What are the responsibilities and job description for the Building Code Inspector position at DC Department of Human Resources?
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
Prepares written and electronic inspection reports indicating the location of inspected area, compliance, or non-compliance 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.
Maintains an effective customer service relationship with clients and the public and works to resolve customer service issues, either in person, by telephone, or in writing. Incumbent recognizes, evaluates, and properly resolves unique problems or situations in consultation with supervisor and/or Chief Building Official and maintains customer service documentation. Conducts discussions with owners, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, staff from Fire Marshall’s Office, specialty inspectors, DOB staff, and the public regarding permits, specifications, materials, methods, and plans, as appropriate and assists customers in obtaining compliance with applicable construction codes during the construction process.
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
Must possess at minimum one of the following: (1) ICC certifications in the International Green Construction Code or International Energy Conservation Code, (2) Certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater (3) Building Performance Institute Building Analyst or Multifamily Building Analyst, (4) LEED for Homes Green Rater, (5) or other related certification.
Working Conditions/Environment
The work is performed in an office which is adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated as well as in the field completing 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, and hearing protection, and/or steel toe safety shoes.
Other Significant Facts
First Screening Date: May 15, 2026
Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:15AM- 4:45PM
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-1801-13
Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential
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
Duration of Appointment: Career Service Regular Appointment
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, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
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
Prepares written and electronic inspection reports indicating the location of inspected area, compliance, or non-compliance 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.
Maintains an effective customer service relationship with clients and the public and works to resolve customer service issues, either in person, by telephone, or in writing. Incumbent recognizes, evaluates, and properly resolves unique problems or situations in consultation with supervisor and/or Chief Building Official and maintains customer service documentation. Conducts discussions with owners, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, staff from Fire Marshall’s Office, specialty inspectors, DOB staff, and the public regarding permits, specifications, materials, methods, and plans, as appropriate and assists customers in obtaining compliance with applicable construction codes during the construction process.
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
Must possess at minimum one of the following: (1) ICC certifications in the International Green Construction Code or International Energy Conservation Code, (2) Certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater (3) Building Performance Institute Building Analyst or Multifamily Building Analyst, (4) LEED for Homes Green Rater, (5) or other related certification.
Working Conditions/Environment
The work is performed in an office which is adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated as well as in the field completing 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, and hearing protection, and/or steel toe safety shoes.
Other Significant Facts
First Screening Date: May 15, 2026
Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:15AM- 4:45PM
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-1801-13
Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential
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
Duration of Appointment: Career Service Regular Appointment
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, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.