Building Inspector III

UES, Inc.; Ashland (VA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. in Virginia seeks a Building Inspector III to apply code-compliance expertise on high-profile data center projects. You’ll inspect building and MEP systems, review plans, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal codes.

You’ll coordinate with contractors and regulators, provide clear findings, mentor junior inspectors, and travel as needed to job sites, with 50–70% overnight travel.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 10+ years of field experience required.
• Active Building Inspector License required; state licenses as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced building and MEP code-compliance inspections.
• Evaluate construction against local, state, and federal codes, regulations, and safety standards.
• Inspect structural components including foundations, slabs, framing, and roofing.
• Identify code violations and provide corrective actions to achieve compliance.
• Review plans, permits, and technical documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate with contractors, engineers, architects, and project managers to resolve issues.

Skills

Code-compliance inspections

Blueprint reading

Field inspections

Regulatory knowledge

Verbal & written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent with 10+yrs of experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Field Data Collection (FDC) software

Job description

Overview

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

Bring your code-compliance expertise to high-profile data center projects across Virginia, where quality, safety, and precision are critical. As a Building Inspector III, you’ll apply your technical expertise across building and MEP systems, helping ensure complex, fast-moving construction projects meet applicable codes and regulatory requirements.

You’ll work alongside contractors, engineers, architects, and project teams, providing the experienced field perspective needed to identify issues, resolve compliance challenges, and keep major projects moving forward.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Work On

• Perform advanced building and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) code-compliance inspections.
• Evaluate construction against applicable local, state, and federal building codes, regulations, zoning requirements, and safety standards.
• Inspect structural components including foundations, slabs, framing, roofing, and related building systems.
• Identify code violations, safety concerns, and corrective actions needed to bring projects into compliance.
• Review construction plans, specifications, permits, and technical documentation.
• Partner with contractors, engineers, architects, project managers, and regulatory stakeholders to resolve complex compliance issues.
• Provide clear inspection findings and practical, technically sound recommendations.
• Share your expertise with other inspectors and help strengthen technical knowledge across the team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 10+yrs of experience required.
• Active Building Inspector License required (state-specific licensing as applicable).
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and the ability to travel to job sites as needed.
• Certifications in mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), or plans examination (such as ICC, NFPA, or equivalent) preferred, or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe.
• Excellent leadership skills with a proven ability to train, mentor, and support junior inspectors.
• Advanced knowledge of construction methods, materials, and building codes, including structural, zoning, fire safety, and accessibility regulations.
• Proficiency in reading, interpreting, and analyzing blueprints, construction plans, specifications, permits, technical manuals, and reports to assess compliance with codes and regulations.
• Excellent technical skills in conducting inspections, identifying code violations, and making compliance recommendations.
• Experience using inspection and reporting software, including Microsoft Office Suite and Field Data Collection (FDC) software or similar industry tools.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft detailed reports, official correspondence, and compliance recommendations, and interact professionally with contractors, engineers, project managers, and regulatory agencies.
• Excellent time management, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to assess and resolve compliance issues efficiently.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in inspections and decision-making.
• Physical capability to navigate and work in various outdoor conditions, including active construction sites, extreme weather, uneven terrain, and confined spaces, while adhering to safety protocols.
• Flexibility to travel within the designated region as required to support inspection schedules, compliance efforts, and project needs.
• Commitment to professional development and continued education, staying current with evolving building codes, industry best practices, and regulatory changes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop technical staff, fostering professional growth and team performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Building: ICC Residential Building Inspector (B1) and Commercial Building Inspector (B2)
• Mechanical: ICC Residential Mechanical Inspector (M1) and Commercial Mechanical Inspector (M2)
• Plumbing: ICC Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1) and Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P2)
• Electrical: ICC Residential Electrical Inspector (E1) and Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2)
• Commercial Fire Inspector
• Commercial Energy Inspector

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.

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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 vison, 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.

Posted Salary Range

USD $45.00 - USD $50.00 /Hr.