Residential/Commercial Building Inspector (RCI)

IBTS - Institute for Building Technology and Safety; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 41,328,000 - 61,992,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Competitive compensation

Job summary

IBTS - Institute for Building Technology and Safety is seeking a highly experienced Residential/Commercial Building Inspector for Columbus, GA. The role is part-time and on-site, conducting inspections across residential and non-residential structures in the Columbus metropolitan area.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in inspections, holds ICC R5, and preferably C5. Local candidates are preferred, with relocation considered for qualified applicants. Travel to active sites is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in residential and/or commercial construction/inspection.
• ICC Residential Combination Inspector (R5) required at hire.
• ICC Commercial Combination Inspector (C5) preferred; obtained within 6 months if not held.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to read complex construction drawings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections for building, fire, and life-safety codes.
• Inspect all construction phases: foundation, structure, MEP, energy, life safety.
• Review plans for code compliance and constructability.
• Document deficiencies and communicate findings clearly with stakeholders.
• Prepare audit-ready inspection reports and maintain records.
• Coordinate with contractors, engineers, and officials on-site.

Skills

Residential Inspection

Code Compliance

Reading Plans

Documentation

Stakeholder Coordination

Field Inspection

Education

Bachelor's Degree Preferred

Tools

ICC Certifications

Georgia Licenses (Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanical)

Job description

• Certified Building Official (CBO) designation

Responsibilities

Part‑time

Location: Columbus, GA (On‑Site / Field‑Based)

We are seeking a highly experienced and fully qualified Residential/Commercial Building Inspector to perform inspections on both residential (multi‑family) and commercial (non‑residential) structures in the Columbus, GA metropolitan area.

The selected candidate will ensure compliance with all applicable building codes, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. Local candidates are strongly preferred. Relocation benefits will be considered for highly qualified candidates willing to commit to multi‑year assignments.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive field inspections to ensure compliance with building, fire, and life safety codes
• Inspect all phases of construction including foundation, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy, and life safety systems
• Review construction documents, plans, and specifications for code compliance and constructability
• Identify deficiencies, interpret complex code issues, and document violations with precision
• Prepare detailed, audit‑ready inspection reports and maintain accurate records
• Coordinate with contractors, engineers, architects, government officials, and project stakeholders
• Interpret and apply applicable codes, standards, and regulations (e.g., International Code Council (ICC) International Building Code)
• Support quality assurance, compliance protocols, and regulatory oversight activities
• Provide technical guidance and resolve complex field issues with minimal supervision
• Support and coordinate full‑day inspections with stakeholders, promoting collaboration, engagement, and providing clear, real‑time responses to questions
• Attend meetings with stakeholders to discuss and help resolve building code deficiencies and provide updates on inspection status

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in residential and/or commercial construction, inspection, or related field.
• ICC Residential Combination Inspector (R5) certification is required at the time of hire. This credential bundles the four residential trade certifications — Residential Building (B1), Residential Electrical (E1), Residential Mechanical (M1), and Residential Plumbing (P1) — consistent with Georgia's qualified‑inspector standard under O.C.G.A.
• 8‑2‑26.1.
• ICC Commercial Combination Inspector (C5) certification — bundling Commercial Building (B2), Commercial Electrical (E2), Commercial Mechanical (M2), and Commercial Plumbing (P2) — is strongly preferred; where not already held, it must be obtained within a defined and reasonable timeframe (typically 6 months of hire).
• Per Georgia law (O.C.G.A.
• 8‑2‑26.1), an active Georgia electrical contractor license, conditioned‑air (HVAC) contractor license, or journeyman/master plumber license may be accepted in place of the corresponding ICC electrical, mechanical, or plumbing certification.
• Additional ICC certifications (Fire Inspector I/II, Plans Examiner) are a plus.
• Strong working knowledge of the International Building Code and related codes (mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, fire, life safety).
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and analyze complex construction drawings and technical specifications
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• Active professional licensure as one of the following (strongly preferred; may be required depending on assignment):
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA)
• Certified Construction Manager
• Licensure as a Master Tradesman (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing)
• Certified Building Official (CBO) designation
• NFPA certifications (life safety systems, fire protection systems)
• Experience working with federal, state, or local government agencies

Certification Requirement

• Candidates who do not possess the ICC Commercial Combination Inspector (C5) certification, or the individual commercial trade certifications/licenses noted above, at time of hire may still be considered; however:
• The ICC Residential Combination Inspector (R5) certification is required at hire.
• The willingness and ability to obtain the Commercial Combination Inspector (C5) certification — or the equivalent individual commercial ICC certifications or Georgia trade licenses — within a defined and reasonable timeframe (typically 6 months) is required.

Note: Employer sponsorship (training materials, exam fees) is typically provided. A bonus is paid for each certificate obtained.

Competencies

• Advanced technical expertise in residential and commercial construction and inspection practices
• Deep knowledge of building codes and regulatory compliance
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability
• High attention to detail and documentation accuracy
• Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills
• Sound professional judgment and decision‑making ability

Why Work for Us?

• Make a Direct Impact on Communities

This work goes beyond inspections—the inspector will play a critical role in protecting public safety, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting resilient communities across the Columbus, GA metropolitan area. Every project you inspect contributes to safer buildings, stronger communities, and long‑term sustainability in a region where quality construction truly matters.

• Meaningful, Field‑Based Work (Not a Desk Job)

You will spend the majority of the time in the field, on active construction sites, and directly engaged with projects, rather than confined to an office. This role is ideal for professionals who prefer hands‑on, real‑world problem solving; enjoy working independently while collaborating with project teams; and take pride in seeing the tangible results of their work.

• Competitive Compensation

We offer a competitive compensation package aligned with experience and certifications, along with potential incentives such as:

• Opportunities for extended assignments based on performance

Compensation reflective of both market conditions and the unique demands of working in the Columbus, GA metropolitan area

Additional Information

• Preference given to candidates local to the Columbus, GA metropolitan area.
• Relocation assistance and/or housing support may be available for non-local highly qualified candidates willing to commit to multi‑year assignments.

Travel Requirements

• Local travel required, as needed.

Personal Qualities

IBTS places a high value on certain personal traits that work toward creating a positive, professional, and supportive work environment, which is essential for working together and achieving success. We believe “how” you achieve your results is as important as what you achieve.

• Strong Work Ethic
• Teachable/Continuous Learner
• Reliable/Dependable
• Collaborative/Team Contributor

Physical Demands

• Field‑based role requiring travel between inspection sites across the Columbus, GA metropolitan area.
• Ability to work in active construction environments and varying outdoor conditions.
• Ability to walk job sites, climb stairs and ladders, and lift 25–40 lbs.

Company Overview

Bring your passion, expertise, and experience to IBTS, where we appreciate and are committed to our employees. We offer outstanding benefits, growth opportunities, and work hard to maintain a culture that values our employees.

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is a 501(c) (3) non‑profit organization established to provide unbiased professional building code compliance services, while enhancing the communities in which we work. At IBTS, our mission is to deliver quality services to meet the challenges of governance at all levels while enhancing public safety, economic development, and the general welfare of the community. Our services include Building and Community Development, Energy and Sustainability Services, Disaster Planning and Recovery, Quality Assurance, as well as Compliance and Risk Monitoring.

IBTS is headquartered in Ashburn, VA, with additional offices in Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.

We are committed to building a community of experts with diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives who are passionate about our mission. IBTS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affi­ cative Action Employer that maintains a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. This opportunity is open to Section S3 Residents. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Explore the opportunities!