Combination Commercial Inspector I

Albemarle County; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on incentive

Benefits eligible

Job summary

Albemarle County seeks a Commercial Combination Inspector for full-time, 12 months with a $2,000 sign-on incentive. This role conducts inspections across commercial building, electrical, mechanical, gas, fire suppression, and plumbing to ensure code compliance with approved plans.

The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of building codes, inspection practices, plan reading, and strong communication with contractors, officials, and the public.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with 3 years of construction or related experience.
• Virginia certification within 24 months of employment, including commercial building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire inspector.
• Minimum five years of construction experience or the equivalent plus at least two years as a building inspector.

Responsibilities

• Performs multidisciplinary inspections including commercial building, electrical, mechanical, gas, fire suppression, and plumbing inspections and re-inspections for compliance with approved plans.
• Reads and interprets building plans and specifications for compliance.
• Issues correction notices and stop work orders when violations exist.
• Provides technical code assistance and information to private citizens, contractors, and architects.
• Prepares a variety of correspondences and reports concerning code compliance matters.
• Attends training opportunities to keep abreast of code changes and new products used in construction practices and those required by the VUSBC.
• Performs related work as required.

Skills

Inspection knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Plan reading

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

Virginia certification expectations

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Full-Time, 12 months

Non-Exempt, Pay Grade 31

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Albemarle County has an immediate opening for full-time Commercial Combination Inspector with a $2,000 sign-on incentive for qualified candidates! This position performs inspections of commercial construction projects to ensure compliance with applicable building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and related codes and regulations. The Commercial Combination Inspector works with contractors, business owners, and other community members to identify code requirements, address compliance issues, and help ensure residential construction is completed safely and in accordance with approved plans and standards.

We’re looking for a knowledgeable and skilled professional who understands residential construction codes, inspection practices, building materials, and methods across building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, gas, and fire suppression disciplines. The ideal candidate brings sound professional judgment, strong emotional intelligence, and the ability to clearly communicate technical and complex information to contractors, community members, colleagues, agency partners, and elected officials—even when situations are sensitive or challenging. Success in this role also requires the ability to read and interpret building plans and applicable codes, stay current on changing regulations and construction technologies, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, use Microsoft Office and other job-related technology, and legally operate a motor vehicle in Virginia.

Essential Functions

• Performs multidisciplinary inspections including but not limited to commercial building, electrical, mechanical, gas, fire suppression, and plumbing inspections and re‑inspections for compliance with approved plans.
• Reads and interprets building plans and specifications for compliance.
• Issues correction notices and stop work orders, if necessary, when violations exist.
• Provides technical code assistance and information to private citizens, contractors, and architects.
• Prepares a variety of correspondences and reports concerning code compliance matters to private citizens, contractors, and architects.
• Attends training opportunities to keep abreast of code changes and new products used in construction practices and those required by the VUSBC.
• Performs related work as required.

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge required:
  • Advanced knowledge of technical, legal and administrative aspects of commercial and industrial codes, inspection practices, materials and methods including but not limited to building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, gas, and fire suppression codes and enforcement practices
  • Principles and practices of building, planning, engineering and zoning in local government settings.
• Skills required:
  • Strong leadership and management skills emphasizing team building and cross-divisional efforts.
  • Superior emotional intelligence and effective exercise of professional judgement.
  • Working knowledge of computers, Microsoft Office Suite tools, and other tools essential to effective performance of this position
• Abilities required:
  • Demonstrate exceptional and accurate verbal and written communication skills in preparing reports, presentations and studies, and conveying complex and challenging topics.
  • Deal effectively with sensitive and sometimes adverse situations and individuals using tact and diplomacy, especially with building industry, members of the public, fellow employees, agency representatives, and elected officials.
  • Comprehend codes and keep abreast of code updates on regulations, materials, and new technologies. of various code violations from all code references.
  • Deal effectively with building industry experts, professionals, the public, staff, elected and agency officials.
  • Work independently and in a team environment.
  • Read and interpret building plans and federal, state and local codes.
  • Communicate effectively and accurately orally and in writing.
  • Legally operate a motor vehicle in Virginia.

Required Education And Experience

• Graduation from high school with 3 years of construction or related experience.
• Additional certifications to be acquired within 12 months of employment as a commercial building inspector as outlined by the Virginia Certification Standards. Requires Virginia certification within 24 months of employment, commercial electrical inspector, commercial mechanical inspector, commercial plumbing inspector and fire inspector.
• May require additional certification requirements as outlined by the Virginia Certification Standards.
• Minimum of five years of construction experience or the equivalent plus at least two years of experience as a building inspector.
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications

• None.

Physical And Mental Requirements

• Frequent visits to construction project locations, traversing uneven terrain and obstructions, possibly in adverse weather conditions, walking for extended periods of time, stooping, and climbing up and down ladders is required.
• Office work.
• Driving a county vehicle on a regular basis on roads and maneuvering through construction sites.
• Frequent movement among offices.
• Some lifting of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent and regular contact with local government senior officials, commissions, boards, and agencies.
• Regular contact with the public, building and development professionals, and community business groups.
• Occasional contact with the courts, fire and police officials is required.
• Interactions will include: Technical discussions, persuasive presentation, stressful or adversarial interactions, potential for conflict, use of tact and diplomacy.

Remote Work

This position is not eligible for remote work. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Deadline For Applications

Position will accept applications until October 23, 2026.

Virginia Values Veterans

Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.

Eoe/Eeo

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.

Salary Range

The hiring range for this position is $30.61 per hour - $33.83 per hour which is approx. $63,664.00 - $70,366.00 per year. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy,

• P-60.

This role is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on incentive

Albemarle County Core Values

Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the County’s Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through

Community:

We expect diversity, equity and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission.

Integrity:

We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment.

Innovation:

We embrace creativity and positive change.

Stewardship:

We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human, and financial resources respectfully and responsibly.

Learning:

We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth.