Code Enforcement Officer I, II or III

Buncombe County Government; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 58,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% 401(k) contribution

Pension

Health insurance

Paid time off

13 paid holidays

Job summary

Buncombe County Government in North Carolina seeks a Code Enforcement Officer I, II or III to inspect residential and commercial buildings for compliance with electrical, building, mechanical and plumbing codes.

The role provides leadership in the community, offers a career ladder with certifications, and includes a comprehensive benefits package such as a pension, health insurance, 401(k) with 8% contribution, generous PTO and holidays.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; one year of construction-related experience for I.
• Standard Level I certification in four trades (electrical, building, mechanical, plumbing) within 3 years for I; II requires Level II; III requires Level III.
• Annual continuing education as required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect residential and commercial buildings for compliance with code requirements.
• Interpret and enforce building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes.
• Review building code regulations and stay informed on changes.
• Notify contractors of code violations and provide written reports.
• Enforce codes and participate in court proceedings as necessary.
• Maintain inspection records and communicate with builders and owners.

Skills

Inspection skills

Code interpretation

Public safety communication

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Standard Level I certification in all four trades

Job description

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on November 06, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on November 06, 2026.

Job Title: Code Enforcement Officer I, II or III Department: Permits and Inspections External Hiring Range: $27.76 - $41.95 Posted Internally and Externally

Buncombe County Permits & Inspections has a rare opening for a Code Enforcement Official. This is a community leadership position to provide citizens of Buncombe County a safe place to live, work and visit through construction projects and enforcement of state building codes.

Does that interest you? The Buncombe County Permits & Inspections Department issues permits and performs inspections on buildings within Buncombe County including certain Municipalities. If you have experience in the construction field, from building, electrical, plumbing or mechanical we would like for you to join our team.

Inspection Certificates are issued by the NC Code Officials Qualifications Board through standard classes and testing. We offer a career ladder and each certificate obtained equals a pay increase and opportunities for advancements. We provide all training and invest in your success. This is a highly competitive field that provide leadership in the community for construction. If you would like to make a difference that touches all citizens and visitors to Buncombe County. We want you on our team helping us provide inspection services in our community.

Buncombe County has a very rich benefits package, including an 8% contribution to our 401(k), which is a free contribution, not a match. We also have a pension, excellent health insurance, free unlimited physical therapy, and generous paid time off plan including 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave that roll over each year, vacation accruals starting at 10 days per year and increasing with service, plus 2 front-loaded days of PTO and up to 3 additional days of PTO each year as a reward for joining our voluntary wellness program.

Purpose of the position

Code Enforcement Officers perform skilled inspection work on residential and commercial buildings to ensure compliance with established codes governing electrical, building, mechanical and plumbing trades.

Minimum Qualifications

• Code Enforcement Officer I: High school diploma or equivalent; one (1) year of experience in residential and/or commercial electrical, building, mechanical or plumbing construction work; or the equivalent in education and experience. License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina; Standard Level I certification in all four trades (electrical, building-includes energy conservation, mechanical and plumbing) are required within three (3) years of hire date. Annual continuing education as required.
• Code Enforcement Officer II: High school education or equivalent and Standard Level I certification in all four trades (electrical, building-includes energy conservation, mechanical, and plumbing). Required Certifications: Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina. Standard Level II certification in all four trades (electrical, building-includes energy conservation, mechanical, and plumbing) within three (3) years of obtaining all four Level I Certifications. Annual continuing education as required.
• Code Enforcement Officer III: High school education or equivalent and Standard Level I and Level II certifications in all four trades (electrical, building-includes energy conservation, mechanical, and plumbing). Required Certifications: Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina. Standard Level III certifications in all four trades (electrical, building – includes energy conservation, mechanical and plumbing) within three (3) years of obtaining all Level II certifications. Annual continuing education as required.

Essential Functions of the position

• Inspect residential and commercial buildings in the process of construction, alteration or repair for compliance with building code requirements.
• Interpret, apply and enforce the rules and regulations relating to the construction, repair and maintenance of residential and commercial buildings.
• Review and study building code regulations to stay informed of changes in building codes and ordinances.
• Receive and answer inquiries concerning planning, inspections and permit procedures.
• Check plans and specifications for proposed installation to ensure the codes and ordinances have been followed.
• Inspect electrical installations, heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing systems, and facilities for compliance with code requirements; check plans and specifications for the proper installation and connections of fixtures; investigate complaints concerning buildings that may not comply with electrical codes.
• Inspect new and existing residential and commercial buildings for compliance with safety standards and fire hazards; inspect mobile homes and mobile home parks for adherence to applicable codes and County ordinances; inspect establishments selling alcoholic beverages for compliance with applicable codes; issue inspection certificates for approved installation.
• Notify contractor/builder of code violations with written compliance report at the time of inspection.
• Enforce state and local codes to the extent authorized, issuing stop-work orders and pursuing other legal remedies, as necessary.
• Appear in court to present evidence as necessary.
• Maintain all necessary reports and records pertaining to inspections and code enforcement work.
• Attend and participates in meetings, and/or prepare correspondence, with builders, contractors, building owners and occupants, to advise them of code changes and violations at construction sites.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Knowledge of state and local ordinances and codes administered through the Department applicable to the inspector's area of certification. Knowledge of the standard practices, procedures, methods, materials, techniques, and equipment associated with investigating code compliance or violations. Knowledge of modem building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical construction practices, materials and equipment of the various stages of construction when violations and defects should be observed and corrected. Knowledge of the approved methods and practices involved in the installation, construction, repair and maintenance of a variety of electrical and mechanical equipment. Knowledge of the geographic layout of Buncombe County. Skill in determining facts and gathering information associated with complaints and investigations. Ability to conduct investigations, organize records, and write reports. Ability to apply interpretation of codes and provide explanations to the public. Ability to perform required jobs with adequate strength, dexterity, coordination and visual acuity (with reasonable accommodation[s] if needed) and in a manner that does not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the employee or others in the workplace. Ability to think, learn, process information, solve problems and gather information. Ability to use the tools and concepts of the specialty area in which the employee works, including using appropriate process, procedures, resources and work or professional standards. Ability to detect and locate defective workmanship in construction or repair of buildings. Ability to interpret blueprints, diagrams, specifications, codes and building regulations. Ability to deal tactfully and firmly with property owners, architects, engineers, developers, contractors, the general public, etc. Ability to physically maneuver on scaffolds, structural members and in cramped quarters to accomplish thorough inspections.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective. It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.

Buncombe County Government offers a first in class benefits package which promotes employee health and well-being.

Contact [e-mail] with any questions.