Inspector II Private Development - Permits

Office of the County Engineer; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Wellness

Professional development opportunities

Flexible spending accounts

457 deferred compensation plans

Retirement pension (TCDRS)

Transportation assistance (Metro Ride)

Disability and life insurance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Harris County Development Services & Permits Division is seeking an Inspector II to perform intermediate inspections with greater independence across diverse project types. You will interpret plans, evaluate construction methods for safety and regulatory compliance, prepare detailed reports, and mentor entry-level inspectors while coordinating with contractors.

The role emphasizes safety, environmental protection, and service excellence, with potential disaster response duties and County vehicle

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree may substitute for experience.
• Four years of construction experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings/topographical maps.
• Valid Texas driver’s license required on hire.
• Good driving record with proof of insurance.

Responsibilities

• Organizes work schedules to inspect construction projects in assigned areas.
• Inspects independently across a variety of project types.
• Interprets construction plans and evaluates methods for compliance.
• Maintains detailed records of inspections and activities.
• Prepares detailed inspection reports.
• Verifies development complies with County regulations.
• Responds to complaints related to construction and development activities.
• Coordinates with contractors to resolve field issues.
• May mentor entry-level inspectors.

Skills

Communication

Documentation

Reading plans

Regulatory compliance

Microsoft Office

Recordkeeping

Public interaction

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor’s in Engineering/Architecture substitute

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Overview: The Development Services & Permits Division facilitates safe and responsible development, construction, and occupancy of buildings and properties in our community. In 2023, the division issued over 57,000 permits with a construction value of $11.15B. In addition, the division conducted more than 41,000 inspections and nearly 85,000 plan reviews. We strive to provide prompt and courteous service to our customers, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Our goal is to promote public safety, protect the environment, and support economic growth by issuing permits and conducting inspections. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in all aspects of our operations.

Position Description

Position Overview: The Development Services & Permits Division facilitates safe and responsible development, construction, and occupancy of buildings and properties in our community. In 2023, the division issued over 57,000 permits with a construction value of $11.15B. In addition, the division conducted more than 41,000 inspections and nearly 85,000 plan reviews. We strive to provide prompt and courteous service to our customers, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Our goal is to promote public safety, protect the environment, and support economic growth by issuing permits and conducting inspections. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in all aspects of our operations.

The Inspector II performs intermediate inspections with greater independence across diverse project types. Interprets plans, evaluates construction methods, and ensures safety and regulatory compliance with Harris County rules and regulations as administered by the Permit Group. Prepares detailed reports, coordinates with contractors, and assists in resolving field issues. May mentor entry‑level inspectors.

Job Duties

• Organizes work schedules to inspect construction projects within assigned areas.
• Works independently across a variety of construction project types.
• Interprets construction plans and evaluates construction methods for compliance.
• Maintains detailed records of inspections and activities within assigned areas.
• Prepares detailed inspection reports.
• Verifies development complies with applicable County regulations.
• Responds to complaints related to construction and development activities.
• Coordinates with contractors to resolve field issues.
• May mentor and provide guidance to entry-level inspectors.
• Ensures proper operation and maintenance of assigned County vehicle.
• Provides disaster recovery and emergency response support, including during hurricanes and floods.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including emergency or disaster response support.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail]

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education

• A high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required.
• An associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering, Architecture, or other closely related field may substitute for the experience requirement.

Experience

• Four (4) years of construction experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and contractors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and department-supported applications.
• Ability to independently read and interpret construction drawings and topographical maps.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable codes and regulations.
• Ability to evaluate construction methods for compliance.
• Ability to prepare detailed inspection reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to multitask and maintain strong attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license (Texas driver’s license required upon hire).
• Good driving record (Must provide and maintain proof of automobile liability insurance upon employment)

Emergency Deployment & Continuity Of Operations Requirement

In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:

• Participate in the classification of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities.
• Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergencies.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor before reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support continuity of County operations.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Education

• An associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering, Architecture, or other closely related field.

Experience

• Experience interpreting and implementing rules or regulations.
• Construction experience.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Previous government experience preferred.
• Government experience involving the administration or enforcement of regulations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs)

• Intermediate or advanced knowledge of construction techniques or engineering design.
• Bilingual in Spanish and/or Vietnamese preferred.

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.
• Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

Salary: Commensurate experience, based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands And Environmental Exposure

Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center environment, though fieldwork is required. This position is subject to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions and may involve exposure to hazards, including moving vehicles, mechanical parts, heat, and chemicals. Extended work hours may be required during the activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified duration (varies based on the extent of the event).

This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 lbs., as well as frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs. The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FEATURED BENEFITS:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Wellness.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 457 deferred compensation plans.
• Retirement pension (TCDRS).
• Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).
• Disability and life insurance.
• Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.