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City Building Inspector Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Chief Plans Examiner

Hillsboro, OR

$111K - $147K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The City of Hillsboro is seeking an experienced Chief Plans Examiner to lead our exceptional plan ... Commercial Building Inspector A-Level (Oregon SIA or ICC B2) Mechanical Plans Examiner (ICC M3 ...

Chief Plans Examiner

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The City of Hillsboro is seeking an experienced Chief Plans Examiner to lead our exceptional plan ... Oregon Building Official Certification Structural/Mechanical * Oregon Inspector Certification ...

2026 Plans Examiner

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$80K - $111K/yr

Description The City of Oregon City is recruiting for the next Plans Examiner in the Building ... Conducts site inspections as needed. Distinguishing career Features The Plans Examiner is the first ...

2026 Plans Examiner

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$80K - $111K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... The City of Oregon City is recruiting for the next Plans Examiner in the Building Division ... Conducts site inspections as needed. Distinguishing career Features The Plans Examiner is the first ...

2026 Project Engineer

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$80K - $111K/yr

Coordinates engineering inspections to review compliance with approved designs and plans for ... Verifies compliance with accepted engineering practices and the provisions of City building codes ...

2026 Project Engineer

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$80K - $111K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Coordinates engineering inspections to review compliance with approved designs and plans for ... Verifies compliance with accepted engineering practices and the provisions of City building codes ...

Perform assigned facility inspections and due diligence efforts, reporting on as found conditions ... Maintain compliance to State, County, or City Ordinances, Codes, or Laws. * Must complete all ...

Sr. Electrical Inspector

Portland, OR · On-site

$118K - $137K/yr

Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland's online portal You will ... Building Code Division Inspector Certifications Pathways or call (503) 378-4133 or email bcd.info ...

Assistant City Attorney Senior

Gresham, OR · On-site

$113K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

City Hall Building, Gresham, OR Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 26120-1 Department: City Attorney ... inspections, public/private partnerships, citizen involvement, code enforcement, innovative land ...

Sr. Electrical Inspector

Portland, OR · On-site

$118K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland's online portal. You will ... Building Code Division Inspector Certifications Pathways or call (503) 378-4133 or email . The ...

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Showing results 1-20

City Building Inspector information

See Portland, OR salary details

$38.2K

$73K

$109.2K

How much do city building inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for city building inspector in Portland, OR is $73,049.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,300.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a city building inspector do?

A City Building Inspector is responsible for reviewing construction projects to ensure they comply with local building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations. They examine plans, inspect construction sites, and issue permits or stop-work orders as needed. Their goal is to protect public safety by making sure structures are built safely and meet all legal requirements. Building Inspectors also provide guidance to builders and property owners about necessary improvements or changes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a city building inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a City Building Inspector, you need a solid understanding of local building codes, construction methods, and inspection procedures, often backed by a relevant degree or trade experience and certification such as ICC certification. Familiarity with inspection management software, digital reporting tools, and sometimes GIS systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help inspectors work with contractors and the public. These skills ensure that buildings are safe, compliant, and built to code, protecting the community and upholding regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges city building inspectors face when performing site inspections?

City Building Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing tight inspection schedules, addressing non-compliance issues with contractors or property owners, and staying updated on evolving building codes and regulations. Additionally, they must be able to communicate technical requirements in an accessible way and handle disputes or disagreements professionally. Adapting to various work environments—from new construction sites to older buildings—also requires inspectors to be vigilant about safety and detail-oriented in their evaluations.

What is the difference between City Building Inspector vs City Code Enforcement Officer?

AspectCity Building InspectorCity Code Enforcement Officer
CredentialsTypically requires building inspection certifications, state licensing, and relevant construction knowledgeRequires knowledge of local codes, ordinances, and sometimes certification in code enforcement
Work EnvironmentInspecting new construction, renovations, and ensuring compliance with building codesEnforcing city codes related to property maintenance, zoning, and safety violations
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal government, construction, and architecture firmsMunicipal government, housing authorities, and public safety agencies

While both roles focus on ensuring safety and compliance within city regulations, City Building Inspectors primarily evaluate construction projects and building safety, whereas City Code Enforcement Officers handle broader property and zoning violations. Both positions require knowledge of local codes and often collaborate to maintain community standards.

Can you become a city building inspector with no experience?

Becoming a city building inspector typically requires some background in construction, architecture, or engineering, along with relevant certifications or licenses. While entry-level positions may be available, most employers prefer candidates with related experience or training in building codes and inspection procedures.

How much do city building inspectors make?

City building inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $65,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $45,000 to $90,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. In large cities, salaries tend to be higher due to increased demand and cost of living. They often work full-time, inspecting construction sites and ensuring compliance with building codes and safety regulations.

Is there a demand for city building inspectors?

