Building Inspector

City of Elmhurst; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Elmhurst seeks a dedicated inspector to plan, organize, and administer its planning and zoning program, ensuring current and long-range compliance with codes and plans.

Essential duties include inspecting properties, advising stakeholders, and documenting all actions while maintaining courteous public interactions and accurate records for regulatory purposes. This role requires teamwork and the ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic municipal environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of building inspection codes and regulations.
• Ability to read plans and specifications.
• Experience documenting inspections and violations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Inspect new and existing properties for compliance with codes and standards.
• Advise developers, engineers, architects, property owners on code requirements.
• Investigate complaints and determine appropriate usage and safety conditions.
• Prepare reports, notices, and court documents as needed.
• Organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

Skills

Building inspection knowledge

Code knowledge

Record keeping

Public communication

Teamwork

Time management

Tools

Computer applications

Job description

Plans, organizes, and administers comprehensive planning and zoning program to provide current and long-range planning services.

Essential Functions

• Inspects new and existing industrial, commercial and/or residential properties, and/or other building and construction for conformance to codes, regulations, plans, specifications and standards.
• Confers with and provides information to developers, engineers, architects, property owners and others regarding code requirements and alternatives and City policies and procedures wherever possible, resolves complaints and problems.
• Investigates complaints of existing buildings to determine appropriate usage and if hazardous or life safety conditions exist.
• Reviews plans and specifications during inspections for buildings and related construction involving installation, remodeling, replacement and repair for use in performance of inspections.
• Documents and maintains accurate records of inspections, actions taken and regulatory efforts; prepares written reports and correspondence and issues notices to correct code violations.
• Collects and maintains documentary evidence in regard to non-compliant cases for use in court; testifies in court as required.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of construction technology, methods and materials; updates code knowledge through regular training sessions.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a team.
• Organizes own work, sets priorities and meets critical deadlines; ensures that such deadlines are met by other staff.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

Qualifications

• Principles, practices codes and regulations related to building inspection.
• Concepts, materials and terminology related to building construction.
• Applicable codes and regulations.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Business and engineering mathematics.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Record keeping principles and practices; correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Techniques for working collaboratively with the public, in person and over the telephone.
• Procedures for documenting inspections, correcting violations and carrying through on court procedures as required.
• Geographical knowledge of the City.
• Interpreting and applying appropriate methods, practices, procedures, codes and regulations to building inspection.
• Explaining codes, regulations and procedures to engineers, architects, developers, property owners and the public.
• Conducting harmonious discussions with all personnel contacted in the course of performing duties and persuading them of desired courses of action.
• Performing residential and basic commercial inspections.
• Document inspections and follow through with code violation procedures.
• Reading and interpreting plans and specifications.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Organizing and prioritizing work and meeting critical deadlines.
• Understanding and following oral and written directions.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Enforcing laws, ordinances and regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Composing correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this role.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: $38-94 - $58.41/hour DOQ. Benefits: Includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance (City contributes annually half the cost of the deductible to employee HSA), tuition reimbursement, paid time off, & participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

This position will remain open through close of business on Wednesday, November 25, 2026.

The City of Elmhurst is an equal opportunity employer.