Hybrid Building Services Official (Multi-Trades Inspector) en Catawba County Government, NC

About the Department

Catawba County Utilities & Engineering is seeking qualified and motivated professionals to join our Building Services team. This position performs field inspections and/or plan reviews to ensure compliance with the North Carolina State Building Codes. Candidates will be considered for the Building Services Official level that best aligns with their certifications, experience, and capabilities.

We’re looking for individuals committed to public safety, strong customer service, and professional collaboration with the building community to support quality development throughout the county.

Salary/Compensation Information:

• Salary is negotiable, dependent on NC Inspection certificates held, as well as education and experience.
  • Building Services Official I: $49,859.46 
  • Building Services Official II: $52,352.31 – $86,381.32
  • Building Services Official III: $57,725.47 – $95,247.04
• Excellent incentive plan provided at various intervals for earning certificates.  
• Take-home truck assigned to each official, if residing within 40 miles of the county line.
• Ample clothing reimbursement program.

Position Duties

• Perform scheduled field inspections or review construction documents to ensure compliance with current North Carolina Building Codes and General Statutes
• Provide notification to the Permit Center for approved utility connections
• Coordinate with contractors, designers, and other professionals on code requirements and revisions, if assigned to plan review
• Enter field inspection results or plan review results into permitting software (Smartgov)
• Provide technical guidance and code interpretation to customers and colleagues
• Attend standard code classes, pass the class exam and the state exam to increase knowledge of codes and certification levels, and complete the annual continuing education required by the NC Code Qualification Board
• Conduct special event inspections and safety inspections as needed and assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent and 3 years of experience in inspections work in building construction, electrical, plumbing, and/or heating trades; OR 
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or inspection certifications/trade licenses

Special Requirements:  

• Building Services Official I – Possession of Level I Standard Certificates issued by the NC Department of Insurance in four trade areas (building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing); OR
• Building Services Official II – Possession of Level II Standard Certificates issued by the NC Department of Insurance in four trade areas; OR
• Building Services Official III – Possession of Level III Standard Certificates issued by the NC Department of Insurance in four trade areas; Fire Code certification may be obtained.

Note: Candidates without the required certifications must be pre-qualified by the NC Department of Insurance as eligible for a probationary comparisons certificate in order to be hired, and within THREE years of employment, attain the Standard Level I Certificates in all four trades.

Other Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position)
• Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to deal tactfully with the public
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in applying standards to a variety of work situations
• Ability to read plans and specifications for all structures governed by building code

• This position requires the physical ability to stoop, climb, crawl, and regularly lift up to 50 pounds frequently and occasionally lift up to 100 pounds. Must be in good physical condition. 

• Standard Level III NC Inspection Certificates in Building, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing
• General contractors license or plumbing, mechanical, or electrical trade license
• Prefer candidates with a strong background in multi-trade inspections and/or commercial plan review environment