Job Summary
This position is in the District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB), within the division of the Office of Construction and Building Standards (OCBS). The mission of the Department of Buildings is to protect the safety of residents, businesses, and visitors and advance the development of the built environment through permitting, inspections, and code enforcement. OCBS is responsible for ensuring public and private sector safety in the District of Columbia through inspection record management; code compliance, occupancy and zoning inspections for all buildings and structures; maintenance of issued building/trade permits; and enforcement of illegal construction activity, all in accordance with the adopted DC Construction Codes and referenced standards. The Building Code Inspector acts as an agent of the Chief Building Official; and is the frontline field personnel executing the primary mission of the OCBS. The work requires accurate code administration and enforcement for active construction projects in the District; preparation of electronic reports of all inspections; and to conduct fact-finding field investigations for evidence of compliance with local regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Incumbents perform on-site inspections of residential and commercial construction sites or projects to ensure that each aspect of construction, alteration, and/or repair complies with all applicable District codes and regulations, as well as the approved building permits,
plans, and specifications. Prepares written and electronic inspection reports indicating compliance or noncompliance with approved permits, plans and/or applicable codes. Inspection reports clearly articulate any required corrections based on inspection of the construction work,
or that is necessary for the contingent approval of the work. Issues Stop Work Orders, Notices of Infraction, and/or Correction Orders as applicable for non-conforming work or illegal construction activity. Incumbent uploads inspection result data into DOB databases an electronic file on a daily basis and maintains files that are legally defensible records of all inspections and code violations.
Assists in the investigation, research, and resolution of citizen complaints regarding the construction, alteration, and/or repair of buildings or structures related to code compliance. Incumbent evaluates complaints concerning code violations; identifies and documents building violations; prepares and issues notices to comply; follows up on all corrective action by reviewing and re-inspecting construction sites to assure corrections have been made as required.
Qualifications and Education
Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.
Licenses and Certifications
Position requires possession of a valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record and must be maintained; periodic review of driving record is required and will be conducted.
All certifications shall be maintained by the incumbent as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain certifications may be grounds for employment termination.
Possession and maintenance of at least (3) ICC Certifications at the Residential Level in Residential Building (B1), Residential Electrical (E1), Residential Mechanical (M1), or Residential Plumbing (P1) issued by the International Code Council (ICC); AND within 12 months of hire the incumbent is required to obtain the remaining (1) ICC Level 1 Certification to complete the Residential Combination Inspector Certification.
OR
Possession and maintenance of at least (3) ICC Certifications at the Commercial Level in Commercial Building (B2), Commercial Electrical (E2), Commercial Mechanical (M2), or Commercial Plumbing (P2) issued by the International Code Council (ICC); or Fire Inspector II (FII) AND within 12 months of hire the incumbent is required to obtain the remaining (1) ICC Level 2 Certification to complete the Commercial Combination Inspector Certification. Within 12 months of hire the incumbent is required to obtain the ICC Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner (21) Certification Within 12 months of hire the incumbent is required to obtain the ICC Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner (79) Certification. All Certifications must be maintained per ICC requirements and are the financial responsibility of the Inspector.
Failure to acquire the additional certifications necessary to complete the qualification credentials for a Building Code Inspector within the required 12-month timeframe shall be grounds for employment termination.
Working Conditions/Environment
Some work is performed in an office which is adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated as well as in the field at residential properties. Otherwise, work is outside performing field inspections. Field inspections may be performed in inclement weather, under adverse conditions, and in unusual places. Soil and mud may be encountered when yards, vacant land and exterior structures are inspected. The incumbent occasionally encounters dust, solid waste, flooded areas, contaminated water, mold, mildew, and vermin during inspections. Normal safety precautions must be observed at all times.
This position requires exposure to construction sites and the safety issues at each site. At many sites the incumbent is required to wear safety equipment such as a hard hat, safety vest, eye & hearing protection, and/or steel toe safety shoes.
Field inspections may be performed in inclement weather, under adverse conditions, and in unusual places. Soil and mud may be encountered when yards, vacant land and exterior structures are inspected. Use of ladders and performing inspections in high locations may be required. Incumbents may be exposed to dust, solid waste, flooded areas, contaminated water, mold, mildew, and vermin during inspections. Normal safety precautions must always be observed.
Other Significant Facts
First Screening Date: May 15, 2026
Tour of Duty: Monday- Friday 8:15AM- 4:45PM
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-1801-12
Promotion Potential: Potential for Promotion
Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is covered under a collective bargaining unit AFGE 2725 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through direct payroll deduction.
Position Designation: The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability Safety Sensitive.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, or any other legally-protected status within the limits imposed by applicable District and federal laws and regulations.