| Location | Suffolk, VA |
| Salary | $51,445–$65,800 Per Year |
Building Inspector I - Building
Salary
$51,445.00 - $65,800.00 Annually
Location
City Hall, 442 W. Washington Street, Suffolk, VA
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
04631
Department
PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMT
Opening Date
08/17/2026
Closing Date
8/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Under general supervision, performs technical work enforcing State and local building codes in the areas of building, electrical systems, mechanical systems, or plumbing systems. Work involves interpreting and reviewing construction plans and specifications, electrical installation projects, mechanical installation projects, or plumbing systems. Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgment in performing inspections. Employee must also exercise considerable tact, courtesy and firmness in frequent contact with property owners, developers, contractors and the general public. Building Inspector I must possess a certification or ability to obtain a certification in one of the four areas with 3 years of employment. This classification is differentiated from Building Inspectors II and III by the number of certifications an employee possesses. Reports to the Building Official.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
Essential Job Functions
Operates City equipment including vehicles, trucks, phones, and computers.
Confers with contractors, architects, engineers and others regarding inspection requests, building codes, installation plans, inspection results, etc.
Enters inspection data into hand-held computer terminal; prepares required reports.
Plans daily inspection route; coordinates inspection schedule with other inspectors.
Reads and refers to various code manuals.
Maintains on-call status for emergencies as designated by his/her supervisor.
Investigates complaints of reported existing hazardous conditions; interviews complainants, owners, and operators of allegedly polluting equipment and facilities; and, when necessary, requests or orders corrections.
Maintains and files all necessary forms, records and reports on inspections.
Attends training classes and seminars to gain a better understanding of code related issues and knowledge; studies for tests for certifications.
Interprets and reviews construction plans and specifications to ensure compliance with building codes; writes violation notices for noncompliance with codes.
Confers with other inspectors on questions of departmental policies and other inspection problems.
Answers telephone and greets visitors; receives inquiries and provides information pertaining to inspections and construction permits, or refers caller to proper person.
Maintains training and certifications issued by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Training and Certification Office; attends training classes and seminars as needed and required.
Makes copies of documents; maintains City vehicle as needed.
May conduct inspections of the installation of electrical systems and related equipment to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code; conducts other building inspections as needed.
May call local electric utility company as needed.
May conduct field inspections for structural construction of buildings. Conducts fire damage inspections; checks fire systems to ensure code compliance. Conducts other inspections as needed.
May review data on new construction materials.
May assist the Department of Planning and Community Development service technicians concerning scheduling inspections, greeting visitors, issuing permits, and answering telephones.
May conduct C.O. inspections with the Fire Marshall. Inspects mobile homes and industrial units to ensure compliance with USBC.
May review construction plans and specifications, and inspects new installations, alterations and repairs of mechanical (H.V.A.C.) equipment, ordering changes as necessary, so as to enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code governing minimum standards and requirements of new installations, alterations, repairs and materials used.
May inspect plumbing installation projects so as to enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code governing minimum standards and requirements of new installations, alterations, repairs and materials used.
May inspect plumbing projects to ensure compliance with approved plans and construction and safety practices; examines facilities for quality of design, materials and workmanship.
May review plumbing installation plans and instructs or advises contractors, property owners, developers, etc., as necessary.
Performs other related duties as required.
Required Qualifications
Graduation from high school or equivalent and 3 years of experience in trade; Virginia Tradesman License preferred or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid drivers license.
An inspector shall be certified in one of the appropriate Residential or Commercial certifications within 18 months of hiring date. Inspector will be required to be fully Certified as a Residential and Commercial Inspector within 3 years from the date of hire as determined by the Virginia Construction Code Chapter 105, Section 105.2.2.
Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Physical Requirements:
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including an automobile, computer, calculator, telephone, two-way radio, etc. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of 50 to 100 pounds. Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using machinery and equipment; to operate motor vehicles. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color. Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal levels of stress when confronted with an emergency. Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
Seasonal Employees- No Benefits
Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below)
Full Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits;
Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1/1/14 - Hybrid Members
Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.
Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Yearly earnings
120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)
Sick Leave
Part Time employees earn 4 hours per month Sick leave accrues at the end of the month and may be accrued with no ceiling.
Personal Leave
All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is not cumulative.
Health Insurance
Coverage available for you and your eligible dependents using pre-tax payroll deductions if elected.
Supplemental Insurances
Employees may purchase the following supplemental insurance policies: short term and long term disability, cancer, accident, supplemental hospitalization, and group universal life insurance.
Employer Sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability
Provides disability coverage for employees work and non-work related disabilities. Work related disabilities are covered starting on day one (1). Non work related disabilities are covered starting on day eight (8), after you have been employed for one year.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees may participate in the Health Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement and Premium Reimbursement Accounts. All deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and will reduce your taxable income.
Life Insurance
The city pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage in the amount of 2 times annual salary for natural death and 4 times annual salary for accidental death.
Optional Life Insurance
Employees have the option of electing additional life insurance coverage in the amount of 1, 2, 3 or 4 times their annual salary. Employees may only purchase optional life insurance on spouses and children if they are enrolled in optional life insurance for themselves.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
12 weeks of job protected leave for leaves approved in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act. Employees receive continuation of health insurance, job protection and consideration for a comparable job when available, or an equivalent job, upon return to work.
Funeral Leave
24 hours of paid leave of absence in case of death in immediate family.
Holidays
Suffolk follows the Virginia State holiday calendar as set by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Jury Duty
Time off with pay with difference between jury pay and regular pay or use annual leave and keep check.
457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA
Offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation as a way to shelter a portion of your salary from income taxes and save for retirement.
Employee Assistance Program
Offers employees and immediate family members (3) free, confidential counseling sessions related to a broad range of issues such as marital or family conflict, job or personal stress, alcohol or drug abuse, financial or legal worries, etc.
Workers Compensation
Should an employee have an on the job injury, he/she could be eligible for Workmens Compensation Benefits, except in cases of willful neglect.
Pay Days
Employees will be paid on the 15th and last working day of each month.
Credit Union
A Suffolk Credit Union is available to employees.
Legal Services
Employees may prepay for access to legal assistance.
Notary Public Services
Services available in the Human Resources Department.
Alternative Work Schedule
For some positions -Offers 4 Alternative Work Schedule options to provide employees with greater control over their personal and professional time, as well as reducing absences.
01
Do you have a valid drivers license?
02
Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
03
Which of the following reflects your highest level of education?
04
Which of the following best describes your construction experience?
05
Do you currently hold a Residential Inspector certification in any of the following: (Check all that apply.)
06
Do you currently hold a Commercial Inspector certification in any of the following: (Check all that apply.)
07
Do you currently have or have you previously held a Virginia Tradesmans license?
08
Do you have any experience working for a local government or municipality?
Required Question
Employer City of Suffolk
Address 442 W. Washington Street, Suite 1044
Suffolk, Virginia, 23434
Phone 7575144110
Website http://www.suffolkva.us