Building Inspector I

Universal Engineering Sciences; Ashland (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Engineering Sciences is seeking a Residential Building Code Inspector I to join our Richmond, Virginia team. You’ll focus on residential inspections while gaining hands-on experience suitable for expanding into commercial inspections as your career progresses.

The role emphasizes professional growth with access to training and licensure opportunities, and requires the ability to work in active construction environments across varied weather conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Active Building Inspector License required.
• Certifications in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or plans examination (such as ICC or equivalent) are preferred or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe.
• Basic knowledge of reading blueprints and construction plans.
• Proficiency with MS Office and Field Data Collection tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform residential building inspections, including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components.
• Inspect foundations, slabs, framing, roofing, and other structural elements for safety and code compliance.
• Identify code or construction concerns and work with contractors, engineers, architects, and project teams to determine next steps.
• Clearly document inspection findings and provide practical recommendations.
• Grow from residential into commercial inspection work.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Read blueprints

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Active Building Inspector License

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Field Data Collection (FDC) software

Job description

Who We Are:
At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.
Position Overview:

Build Your Inspection Career With UES.
UES is looking for a Residential Building Code Inspector I to join our team in Richmond, Virginia. You’ll focus primarily on residential construction inspections while building hands‑on experience that can help you expand into commercial inspections as your career develops.
At UES, professional growth is part of the opportunity. You’ll have exposure to experienced professionals, ongoing training, and opportunities to pursue additional certifications and licensures that broaden your technical expertise and career potential.

What You’ll Do

You’ll be out in the field helping ensure residential projects are constructed safely, correctly, and in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
You’ll have opportunities to:

• Perform residential building inspections, including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components within your qualifications.
• Inspect foundations, slabs, framing, roofing, and other structural elements for safety, quality, and code compliance.
• Identify code or construction concerns and work with contractors, engineers, architects, and project teams to determine appropriate next steps.
• Clearly document inspection findings and provide practical recommendations.
• Partner with project and field teams to keep inspections moving efficiently and safely.
• Continue developing your technical expertise with the potential to grow from residential into commercial inspection work.

What Will Help You Succeed

We’re looking for someone who takes pride in quality work, communicates well in the field, and wants to continue developing professionally.
Key qualifications include:

• ACI/WACEL/Foundations, ICC B1, and ICC P1 certifications
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to work independently in active construction environments
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills
• Ability to interpret construction plans, specifications, and applicable building requirements

Why Join UES?

UES brings together more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers working to make an impact in the communities it serves.
Ready to grow your inspection career? This is a great opportunity to deepen your residential expertise, pursue additional certifications and licensures, and grow toward commercial inspection work.
Job Responsibilities Note:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. UES retains the right to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.
Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; active Building Inspector License is required.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and ability to travel to job sites as needed.
• Certifications in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or plans examination (such as ICC or equivalent) are preferred or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe.
• Basic knowledge of construction methods, materials, and building codes, with a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Basic computer proficiency, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Field Data Collection (FDC) software or similar industry tools.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze blueprints, construction plans, specifications, procedures, technical manuals, and reports.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare detailed reports, correspondence, and communicate professionally with colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and clients.
• Effective time management, mathematical, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills to ensure accurate and efficient inspections.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating a strong work ethic and focus on delivering high‑quality, professional inspections.
• Ability to work in various outdoor conditions, including extreme weather and active construction environments, and physically navigate construction sites safely.
• Flexibility to travel within the designated region as needed to support inspections, compliance efforts, and business operations is a must.

Preferred Qualifications:

• ICC M1
• ICC E1

Travel Requirements:
This position requires extensive domestic overnight travel 50% to 70% of the time, sometimes at short
notice, to support business objectives and client engagements. Travel will be to job sites, working in
various outdoor conditions, and adhering to company safety protocols.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:
This position primarily works in an outdoor work environment, regularly exposed to varying field conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man‑made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels, common in active construction and industrial environments.
• Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.

The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:

• Ability to lift and/or carry 35 to 75 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vision, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).

EEO Statement:

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here