Building Inspector Associate

Wake County; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 36,947 - 45,171; Full time

Job summary

Wake County is seeking an entry-level Building Inspector Associate to join our Planning & Development Services team in Raleigh. You will learn building inspection principles by shadowing experienced inspectors and assist in inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial structures to ensure code compliance.

This on-the-job training role requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and a desire to advance through state certifications.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; one year of experience in construction or trades or regulatory/government position or trade school accepted as equivalent.
• Valid Driver's License and a safe driving record.
• Equivalent education and experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Forty-hour workweeks in field or approved classwork, testing and continuing education toward credentials.
• Shadow experienced inspectors during inspections of new construction, renovations, and alterations to learn codes and enforcement.
• Interpret and enforce building codes, zoning regulations, and other applicable laws.
• Communicate with homeowners, builders, contractors about complaints that may be code violations and provide solutions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent worker

Computer literacy

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

We are looking for hard workers interested in becoming a certified Wake County general inspector!

Wake County is recruiting for a Building Inspector Associate. This is an entry-level position for someone with an aptitude for learning and an interest in the construction/building trades.

The Associate will work closely with experienced inspectors to learn and apply the principles of building inspection. The selected candidate will assist in conducting inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal building codes, regulations, and ordinances. As part of the Wake County inspection’s team, you will ensure compliance with the North Carolina Technical Codes to promote public health and safety of County residents.

We provide on-the-job training for this benefits-eligible position, as well as paid travel and training for required coursework to achieve certifications necessary to perform State mandated inspections. Associate Inspectors must achieve a level 2 certification within three years of hire to remain employed. During employment, candidates will:

1. Attend all necessary classroom training and have passing grades on coursework and exams.
2. Earn one standard level I course and state exam within three years
3. Receive successful scores on quarterly performance evaluations that will be conducted to monitor progress.
4. Be eligible for step increases for each certificate earned

What does a typical day look like?

• Forty-hour workweeks include time spent in the field or completing approved classwork, testing and other continuing education requirements toward standard level credentials.
• You will spend most of your time shadowing an experienced building inspector during inspections of new construction, renovations, and alterations to existing structures. You will learn to interpret and enforce building codes, zoning regulations, and other applicable laws.
• Communicates with homeowners, builders, contractors, and others concerning complaints that may be code violations. Assess situations and provides solutions pertaining to relevant codes.
• Assists in permit reviews to correct any items that are contrary to building code requirements and standards. Plans review must be completed in a timely manner.

About Our Team

Planning & Development Services provides building inspections and permitting services for the unincorporated areas of Wake County and the towns of Knightdale, Rolesville, Wendell and Zebulon. Field inspectors are based out of three regional centers located across the county with main offices in downtown Raleigh.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• High School or GED
• One year of experience in construction or trades (electrical, mechanical, or plumbing/HVAC) or regulatory/government position. One year of trade school education is accepted as equivalent to one year experience.
• Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Direct work experience with Building, Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical trades
• Completed courses in Building, Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical trades

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills with the ability to cooperatively resolve issues quickly and accurately, while building relationships with internal personnel and external contacts.
• Ability to work independently in carrying out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to use computer and smart phone for communication, data entry, and record keeping.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

About This Position

Location: WCOBRaleigh, NC 27602

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon – Fri, 7:00 am – 3:45 pm

Hiring Range: 26.82 - 32.79

Market Range: 26.82 - 38.76

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. In Fall 2026, two at‑large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well‑managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants foremployment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that mayinclude: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on jobrequirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you fromconsideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, duringand after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.