Senior Field Inspector — Commercial Buildings (DC)

IBTS - Institute for Building Technology and Safety; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

IBTS - Institute for Building Technology and Safety in Washington, DC, seeks a senior Commercial Building Inspector to perform on-site inspections of commercial structures in the DC metro area. The role covers entire construction phases, from foundations to life-safety systems, with emphasis on code compliance and regulatory standards.

The selected candidate will lead complex inspections, review plans, and coordinate with contractors, engineers, and officials.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in commercial construction, inspection, or related field.
• ICC Commercial Combination Inspector certification is required at the time of hire; additional ICC certifications (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Inspector, Plans Examiner) strongly preferred and must be obtained within 6 months.
• Strong working knowledge of the International Building Code and related codes (mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, fire, life safety).
• Experience inspecting complex commercial structures, including restaurants, commercial/business facilities, new construction, tenant build-outs, transit facilities, multi-tenant retail complexes, high-occupancy spaces.
• Valid driver's license.

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., 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.

Skills

Field inspections

Code compliance

Stakeholder coordination

Documentation

Reading drawings & specs

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture

Job description

IBTS - Institute for Building Technology and Safety in Washington, DC, seeks a senior Commercial Building Inspector to perform on-site inspections of commercial structures in the DC metro area. The role covers entire construction phases, from foundations to life-safety systems, with emphasis on code compliance and regulatory standards.

The selected candidate will lead complex inspections, review plans, and coordinate with contractors, engineers, and officials.