City building inspectors are in steady demand due to ongoing construction, renovation, and safety compliance needs in urban areas. Employment opportunities are often influenced by local development projects, building codes, and the need for certified inspectors with relevant licenses and knowledge of building regulations.
Infographic showing various City Building Inspector job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,049 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Plumbing Building Inspector - Gresham, OR

City of Gresham

Gresham, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Overview Join the City of Gresham as a Plumbing Building Inspector (Building Inspector 2), performing residential and commercial plumbing inspections. This full-time role includes Oregon PERS retirement and full medical, dental, and vision benefits. We're looking for a certified plumbing inspector who values a collaborative team, delivers quality customer service, and uses their code knowledge to keep Gresham's commercial and residential buildings safe.

Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code Inspector (PI) and Oregon Residential Plumbing Inspector (CAP) certifications are required at hire. This job is posted until the listed closing date; first resume reviews and interview consideration begin August 17. As Oregon's fourth-largest city, Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition and heritage meet innovation and opportunity.

Gresham is a dynamic and rapidly growing city where families and businesses have a mutual desire and drive to thrive. City of Gresham employees care deeply about the community they serve, and go 'one step beyond' to deliver services in collaborative, inventive, practical, and nimble ways. Our work is challenging, fast-paced and rewarding.

We believe that to deliver the highest level of service to all Gresham community members, it is crucial we employ a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive working environment, and ensure our policies and systems result in equitable outcomes. The City seeks candidates who will support these values by continuously incorporating equity in their daily work and actively contributing to a workplace culture that respects unique viewpoints, life experiences and cultural perspectives. Come build the future with us.

Benefits & Schedule Retirement: Oregon PERS Health: medical, dental, and vision coverage Schedule: full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:15 AM to 4:15 PM FTE, onsite in Gresham (Portland metro area, Multnomah County) If you feel you are a better match for one of the below positions, please apply to that position directly: Building Inspector Trainee Building Inspector 1 Electrical Building Inspector Structural Mechanical Building Inspector Position Description What you'll do Inspect new and existing residential, commercial, and accessory buildings for compliance with construction, safety, and specialty codes and City ordinances Notify contractors and homeowners of violations and follow up to confirm they're corrected Issue stop-work orders for non-compliance and determine required repairs or replacement Investigate health and safety complaints and violations Conduct field inspections and on-site plan review; provide code interpretation to contractors, builders, architects, and homeowners Perform accurate plan review and read/interpret plans, specifications, and engineering drawings against work in progress Maintain inspection records and prepare reports and compliance correspondence Represent the City to the public, other agencies, and jurisdictions; stay current on state and local codes Qualifications Minimum: Associate's degree or two years of college coursework in a Building Inspection Technology program or related trade/technical coursework, plus three (3) to six (6) years in one or more areas of building construction - or any combination of three to six years of related education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Required at hire: Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code Inspector (PI) certification (or equivalent) Oregon Residential Plumbing Inspector (CAP) certification (or equivalent) Valid driver's license and good driving record (based on our driving matrix below) Within 30 days of hire: Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) Within 12 months of hire: Oregon Medical Gas Inspector (MIG) Driving Matrix You will be disqualified from this process if you possess any of the following driving infractions: A major traffic offense or accident that results in death or major injury. Driving under the influence (DUI) offense within the last 5 years.

Have more than 3 moving violations within a 3-year period or more than 2 within a one-year period. Have more than 2 accidents within a 3-year period. Have more than 2 accidents within a 3-year period.

Selection Process To apply for this position, click 'Apply' at the top of this job posting. Required application materials: Complete online application(Do not type 'see resume' in any fields or leave work experience fields blank in the application template.) Answers to supplemental questions Three or more professional references The City of Gresham offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education verified in your application. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials.Learn more about Oregon Equal Pay

If you desire a modification of this process to accommodate a disability, please provide your request in writing to HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov, or by phone to 503-618-2729, upon submitting the required application documents. A review of application materials including your response to supplemental questions submitted will determine which candidates will be invited to an interview. Communication with candidates will be done primarily through e-mail

Sometimes these messages may land in a spam or junk mail folder. We encourage you to monitor your inbox as well as the inbox within the governmentjobs.com portal for important updates related to this process. Veteran's Preference The City of Gresham provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law

Any candidate wishing to have their qualifying veteran's preference applied to the process must submit a qualifying document (DD Form 214 or 215) at the time of application providing proof of eligibility that includes discharge status. Disabled veterans must also submit a copy of their Veteran's disability preference letter from the US Department of Veteran Affairs at the time of application, unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215. Our Commitment The City of Gresham is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without unlawful regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, familial status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, Oregon, or local law.

Please direct questions about this position to 503-618-2729 or HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov. If you need assistance with the online application, please contact NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627. Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a professional reference check, criminal background check, and driving record review.