Senior Building Inspector

UES, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. seeks a Senior Building Inspector III to conduct complex inspections, review plans, and ensure compliance with building codes, zoning, and safety standards.

You will lead investigations, deliver detailed reports, and advise stakeholders on best practices while coordinating with engineers and project managers. The role emphasizes advanced technical expertise, independent work, and a leadership mindset to coach junior inspectors and raise inspection quality across projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 10+ years of experience.
• Active Building Inspector License required.
• Valid driver’s license with ability to travel to job sites.
• Certifications in MEP or plans examination (ICC/NFPA or equivalent) preferred or obtainable.
• Excellent leadership with ability to train and mentor junior inspectors.
• Advanced knowledge of construction methods, building codes, zoning, fire and accessibility requirements.
• Proficient in reading blueprints, construction plans, permits, and reports.
• Experience with inspection/reporting software and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced structural inspections including MEP systems per codes and safety regulations.
• Inspect foundations, slabs, framing, roofing, and structural elements for safety and quality.
• Recommend plan/spec changes to address compliance and structural concerns.
• Identify code violations, hazards, and required corrective actions.
• Lead investigations into structural concerns and prepare comprehensive reports.
• Ensure project compliance with regulations, quality standards and deadlines.
• Communicate findings and updates with project teams and stakeholders.
• Enforce safety protocols and OSHA regulations on site.
• Travel to project sites as needed for inspections and assessments.
• Mentor and train junior inspectors to improve team capabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Blueprint reading

Independent work

Education

Active Building Inspector License

High school diploma or equivalent

ICC/NFPA plans examination certifications (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Field Data Collection (FDC) software

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically skilled Senior Building Inspector/Building Inspector III to conduct complex building inspections and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards. This position plays a key role in reviewing large-scale projects, resolving disputes, and advising internal and external stakeholders on construction best practices and regulatory requirements. This role requires advanced technical expertise, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to work independently on complex projects.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of building codes, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and the ability to collaborate effectively with contractors, engineers, and project managers to ensure safe and high-quality construction. You will also have a strong leadership mindset who can coach, mentor, and train junior inspectors, sharing expertise and best practices to enhance team skills, efficiency, and overall inspection quality.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced structural building inspections, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems as licensed, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal building codes, zoning ordinances, and safety regulations.
• Conduct comprehensive inspections of foundations, concrete slabs, framing, roofing, and other structural elements, identifying issues that may affect safety, quality, or durability.
• Evaluate and determine necessary changes in plans and specifications, providing expert recommendations to contractors, engineers, architects, and project stakeholders to address compliance and structural concerns.
• Identify and document code violations, potential hazards, and areas requiring corrective action, ensuring regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
• Lead investigations into structural concerns, complaints, and potential violations, analyzing findings and recommending appropriate corrective actions.Prepare and deliver detailed reports, including compliance assessments, structural evaluations, and recommendations, ensuring all documentation is clear, complete, and submitted in a timely manner per company policy.
• Ensure strict project compliance with regulations, quality standards, and deadlines, proactively addressing challenges to maintain project integrity.
• Communicate effectively with dispatching teams, supervisors, and project managers, providing real-time updates on job status, inspection results, and field conditions.
• Adhere to and enforce safety protocols, OSHA regulations, and company guidelines, ensuring a safe work environment through the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance with site safety measures.
• Operate and maintain a company-assigned motor vehicle, performing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance as needed to ensure reliability for fieldwork.
• Coach, mentor, and train junior inspectors, sharing expertise and best practices to enhance the skills and efficiency of the inspection team.
• Travel to project sites as needed, often across varying terrains and environmental conditions, to conduct inspections and provide technical assessments.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support project goals and company initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 10+yrs of experience required.
• Active Building Inspector License required (state-specific licensing as applicable).
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and the ability to travel to job sites as needed.
• Certifications in mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), or plans examination (such as ICC, NFPA, or equivalent) preferred, or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe.
• Excellent leadership skills with a proven ability to train, mentor, and support junior inspectors.
• Advanced knowledge of construction methods, materials, and building codes, including structural, zoning, fire safety, and accessibility regulations.
• Proficiency in reading, interpreting, and analyzing blueprints, construction plans, specifications, permits, technical manuals, and reports to assess compliance with codes and regulations.
• Excellent technical skills in conducting inspections, identifying code violations, and making compliance recommendations.
• Experience using inspection and reporting software, including Microsoft Office Suite and Field Data Collection (FDC) software or similar industry tools.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft detailed reports, official correspondence, and compliance recommendations, and interact professionally with contractors, engineers, project managers, and regulatory agencies.
• Excellent time management, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to assess and resolve compliance issues efficiently.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in inspections and decision-making.
• Physical capability to navigate and work in various outdoor conditions, including active construction sites, extreme weather, uneven terrain, and confined spaces, while adhering to safety protocols.
• Flexibility to travel within the designated region as required to support inspection schedules, compliance efforts, and project needs.
• Commitment to professional development and continued education, staying current with evolving building codes, industry best practices, and regulatory changes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop technical staff, fostering professional growth and team performance.

Preferred Qualifications

Required Certifications:

• ICC B1, B2
• ICC M1, M2
• ICC P1, P2
• ICC E1, E2
• Fire 2
• Commercial Energy Inspector

Travel Requirements

• This position requires extensive domestic overnight travel 50-70% of the time, sometimes at short notice, to support business objectives and client engagements.
• Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments.
• Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on‑site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This position primarily works in an outdoor work environment, regularly exposed to varying field conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man‑made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels, common in active construction and industrial environments.
• Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and/or carry 35 to 75 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).

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EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here