Senior Building Inspector & Field Compliance Lead

UES; Ashland (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

UES is seeking a Building Inspector III to conduct advanced inspections, review structural plans, and enforce codes across diverse projects. The role requires leading teams, mentoring junior staff, and providing expert guidance to contractors and engineers to ensure safety and compliance.

Candidates must have an active inspector license, strong knowledge of MEP systems, and the ability to work independently on high-stakes work sites while traveling regionally as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 10+ yrs of experience.
• Active Building Inspector License required (state-specific licensing as applicable).
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and ability to travel to job sites as needed.
• Certifications in mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), or plans examination (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.

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 PPE and site safety measures.
• 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.

Skills

Building inspection expertise

Leadership/mentoring

Reading blueprints

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Building Inspector License (state-specific)

Tools

FDC software

Microsoft Office

Job description

UES is seeking a Building Inspector III to conduct advanced inspections, review structural plans, and enforce codes across diverse projects. The role requires leading teams, mentoring junior staff, and providing expert guidance to contractors and engineers to ensure safety and compliance.

Candidates must have an active inspector license, strong knowledge of MEP systems, and the ability to work independently on high-stakes work sites while traveling regionally as needed.