Building Inspector

CITY OF CLEVELAND; Cleveland (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

CITY OF CLEVELAND is seeking a Building Inspector to perform technical inspections of residential and commercial construction to ensure compliance with building codes, ordinances, and approved plans. The role includes reviewing plans, issuing notices, and coordinating with contractors and city departments to enforce codes.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma and 3+ years of inspection experience, with a valid Texas driver’s license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 3 years building inspections experience preferred (municipal experience preferred).
• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Conducts residential and commercial inspections to ensure compliance with building codes, ordinances, and approved plans.
• Reviews plans, site plans, permit applications, and related documents for compliance.
• Identifies code violations and conducts follow-up inspections to verify corrective actions.
• Issues notices or documentation regarding violations and enforces compliance with city codes.
• Coordinates with contractors and city staff to resolve discrepancies between plans and site conditions.

Skills

Code compliance knowledge

Inspections experience

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

3 years building inspections experience preferred

2+ years blueprint interpretation experience

Job description

Job Details

Job Details: Job Location: CITY HALL - CLEVELAND, TX, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $50057.00 - $72582.00Salary, Under general supervision, the Building Inspector performs technical inspections and related work to ensure residential and commercial construction, alterations, repairs, and existing structures comply with applicable building codes, City ordinances, approved plans, permits, and other regulatory requirements. The position reviews plans and permit-related documents, conducts inspections at various stages of construction, documents findings, identifies code violations, and provides information and guidance regarding code and permit requirements. The Building Inspector exercises independent judgment in determining compliance, maintains accurate inspection records, coordinates with City departments and contractors as necessary, and performs related duties in support of the City’s building safety and code compliance functions.

Work Schedule

The regular work schedule is Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The work schedule is subject to change based on operational needs. The position may require work outside of regularly scheduled hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or emergency situations, as needed.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Functions: -- Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following duties and responsibilities are considered essential functions of this position. The duties listed below are representative of the work performed and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary to meet the operational needs of the City.

• Conducts inspections of residential and commercial construction, alterations, repairs, and existing structures to determine compliance with applicable building codes, City ordinances, approved plans, permits, and other regulatory requirements.
• Performs field inspections of building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems and work at various stages of construction to verify compliance with approved plans, specifications, applicable codes, and established standards.
• Reviews building plans, site plans, permit applications, specifications, and related documents to determine compliance with applicable building codes, zoning requirements, City ordinances, and other regulations.
• Identifies and documents code violations, construction deficiencies, and deviations from approved plans; communicates required corrections and conducts follow‑up inspections to verify compliance.
• Approves or disapproves inspected work based on compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, approved plans, permits, and established requirements.
• Investigates complaints and potential violations involving construction, buildings, structures, and other matters within the position’s assigned area of responsibility.
• Enforces applicable City ordinances and adopted codes relating to buildings, construction, dangerous structures, signs, fences, zoning, floodplain requirements, and other assigned areas.
• Issues notices or other appropriate documentation regarding violations or noncompliance and performs follow‑up inspections to determine whether required corrective action has been completed.
• Reviews active construction for required permits and takes appropriate action when work is being performed without required permits or approvals, in accordance with City procedures and applicable authority.
• Reads, interprets, applies, and explains adopted building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes, City ordinances, construction plans, specifications, and other technical documents.
• Provides information and assistance to property owners, residents, contractors, builders, architects, engineers, and other members of the public regarding applicable codes, inspection requirements, permits, violations, and required corrective actions.
• Consults and coordinates with contractors, property owners, design professionals, and City staff to address discrepancies between approved plans and field conditions and to assist in resolving code‑related issues.
• Researches applicable codes, ordinances, regulations, and technical standards as necessary to respond to questions and determine compliance.
• Prepares and maintains accurate inspection reports, correspondence, notices, photographs, case documentation, and other records related to inspections, permits, violations, and enforcement activities in accordance with City recordkeeping requirements.
• Coordinates inspection and code‑related activities with other City departments and outside agencies as necessary.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes, City ordinances, regulations, construction practices, and changes affecting assigned responsibilities.
• Provides professional and courteous customer service and communicates effectively with City employees, contractors, property owners, residents, and the general public.
• Follows applicable City policies and procedures and local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Follows established safety procedures and practices while conducting office and field activities.
• Maintains the confidentiality of sensitive or confidential information in accordance with applicable laws and City policies.
• Maintains regular and timely attendance and may be required to work outside normal business hours when necessary to perform inspections or respond to departmental needs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements: Knowledge of

• Federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations applicable to building construction and inspection.
• Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, accessibility, zoning, and other applicable codes and requirements.
• Principles, practices, methods, materials, and terminology used in residential and commercial construction and the building trades.
• Construction plans, specifications, permit requirements, and accepted inspection methods and procedures.
• Common construction defects, code violations, safety hazards, and appropriate corrective measures.
• Occupational hazards and appropriate safety practices associated with construction sites and field inspections.
• Computers, inspection software, electronic recordkeeping systems, and other technology used in performing assigned duties.

Ability to

• Read, interpret, apply, and explain applicable codes, ordinances, regulations, construction plans, blueprints, and specifications.
• Conduct thorough residential and commercial inspections involving building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
• Identify code violations, construction deficiencies, unsafe conditions, and deviations from approved plans and applicable requirements.
• Exercise sound independent judgment in determining compliance and appropriate corrective action.
• Prepare and maintain accurate inspection reports, notices, records, and related documentation.
• Communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with contractors, property owners, design professionals, City staff, and the public.
• Organize and prioritize multiple inspections and assignments, meet deadlines, and provide timely follow‑up.
• Use computers, inspection software, tablets, smartphones, measuring devices, and other equipment necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and establish effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Three (3) years of experience performing residential and/or commercial building inspections is preferred; municipal building inspection experience is preferred.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in general construction, building trades, or a closely related field may be considered in lieu of building inspection experience.
• Two (2) years of experience in building, electrical, plumbing, and/or mechanical construction or inspection is preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience reading and interpreting construction plans, blueprints, specifications, and applicable building codes is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required job‑related knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered, except where a license or certification is required by law.

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment

• A valid Texas driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
• Must possess and maintain a current Texas Plumbing Inspector License issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
• Must possess and maintain an International Code Council Residential Combination Inspector certification.
• International Code Council Commercial Building Inspector certification is preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This position performs a combination of office and field‑inspection work, with frequent assignments at active residential and commercial construction sites. The employee must be able to remain in a stationary position and move about office and inspection locations for extended periods; operate a motor vehicle, computer, mobile device, measuring tools, and standard inspection equipment; and observe and evaluate construction work, plans, records, and site conditions. Field duties require the ability to navigate uneven terrain, stairs, unfinished surfaces, confined or restricted spaces, and elevated areas; climb ladders; and frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, crawl, and balance. The employee must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to twenty‑five (25) pounds frequently and up to fifty (50) pounds occasionally, with assistance or mechanical aids used when appropriate.

Work is performed indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and temperatures. The employee may be exposed to heat, cold, rain, humidity, dust, dirt, pollen, noise, fumes, construction materials, uneven surfaces, moving equipment, and other conditions associated with active construction sites. The position may also involve exposure to unsafe or deteriorated structures, electrical installations, elevated work areas, and other construction‑related hazards. Employees are required to follow established safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment when necessary.