Combination Inspector

Fairfax County Government; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfax County's Land Development Services (LDS) seeks an inspector to perform residential and commercial inspections under the Virginia USBC, covering building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to ensure code compliance. The role emphasizes safety, quality reviews, and timely inspections.

Under supervision, the successful candidate will identify code violations, issue notices, coordinate final inspections, and provide expert guidance to homeowners, developers, and contractors.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus four years of experience in residential and/or commercial construction or inspections.
• Valid motor vehicle driver's license is required.
• VDHCD certifications for Commercial or Residential inspectors must be obtained within 18 months of appointment.
• Background check, driving records check, and pre-employment medical evaluation will be conducted.

Responsibilities

• Inspect residential and commercial buildings for compliance with USBC and approved plans.
• Prepare notices, stop work orders, and other enforcement actions; testify in proceedings as required.
• Coordinate final inspections with other agencies and review plans and changes as needed.
• Provide excellent customer service to homeowners, developers, and contractors in person or via phone/electronically.

Skills

Code knowledge

Plan interpretation

Communication skills

Public interaction

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

VDHCD Certifications

Job description

Job Announcement

Fairfax County boasts a top-notch school system, safe neighborhoods, thousands of acres of parkland, and bustling town centers. County government sits at the heart of this dynamic community of almost 1.2 million residents and seeks employees eager to bring their energy, enthusiasm and skills to serve Fairfax residents and to shape the county's future. Land Development Services (LDS) is the steward of the county's land development and building construction codes and regulations, and its staff members embrace their essential role as "first preventers." Every day, through careful review, permitting and inspection of site and building construction, our staff protect the health, safety, welfare, and environment for those who live in, work in, and visit Fairfax County. Our department also serves as the gateway to much of the county's economic development, reviewing over 30,000 building and site plan submissions, issuing nearly 70,000 building permits, and conducting over 220,000 building and site inspections each year. If you would like to join a creative, collaborative, innovative team doing meaningful work, then LDS is the place for you.

Under the general supervision of a Supervising Combination Inspector in the Building Inspections Branch, Building Division, this position performs inspections of new construction and alterations to residential and commercial structures. Inspections include building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems to verify compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC).

Identifies field conflicts and code violations, advises customers on appropriate corrective measures, and conducts emergency damage assessments as needed. Coordinates final inspections with other agencies to ensure all applicable USBC requirements are met and monitors assigned projects to support the timely resolution of construction and field-related issues.

Requires the operation of a motor vehicle to travel to and from construction sites, off-site meetings, trainings, and conferences. Complies with the Department of Land Development Services (LDS) safety program and guidelines, as well as all county, agency, and job-specific training requirements, including Emergency Management and safety-related courses.

The successful candidate will provide exceptional customer service in support of the Department of Land Development Services, ensuring compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and standards. A key responsibility is the timely and effective delivery of customer support through in-person, telephone, and virtual channels, offering expert guidance and real-time assistance. The position also requires proactive collaboration with colleagues within and outside the business unit to promote efficient service delivery and prompt resolution of customer needs.

Note: This job announcement is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be assigned other related duties as necessary to meet the ongoing operational needs of the organization.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

Inspection

• Conducts residential mechanical, electrical, plumbing and building construction inspections relative to applicable codes, or conducts commercial mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections relative to applicable codes to ensure that construction conforms to the approved plans and permits;
• Inspects contractor's field operations for compliance with the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Act (VOSHA), notifies them of any safety hazards, reports offending parties, and notes violations and corrective action needed or taken;
• Inspects water supply connections in commercial or residential buildings for unprotected cross connections to ensure the proper backflow prevention devices are installed to prevent contamination of the domestic water supply;
• Performs emergency inspections, as required and investigates damaged structures to determine extent of damage, if structure is safe to occupy and what plans/permits are required for reconstruction and performs FEMA damage assessments;

Enforcement

• Prepares documentation related to the outcome of inspections and records inspection results in County database;
• Participates in the development/implementation of the Planning and Land Use System (PLUS);
• Prepares and issues Notice of Violations, Stop Work Orders, Corrective Work Orders, Unsafe structures reports, memoranda and other correspondence and initiates corrective procedures to obtain voluntary compliance;
• Testifies in civil and criminal court proceedings and in appeals hearings;
• Responds to complaints regarding new construction, unpermitted construction and existing structures;
• Investigates, researches and analyzes the code complaint to determine its merits, reports the findings, and requires corrective action when necessary;
• Coordinates all enforcement efforts with other County agencies and branches, as appropriate;
• Placards unsafe structures which are dangerous to life, health, and safety of occupants and the general public;
• Serves as a technical assistant to the Building Official;

