P-64-25, Building Inspector 1 – Department of Inspections and Standards

City of Providence; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Providence is seeking a Building Inspector 1 to oversee inspections of residential buildings for compliance with state building codes and local ordinances. The role involves field surveys, report preparation, and ensuring safety standards are met. Candidates should have experience in building construction and excellent communication skills. This position is under supervision and may lead to permanent employment.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of practical experience in building construction.
• Must be certifiable as a Residential Building Inspector.

Responsibilities

• Inspects residential buildings for compliance with building codes.
• Prepares reports on field inspections and violations.

Skills

Communication

Building Construction

Knowledge of Building Codes

Education

High School Graduate

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

P-64-25, Building Inspector 1 – Department of Inspections and Standards

Job Type: Union

Job No.: P-64-25

Department: Inspection and Standards

Grade: 30

Posting Dates: 05/13/2025 – 05/27/2025

The City of Providence welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce at all levels of the organization. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit hiring discrimination of any type. All City hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Job Summary

Under mentorship of a Building Inspector I or II and direct supervision of the Assistant Supervisor of Structures and Zoning and up line personnel, or the Deputy Director, or the Building (and Alt.) Official, or the Director of Inspection and Standards, is responsible for inspection of residential building and alteration for compliance with Rhode Island State Building Codes including the State of Rhode Island Property Maintenance Code and Providence Zoning Ordinance; field surveys of properties in violation of State Law and City Ordinances; and preparation of reports of field inspections and surveys outlining violations and the corrective actions necessary.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs plan review of minor renovations and additions to one and two family residential buildings.
• Performs inspections and files reports of work being performed under legal building permits issued by the Division in order to insure compliance with Rhode Island State Building Code. Inspections include, but are not limited to, checking fire-rated assemblies, fire proofing of structural members, means of egress requirements, light and ventilation requirements, and the presence of any structural or fire hazards.
• Prepares reports of field inspections for the purpose of enforcing compliance with the Providence Zoning Ordinance, the Rhode Island State Building Codes and violations of the Property Maintenance Code all applicable City, State and Federal laws as applicable to building construction and maintenance.
• Acts as a witness to existence of violations of the Providence Zoning Ordinance and the Rhode Island State Property Maintenance Code in any legal proceedings taken by the Department in the Municipal or State Courts.
• Inspects fire-damaged dwellings to determine the extent of destruction, threat to the general public and firefighter, and the need for boarding or demolishing the building.
• May process building permit applications, and other forms and applications used by the Structures and Zoning Division including data entry to permit database, and other computer on-screen forms.
• May file building plans, building applications and updates building use, and performs other routine office work.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent with some technical training in building construction or at least three (3) years of practical experience in the field of building construction.
• Working knowledge of the department’s software programs within two (2) month of appointment. Successful completion of intermediate training in Microsoft: Outlook, Word, and Excel within four (4) months of appointment.
• Must possess excellent oral communication and writing skills.
• Thorough knowledge of the Rhode Island State Building Code and Providence zoning ordinances.
• Must be certifiable by the State of Rhode Island as a Residential Building Inspector; certification requires at least three (3) years experience in construction, the knowledge of generally accepted building practices, the ability to read building construction plans and specifications and to recognize deviations from such plans in the field, and the ability to write concise narrative reports for correction of violations observed on the job. State Certification also requires the completion and passing of the Building Code course given by the State Building Commissioner and ICC (International Code Council) certification as a Residential Building Inspector.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job.

Training Requirements

Upon Appointment:

• Successful completion of Intermediate Outlook, Word and Excel Computer Training course within six (6) months of appointment.
• Ability to gain a working knowledge of departmental technology and database systems through on-the-job usage and training within six (6) months of appointment.
• Customer Service Training
• Sexual Harassment, Sensitivity, and Diversity Training

Sustainment:

• Periodic training to maintain proficiency in department technology and database systems.
• Participation in customer service training every twenty four (24) months.

The term “limited” means that the successful candidate will perform the job for an undetermined length of time. The position may or may not become permanent.

Please note: The City is currently under a hiring freeze and while recruitment continues, ultimate hiring will be considered based on the freeze.