inspections, plan reviews, and enforcement actions to safeguard public safety and welfare within Charleston County.

The position demands five years of contractor experience or SCBCC certifications; candidates must obtain additional certifications within a year and maintain records and education on codes and safety

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Minimum five years or more of experience as a licensed contractor OR SCBCC Plan Reviewer or Codes Inspector certifications.
• Preference for multiple certifications or a combination of experience and education (PE or Architect) considered favorable.
• Must obtain SCBCC residential and commercial plan review or inspections certifications and pass NIMS 100 and 700 within 6 months.
• Must obtain a multi-discipline plan reviewer/inspector certification within 1 year of hire.
• Clean DMV record and valid SC Driver's license; CDL if required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365.

Responsibilities

• Conducts thorough inspections of construction sites, existing buildings, and renovations to ensure code compliance.
• Reviews building plans, permits, and related documents for code compliance.
• Identifies violations or unsafe conditions and issues clear reports to contractors and owners.
• Issues notices of violation, stop-work orders, or citations as needed.
• Collaborates with contractors, architects, engineers, and other agencies to resolve issues.
• Maintains detailed records of inspections and enforcement actions.
• Stays current with changes in building codes and related standards through training.
• Assists in public education on building codes and safety.

Skills

Microsoft 365

Education

High School Diploma or GED

SCBCC Plans Reviewer or Codes Inspector certifications

Licensed contractor experience

Tools

MS 365

Job description

Description

The Building Codes Inspector is responsible for inspecting commercial and residential structures to ensure compliance with county, state, and federal building codes, regulations, and safety standards. The incumbent plays a critical role in safeguarding public health, safety, and welfare by enforcing construction codes and ordinances during various stages of construction, renovation, and repair.

HIRING SALARY RANGE $51,001 - $66,788 (Hiring salary dependent upon applicant's education, experience, skill level, and other job specific qualifications)

OPEN UNTIL FILLED, APPLICATION REVEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

Duties and Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)

• Conducts thorough inspections of construction sites, existing buildings, and renovations to ensure compliance with applicable building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations.
• Reviews building plans, permits, and related documents to verify compliance with codes before and during construction.
• Identifies violations or unsafe conditions and provide clear, actionable reports to contractors, builders, and property owners.
• Issues notices of violation, stop-work orders, or citations as needed to enforce compliance.
• Collaborates with contractors, architects, engineers, property owners, and other government agencies to resolve code-related issues.
• Maintains detailed and accurate records of inspections, findings, and enforcement actions.
• Remains current with changes in building codes, laws, and industry standards through ongoing education and training.
• Assists in public education efforts related to building codes and safety standards.
• Participates in meetings, hearings, or court proceedings as necessary to support enforcement actions.
• Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of five (5) years or more of experience as a licensed contractor OR possess current SC Building Code Council (SCBCC) certifications as a Plans Reviewer or Codes Inspector.
• Preference may be given to those with more than one certification or a combination of experience and education. Experience as a plan reviewer or code inspector, PE (Professional Engineer), or AIA (Architect) preferred.
• Must possess or obtain SCBCC certifications in residential and commercial plan review or inspections and pass the NIMS (National Incident Management System) 100 and 700 tests within the six (6) month probationary period.
• Must possess or obtain certification as a multi-discipline plan reviewer or inspector within one (1) year of hire date.
• Must have a clean DMV record.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft 365.
• Must possess a valid SC Driver's license (or obtain within three (3) months of hire) and meet the requirements of the County's motor vehicle policy. Position may require a Commercial Driver's License.

Success Factors

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Actively support all efforts to improve processes and increase cooperation, communication, and collaboration between and among co-workers and other departments.
• Perform work in a safe manner complying with all applicable safety rules, regulations and procedures while protecting self and all others from injury.
• Demonstrate sound time-management skills by effectively or efficiently organizing, prioritizing, and completing multiple assignments in a timely manner on or before the designated deadline.
• Work independently with limited supervision.
• Show initiative to seek other work upon completion of a task.
• Understand and internalize the importance of seeking resolution to problems and concerns by bringing them to the direct attention of supervisor in a timely manner.
• Responds to questions, comments, and requests from employees, elected and appointed officials and citizens in a courteous, timely manner.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Attends workshops and training sessions and reviews materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Responds to questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.

Physical Requirements

• Climate controlled office with hazards typical to that environment.
• Standard work hours would be Monday - Friday between the hours of 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM as determined by the supervisor.
• Able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to fifty-five (55) pounds.
• Able to stand, crouch, bend, kneel, or climb for extended periods.
• Able to traverse over uneven ground, paved and unpaved for up to a quarter of a mile at a time several times per day.
• Able to sit or stand for long periods of time and to maintain focus on work assignment(s).
• Able to perform all essential functions of the position while wearing required protective equipment.
• Able to effectively communicate orally (in person and over the telephone) and in writing (electronically and handwritten) in English.

Working Conditions

• Climate controlled office with hazards typical to that environment.
• Standard work hours would be Monday - Friday between the hours of 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM as determined by the supervisor.
• Work is performed inside and outside. Exposure to cold, heat and elements of weather and nature may be encountered.
• Position requires moderate travel within and outside of the County which imposes common travel hazards.
• May be designated to report to work during hazardous weather and other emergency conditions.
• All employees of Charleston County Government must reside in South Carolina.

Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to:

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program
• Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
• Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Well-being Program

For more information, visit our benefits page.