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Building Inspection Intern Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Safety & Health Manager

Tualatin, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conducts detailed site safety and health inspections. Manages project security contracts, programs ... Supervises Safety and Health Intern, Safety and Health Specialist 1, 2, and 3. Minimum ...

Building Inspection Intern information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do building inspection intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for building inspection intern in Portland, OR is $18.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Building Inspection Intern vs Building Inspector?

AspectBuilding Inspection InternBuilding Inspector
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a relevant degree or certification, some experience preferredRequires certifications such as ICC or state licensing, with more extensive experience
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in training or learning phase, supervised by experienced inspectorsFull-time professional role, conducting inspections independently or with minimal supervision
Industry UsageUsed in training programs, internships, or entry-level positions within construction and building industriesEstablished role for qualified professionals responsible for inspecting buildings for code compliance

The Building Inspection Intern role is an entry-level position focused on gaining experience and training in building inspections. In contrast, a Building Inspector is a fully qualified professional responsible for conducting inspections independently. Interns typically work under supervision and are in the learning phase, while inspectors have the credentials and experience to perform inspections autonomously.

What does a building inspection intern do?

A Building Inspection Intern assists professional building inspectors in evaluating construction sites, buildings, and structures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal building codes and regulations. Their duties typically include accompanying inspectors on site visits, documenting findings, learning to read blueprints and plans, and helping prepare inspection reports. This role provides hands-on experience and exposure to building safety standards, construction processes, and inspection procedures. It's an entry-level position designed for students or recent graduates interested in a career in building inspection or construction management.

What are some common challenges faced by building inspection interns, and how can they overcome them?

Building Inspection Interns often encounter challenges such as grasping complex building codes, adapting to different construction sites, and effectively communicating findings to supervisors or contractors. To overcome these, it's helpful to study relevant codes ahead of site visits, ask questions during inspections, and observe experienced inspectors closely. Building confidence in documentation and reporting, as well as staying organized, will also support success and professional growth in this hands-on role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a building inspection intern?

To thrive as a Building Inspection Intern, you need a foundational understanding of building codes, construction methods, and safety regulations, often supported by coursework or a degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, digital reporting systems, and software such as AutoCAD or GIS is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure accurate inspections, effective collaboration, and compliance with safety standards, which are vital for public safety and the integrity of construction projects.

What are popular job titles related to Building Inspection Intern jobs in Portland, OR?

For Building Inspection Intern jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Building Inspection Intern jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Building Inspection Intern jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Building Inspection Intern job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,459 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Lead Electrical Engineer

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Portland, OR • On-site

$169K - $177K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary
About the Position: Serves as senior electrical engineer expert, leading and coordinating a workforce of professional engineers, scientists, engineering technicians and construction representatives exercising wide-scope monitoring, inspection, and control of electrical components of Civil Works construction projects.
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Duties
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  • Serving as the section's technical mentor and lead electrical engineer for one or more major projects including virtual teaming with members outside of the District to accomplish any specific project mission.
  • Training or identifies the training needs of team members in methods and techniques of team building and working in teams to accomplish tasks or projects.
  • Leading and conducting inspection of complex, high visibility contract construction to ensure high quality work and assure compliance with quality control provisions contained in contract specifications.
  • Coaching the team in appropriate problem-solving methods and techniques, provide advice on work methods, practices and procedures, and assist the team and/or individual members in identifying the parameters of a viable solution.
  • Performing Biddability, Constructability, Operability, Environmental, and Sustainability (BCOES) reviews of the electrical portions of preliminary and final plans and specifications. Reviews for completeness of detail and clarity of design intent.
  • Providing expert technical leadership, advice and assistance in conducting highly specialized testing, inspection and commissioning of complex electrical systems.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • 1 year Probationary Period may be required.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: s
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Lead Electrical Engineer:
A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); OR (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
-OR-
B. Combination of Education and Experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
1. Professional registration or licensure - Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
2. Written Test - Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, or any other written test required for professional registration, by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico.
3. Specified academic courses - Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in A above. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program.
4. Related curriculum - Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions.
This position has selective placement factor which must be met prior to employment and for continued employment.
Selective placement Factor: Must possess and maintain a Professional Engineering (P.E.) License.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: designing, testing, performing arc-flash studies for, and commissioning electrical engineering features common to systems of large Civil Works construction projects such as Power and Control Systems for Tainter Gates, Flood Control Dams, Navigation Locks, and Fish Passage Facilities Emergency Generators. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS- 12).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience aloneno substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: ;br>
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary periodduring which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a(n) Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit for more information.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
  • Advanced-in-Hire, Enhanced Leave Accrual, Student Loan repayment or Recruitment/Relocation incentive MAY be authorized if determined to be in the best interest of the government.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Army Corps of Engineers

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US