Combination Code Inspector

Salary: $63,508.83 - $81,759.83 Annually

Location : Portsmouth, VA

Job Type: Full-Time Regular

Job Number: FY2025-01138

Department: Permits & Inspections

Opening Date: 09/18/2025

Closing Date: 10/1/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for performing inspections for new and remodeled residential dwellings and commercial buildings, using multiple trades, to ensure compliance with federal, state and local ordinances. Reports to the Assistant to the Building Official.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs commercial and residential building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and property maintenance inspections in accordance with departmental procedures and guidelines; inspects properties owned by the city for violations of the building code; performs investigative and routine and non-routine inspections to ensure adherence to the local building code; reviews the structural plans of current construction projects; and authorizes and approves Stop Work notices for unsafe structures.

Reviews and approves construction drawings and plans; grants building releases for electricity and certificates of use and occupancy; reviews building and renovation plans, and blueprints and specifications to ensure code compliance; and inspects fire suppression systems, spray booths, tank installations, etc. to ensure compliance with the Virginia Construction Code of the Uniform Statewide Building Code.

Advises property owners, contractors and builders as to the building code standards; resolves problems or concerns, and coordinates with contractors and utility companies when scheduled work may interrupt services to the community; issues violation notifications, warnings and court summonses for non-compliance concerns; and testifies in court.

Interprets the current codes regulating building design, construction, use, repair, removal and demolition for citizens, contractors and developers; answers building code inquiries via telephone and in person; conducts informative workshops on code changes for Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Developers and the public; and plans, directs and implements the permit, plan review, inspection and commercial re-inspection process.

Reviews site plans to ensure compliance with Flood Elevation requirements, and changes current assignments, when necessary; approves non-complex zoning setbacks for additions to single-family homes and construction of new single-family homes; serves as a technical advisor to the Departments of Planning, Engineering and Economic Development.

Presents oral presentations, and serves as a member of various committees, panels and commissions, and provides input based on expertise and observations as appropriate; issues directives on departmental policies to the Secretary to the Building Code Board of Appeals, and performs damage assessment of existing buildings as part of the City's Emergency Operations Plan or in case of emergency after hours and on weekends in an on-call capacity.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Work: Has considerable knowledge of the inspection practices and procedures of the department. Has considerable knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and codes governing building, fire protection systems, mechanical, electrical and plumbing safety and public safety. Has considerable knowledge of the departmental procedures used to perform building, fire protection systems, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, amusement device and inspections. Is skilled in the use of a gauge, meter, circuit tester and other inspection tools. Is skilled in the writing and review of technical reports. Is able to exercise independent judgment and initiative in applying standards to a variety of work situations. Is able to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with the public. Is able to establish and maintain effective relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within division and department, and with the public.

Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the administrative, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of it. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences is justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the division.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all division employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other divisions and persons to maintain good will within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, professionals and the public.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establish a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.

Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or the equivalent, and vocational/trade certification in Building, Electrical, Mechanical or Plumbing trade; Master Tradesman License in Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing/gas fitting trade or NICET III (National Institute for certificate in Engineering Technologies), certification in fire protection systems and at least five (5) years of experience conducting building, mechanical, electrical, fire protection and plumbing inspections, or a combination of education or experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must become certified as both a Combination Residential Inspector and Combination Commercial Inspector through the International Code Council and/or the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) within three years of hire and obtain at least one of the inspection certification within 18 months of hire.

A Building Plans Examiner or Fire Suppression Plans examiner certification may be substituted for one residential or commercial certification.

Certification as a Residential and Commercial Building Plans Examiner highly desirable.

Additional certifications as a gas fitter, property maintenance inspector, and amusement device inspector are highly desirable.

Certification in Federal Emergency Management Agency Independent Study (FEMA IS) 100, 200, 700, 800 required within one (1) year of hire.

Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.

This position requires pre-employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing.

A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Physical Demands

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIREDTO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of office machinery including computers, calculators and copiers, etc. Must be physically able to operate an automobile. Must be capable of pushing and pulling up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/ or a negligible amount of force constantly pounds of force frequently to lift, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Must be able to enter crawl space foundations and attic spaces to perform inspections for other investigations. Physical demands are for light to medium work.

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors; giving instructions, assignment or directions to subordinates and advising the public on divisional policies.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of inspection reports, codes, policy manuals, guidelines, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, permits, etc., using prescribed formats. Requires the ability to speak with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including engineering, legal, mechanics and electrical terminology.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, utilize decimals and percentages, interpret graphs, and perform calculations involving variables, formulas and square roots; performs calculations with a variety of theoretical mathematical concepts and makes original application of mathematical procedures.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to interpret zoning maps, architectural drawings, site plans, etc., to ensure the compliance to city policies.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment and inspection tools.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment and inspection tools. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination:Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to perform a variety of duties, often changing form one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure. Work environment is not typically stressful; however, it may become stressful when dealing with people who are under stress and multiple work functions.

Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking; expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via telephone.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS

The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.

The city of Portsmouth offers a complete and comprehensive benefit package to full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, legal, Flexible Spending Accounts, basic and optional life insurance, short-term disability insurance, Virginia Retirement System (includes a mandatory 5% employee contribution), holidays, vacation, sick leave, deferred compensation plan, and Chartway Credit Union. To learn more details, visit

01

Please select the highest level of education completed.

Less than High School

High School Diploma or GED

Some College

Associates/Vocational/Technical

Bachelor's Degree or Higher

02

Do you have a valid driver's license?

Yes

No

03

List the highest level of building inspection, plan examiner, and/or buildingcertifications you possess. Include certification type (as described on yourcertificate), certificate number, and name of certifying organization? In addition,provide building official certifications you are currently working to obtain. Pleaseinclude additional requirements that need to be completed and the date of when youexpect to complete those requirements?

04

Do you have a Master Tradesman License in Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing/Gas Fitting or NICET III certification in fire protection systems?

Yes

No

05

This position requires certification in Federal Emergency Management Agency Independent Study (FEMA IS) 100, 200, 700, 800 required within one (1) year of hire. Are you able to meet this requirement?

Yes

No

06

Please describe your experience in building inspections, electrical, mechanical or a plumbing trade.

07

Can you become certified as both a Combination Residential Inspector and Combination Commercial Inspector through the International Code Council and/or the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) within three years of hire and obtain at least one of the inspection certifications within 18 months of hire?

Yes

No

Required Question