Deputy Building Inspector & Health Officer

Deputy Building Inspector & Health Officer (Full-Time)

Grade 8 / Merit Plan

Department: Planning & Development

Reports to: Chief Building Inspector & Health Officer

City of Claremont, NH

“Why You’ll Love Working Here”

Working for the Department of Planning and Development means being part of a dedicated team committed to protecting the health, safety, and quality of life in our community. As a Building and Health Inspector, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring that construction, housing, and public health standards are met—helping to create a safe, sustainable, and thriving Claremont. If you are detail-oriented, enjoy problem-solving, and are committed to serving the public with integrity and professionalism, this role offers meaningful impact and opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

Job Summary

Performs inspections and code enforcement during construction, repair, and alteration to ensure compliance with the International Building Code (IBC), International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), the City of Claremont Municipal Code, and other applicable local, state, and federal statutes. Conducts health and food service safety inspections to ensure compliance with state and local public health regulations and sanitation standards. Serves as the alternate Code Enforcement Officer and acts as the Chief Building Inspector & Health Officer’s designee in their absence, including representing the department in legal proceedings and enforcing violations through citations and documentation.

Essential Job Functions (Except as specifically noted, the following functions are considered essential to this position. The listed examples may not include all duties found in this class)

• Conducts building, electrical, plumbing/mechanical, life-safety, and IPMC inspections. Maintains accurate field documentation, including photographs and field notes and entering data daily.
• Coordinates with Fire, Public Works, Police, and legal counsel on field operations, site safety, and enforcement.
• Performs code enforcement duties as assigned including but not limited to issuing notices of violation, stop-work orders, and orders to correct/abate.
• Investigates and responds to citizen complaints, including nuisance, animal control, pest control, septic system, lead abatement, water quality, medical waste, indoor air quality, solid waste, and other issues related to health; supports public health and safety enforcement actions.
• Carries out responsibilities under RSA 147 and NHDHHS regulations related to nuisance abatement, housing sanitation, food safety, communicable disease response, and public health oversight.
• Assists in the enforcement of environmental regulations including wetlands and floodplain/floodway restrictions, waste disposal, or other possible environmental pollutants.
• Reviews construction plans for life-safety and code conflicts; verifies application completeness and presence of prior approvals.
• Serves on Technical Review Committees with other departments involved in proposed and current projects as assigned.
• Represents the department in meetings as assigned.
• Assists contractors, public and other city staff by responding to questions or concerns regarding city code and/or other regulations.
• Assists in communication with State Bureau of Disease Control, public health officials, and local officials regarding communicable diseases or other public health concerns at the direction of the Planning & Development Director.
• Performs, periodically or upon request, facility inspection for schools or day care facilities as required by New Hampshire as part of the State certification programs. Prepares report and distributes to appropriate personnel.
• Assists with food safety inspections, issuing business licenses for food service, and enforcement of food safety code as required.
• Assists with the maintenance of all department records and reference files.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Coordinates with the Fire Department and State Fire Marshal on life-safety systems (NFPA 101, sprinklers, alarms, and hood suppression systems); witnesses septic test pits, reviews septic plans for completeness, and coordinates with NHDES Subsurface Systems Bureau; assists the Chief Building Inspector with field verifications and substantial damage/improvement reviews, and prepares hearing/court packets under RSA 676, documenting service and chain-of-custody.

Peripheral Duties

• Serves as the Deputy to the Chief Building Inspector/Health Officer.
• Assists with training for contractors, homeowners, and city staff on code topics.
• Recommends process improvements to enhance field efficiency and documentation quality.
• Analyze and recommend improvements to equipment and facilities, as needed.
• Participate in various committees.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience in property maintenance, public health, construction, inspection, or code enforcement, preferably a combination of two or more of these disciplines.
• An Associate’s degree in a related field is desirable and may be substituted for an amount of experience at the discretion of the hiring team.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• ICC Building Inspector certification: additional ICC certifications are desirable.
• Familiarity with municipal enforcement processes and evidence standards.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of International Building Code, International Property Maintenance Code, and Municipal Code provisions; working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Skills in field investigation, technical writing, photography, and stakeholder communications.
• Ability to interpret a variety of plans (including, but not limited to, site plans, structural plans, plumbing and heating schematics, and elevation plans) and apply codes consistently while exercising sound judgment in the field.

Responsibility for Public Contact

Daily contact requiring courtesy, discretion, patience, and sound judgement.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• ICC certification(s).
• Must obtain certificates and licenses required for position within one (1) year of hire and maintain them during employment.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is classified as Grade 8 on the City’s Merit Pay Plan, with a current annual range of $43,216.57 – $72,802.30 (midpoint $58,009.44). Placement within the range will be based on qualifications and relevant experience.

Health Insurance: The City pays 80% of the medical insurance premium for eligible employees.

Dental Insurance: Offered through the City’s group plan.

Retirement: Participation in the New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS).

Paid Time Off: Includes vacation, sick leave, and personal days, with accruals increasing with years of service.

Holidays: Eleven (11) paid holidays per year.

Life and Disability Insurance: City-paid life and long-term disability coverage, with options to purchase additional voluntary life insurance.

Other Benefits: Employee assistance program and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a résumé to:

City of Claremont – Human Resources

58 Opera House Square

Claremont, NH 03743

Email: HR@claremontnh.com