Electrical Inspector (Buildings Safety Engineering & Environmental Department)

City of Detroit; Michigan; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Detroit seeks an Electrical Inspector to enforce electrical codes and city ordinances across residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. You will inspect wiring, review plans, investigate violations, document findings, and testify when required.

Role requires a valid journeyman or master electrician license, strong communication, and ability to train others while working under safety protocols in diverse environments.

Qualifications

• High School graduation or GED.
• Two years of training in electrical principles and their practical application to the field of electricity.
• One year of related trade instruction at a recognized institute of higher learning preferred.
• A minimum of two years as a Licensed Electrical Journeyperson with experience in construction, maintenance and testing of electrical installations.

Responsibilities

• Inspect electric lighting, heat, power and fire alarm installations for code compliance.
• Examine plans for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances for permits.
• Perform thorough inspections of wiring in various building types for NEC compliance.
• Investigate unpermitted electrical work and violations, prepare notices and reports.
• Prepare reports of inspections and participate in court cases as needed.
• Assist in examining license applicants and in training new employees.

Skills

Communication

Observation

Dexterity

PC skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Electrical training courses

Trade instruction

Licensed Journeyperson experience

Job description

ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR

BUILDINGS SAFETY ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

"We create safe environments for city residents."

The BSEED mission is to provide for the safety, health and welfare of the general public as it pertains to buildings and their environs in an efficient, cost-effective, user-friendly and professional manner.

BSEED enforces construction, property maintenance, environmental compliance and zoning codes, which preserve and enhance property values and promote quality of life to make Detroit a preferred place to reside and conduct business.

Under general supervision, inspects electric lighting, heat, power and fire alarm installations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and City of Detroit ordinances, approved plans and accepted standards and methods of work. Examines plans for compliance with applicable codes, laws and ordinances for the approval of an application for permits.

1. Performs thorough inspections of new, renovated and existing premises' wiring systems in one and two-family dwellings, apartments, commercial and institutional buildings, medical facilities and factories for compliance with the National Electrical Code and City Ordinances and to identify hazardous conditions.
2. Investigates electrical work performed without a permit or by unlicensed persons per Department policy.
3. Prepares reports of inspections.
4. Performs investigations and reports of accidents and fires reported to have been of electrical origin.
5. Investigates complaints of violations of codes and prepares notices of violations.
6. Performs re-inspections of premises or equipment to determine corrections of code violations.
7. Compiles information and prepares code violation cases for court.
8. Appears and testifies regarding code violations in court cases.
9. Prepares daily activities reports.
10. Assists in examining applicants for licenses issued by the Division.
11. Assists in the training of new employees assigned to the activity.

• High School graduation or GED.
• Two years of training in electrical principles and their practical application to the field of electricity with a reputable concern.
• One year of related trade instruction at a recognized institute of higher learning preferred.
• A minimum of two years as a Licensed Electrical Journeyperson with experience in the construction, maintenance, and testing of electrical installations and equipment, preferably including one year of experience in the inspection and/or supervisory phases of the work.

LICENSE, CERTIFICATION AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Journeyman or Master Electrician License required.
• Employees in this class will be required to provide and operate a motor vehicle on a reimbursed mileage basis, a valid State of Michigan Operator license is required.

An applicant for registration as a provisional electrical inspector shall have two years of experience as a licensed journey worker or shall be licensed as a master electrician under the provisions of 1956 PA 217, MCL 338.881 to 338.892.

Employees in this class will within (30) thirty days make an application for provisional registration with the State of Michigan in accordance with Public Act #54, R 408.30031, Rule 31 (5) and provide written verification of completing the minimum required hours of approved educational or training programs as prescribed in Table 31 of Rule 31.

Employees certified or promoted to this class must acquire and maintain registration as an electrical inspector and plan reviewer with the State of Michigan, as required under the provisions of Public Act #54. Progress toward obtaining certification will be evaluated at the end of the initial six-month probation period with a conditional six-month extension possible, after which, failure to comply will result in termination of employment in this class.

Evaluation Plan

• Interview:70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience &Personal Qualifications:30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P:100%

Additional points may be awarded for

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 0701/2026

KNOWLEDGE OF

• The materials, operations, construction, and trade practices related to electrical construction.
• The elementary electrical engineering principles governing the operation of electrical equipment.

SKILL IN

• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing with tact and diplomacy.
• Observation.
• Physical and mechanical dexterity.
• Use of personal computers and common office software.

ABILITY TO

• Read and interpret plans and specifications.
• Train and instruct the work of others.
• Climb ladders and enter manholes, narrow openings and crawl spaces, and to move along narrow, exposed platforms and beams.
• Demonstrate freedom from fear of high places and confined spaces.
• Work in hot, dusty places.
• Withstand noxious odors.
• Handle inspection problems.
• Detect potential hazards.Interact effectively with the public, peers, and other departmental personnel.
• Interpret and apply National Electrical Code requirements.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

• Fieldwork involves exposure to outside elements and seasonal weather conditions and indoor exposure to residential, commercial or industrial property in various conditions and stages of repair or construction.
• Customer contacts require a neat and clean appearance.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position.

Classification Code Number Changed: 5/8/78 (from 19-90-33)