Building Inspector Jobs in Forest Lake, MN (NOW HIRING)

Open until filled.
$39.21 to $51.63 DOQ
Performs difficult work conducting building inspections to ensure compliance with codes and regulations, reviewing plans for construction standards, issuing and filing notices and citations, completing required reports, and related work. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Building Official.
Must hold current Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry certification as Building Official Limited.
High School diploma or GED and extensive experience, or a combination of equivalent education and experience.

Title: Building Inspector

Updated: 08/2026

Department: Environmental Services

Reports to: Building Official

Position Status: Full-Time; Appointed; Government Center Professionals Union

Job Location: Chisago County Government Center, Center City, MN

Position Objective

Performs difficult work conducting building inspections to ensure compliance with codes and regulations, reviewing plans for construction standards, issuing and filing notices and citations, completing required reports, and related work. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Building Official.       

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Reviews and corrects building plans and other proposals for compliance with appropriate codes, ordinances, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations. Maintains documentation and records of inspections.
• Analyzes plans for unanticipated or unusual construction problems; advises as necessary. Determines and approves the construction's suitability of methods and materials.
• Plans and conducts reviews of building sites; analyzes the suitability of methods and materials.
• Reviews building permit applications taken by the clerical support staff to verify that the building plans give enough information to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances, then issues the building permit which is posted at the site.
• Inspects building sites throughout the construction process and upon completion of construction verifies that the materials used, the completed structure, and the septic system are in compliance with the applicable codes; issues Certificates of Occupancy.
• Assists other divisions of the department and the Building Official in identifying and investigating zoning complaints and problems, monitoring progress on violation abatement, preparing citations to be issued, preparing documentation for related court cases for court proceedings, testifying in court regarding building, sewer, and assistance with zoning violations.
• Responds to questions and/or complaints, verbally, and/or in writing relating to building plans and codes, general site zoning structure and setback requirements, County ordinances, and other laws, rules and regulations relating to the construction of buildings.
• Consults with and advises individuals, contractors, architects and engineers on matters relating to building projects, construction or installation problems and construction code standards.
• Identifies and approves alternate material construction and/or installation changes to enable an individual or a contractor, architect or engineer to meet the applicable codes; issues citations when necessary to enforce compliance with the codes; orders work stoppages until violations of codes are corrected.
• Assists in performing asbestos sampling and demolition reclamation inspections as required for demolition permits and performs lead-based paint inspections and risk assessments as required.
• Responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of individual and departmental building code and inspection records required by the State.
• Assistance in performing on-site sewer inspections, verifications, and evaluations as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of architectural engineering practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local building, masonry, mechanical, plumbing, fire suppression systems/MN fire code, MN building code and alarms codes, energy codes and zoning ordinances and related rules, septic ordinances, flood plain ordinances, and regulations.
• Knowledge of advanced construction practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of building materials and workmanship.
• Tactful and discretionary skills to defuse potentially hostile situations, may act as mediator between owner and contractor.
• Ability to perform skilled inspection duties, including both residential and commercial buildings and to maintain related records.
• Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people under a wide variety of situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to professionals and lay people, on their own level.
• Ability to perform physical work in unfinished structures and in surroundings that are occasionally unsafe and/or uncomfortable.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and work independently and as a team member.                 
• Ability to interpret and enforce complex laws, rules and regulations on building codes.
• Ability to use a computer, mobile communication devices, and perform required clerical and record keeping tasks.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or GED and extensive experience, or a combination of equivalent education and experience.

Special Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license in the State of Minnesota.
• Must be able to assess job and construction site safety and walk and traverse across varied terrain and unfinished job site and building conditions.
• Must hold current Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry certification as Building Official Limited.
• Inspector’s Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems Individual Certification from the State of Minnesota or ability to obtain future certification preferred but not required.

Tools and Equipment Used

Car/truck, shovel, probe, level, transit, soil auger, respirator, lead and asbestos testing equipment, and general office equipment.

Working Conditions

The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands, physical agility, sensory requirements, and environmental exposures required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• This classification regularly involves physical agility requirements such as: climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, repetitive motions and manual dexterity.
• Sensory requirements include close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; and hearing is required to receive detailed information through oral communication and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
• The work environment is a combination of both the office and field setting. The field environment is one that will frequently be uncomfortable, being hot and wet and/or humid in the summer and cold and wet in the other seasons. The noise level can range from moderately quiet in the office to loud and noisy in the field.

Physical Exertion (Pounds)

Up to 10

Occasional

Up to 25

Occasional

Up to 50

Occasional

Up to 100

Seldom

100 or more

Seldom

Applicants for appointment to this position will be required to submit a formal application and may be subject to rating of education and experience, oral interview and/or reference check, background investigation, criminal history check, drug testing.  Job related tests may be required of any applicant.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee as is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.