Plan Review

• Examines and interprets plans for the proper installation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and building equipment, and approves minor changes to plans in the field or requires plans to be revised and resubmitted for approval as appropriate;
• Examines and interprets plans for compliance with the American Disabilities Act ADA);

Communication/Public Interface

• Meets with homeowners, developers, engineers, contractors and interested citizens to provide information and answer questions about County development regulations applicable to commercial or residential construction;
• Appears at civic association meetings to present material on permit, plan and inspection requirements to help educate citizens on the Code and emphasize life safety matters;
• Researches and investigates the applicability of new products and applications to be used in field situations and communicates results to colleagues.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Considerable knowledge of the theories and practices of the National and State mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas and building codes, local ordinances, and regulations;
• Considerable knowledge of the equipment, materials and methods used in the repair and/or construction of residential or commercial buildings;
• Knowledge of the American National Standard for Handicap Accessibility, ADA;
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas and building plans, specifications, blueprints, drawings, regulations, legal documents, and maps;
• Ability to interpret a variety of codes and keep abreast of code modifications, code updates, new technology, materials and installations;
• Ability to use personal computers/lap top software and access centralized information systems to retrieve and enter data;
• Ability to maintain effective, courteous relationships with builders, contractors, the public and fellow employees, and communicate effectively with a diverse community;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and to properly articulate the necessary action to clear a violation;
• Ability to serve as an expert witness;
• Ability to analyze and resolve field problems;
• Ability to use sound judgment in making independent decisions;
• Ability to work with and train new personnel;
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:

(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

High school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate issued by a state department of education; plus, four years of experience in residential and/or commercial construction through hands‑on involvement in construction projects or inspections, including but not limited to, installation, maintenance, and repair of building structures or systems (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, and/or gas).

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license.
• For positions assigned as Commercial Inspectors, certification by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD), the following certifications are required within 18 months of appointment:
• VDHCD Commercial Building Inspector
• VDHCD Commercial Electrical Inspector
• VDHCD Commercial Mechanical Inspector
• VDHCD Commercial Plumbing Inspector
• For positions assigned as Residential Inspectors, certification by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD), the following certifications are required within 18 months of appointment:
• VDHCD Residential Building Inspector
• VDHCD Residential Electrical Inspector
• VDHCD Residential Mechanical Inspector
• VDHCD Residential Plumbing Inspector

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a driving records check, and pre‑employment medical evaluation to the satisfaction of the employer.

This position is considered essential personnel and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Inspection experience with a concentration in either residential building, mechanical, plumbing, and/or electrical systems in new and existing residential buildings or inspection experience with a concentration in commercial building, mechanical, plumbing, and/or electrical systems in new and existing commercial structures.
• Knowledge of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, including the model code reference documents.
• Experience reading and interpreting residential and commercial building plans.
• Ability to enter data into a personal or laptop computer.
• Experience organizing and conducting training classes.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Customer service skills or public contact experience.
• Currently certified by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD) in any of the following areas.
  • VDHCD Commercial Building Inspector
  • VDHCD Commercial Electrical Inspector
  • VDHCD Commercial Mechanical Inspector
  • VDHCD Commercial Plumbing Inspector
  • VDHCD Residential Building Inspector
  • VDHCD Residential Electrical Inspector
  • VDHCD Residential Mechanical Inspector
  • VDHCD Residential Plumbing Inspector

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to climb multiple levels of stairs. Ability to climb step ladders and ladders up to 40 feet with required safety equipment. Ability to crawl, crouch, stoop and work in uncomfortable conditions. Ability to distinguish colors of wiring. Ability to go up and down steep inclines. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance. Ability to operate keyboard‑driven equipment. Ability to reach with arms extended above the head. Ability to walk and adequately maneuver in an outside/inside environment. Ability to walk/traverse through and over various terrain. Ability to work in adverse weather. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

A panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo‑European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. [e-mail] EEO/AA/TTY.

#LI-JT1