Building Code Professional

Role overview

In this position, you will inspect structures and review construction plans to confirm compliance with Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code requirements, along with applicable electrical, plumbing, mechanical, accessibility, building, fire, energy, and local City of Allentown standards. The scope of the role varies based on the certifications you currently hold or earn during your employment.

You will report to the Building & Construction Superintendent and work under the direction of the Building Official. This position does not include supervisory responsibility over other employees.

Key duties

• Carry out field inspections and enforce code compliance related to structural integrity, fire safety, public health, electrical systems, plumbing, mechanical systems, and energy-related requirements for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
• Examine and approve construction drawings and related plans to ensure they meet national and local code requirements as well as City ordinances.
• Provide guidance to coworkers, contractors, architects, and property owners on code-related matters within your area of expertise.
• Take enforcement action when violations occur, including appearing in court when required to support code enforcement cases.
• Maintain accurate inspection logs, records, and written reports.
• Respond to public questions and complaints involving unsafe conditions, unauthorized construction, code issues, and other safety concerns.
• Attend training sessions to strengthen job knowledge, keep certifications current, and meet continuing education requirements.
• Be responsible for the assigned vehicle and report maintenance concerns to the supervisor.
• Handle routine office tasks such as answering calls, preparing reports and correspondence, copying, filing, entering data, and scheduling.
• Participate in the emergency on-call rotation as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

Minimum qualifications

Applicants must have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and either a high school diploma or equivalent plus ongoing education in building trades, building materials, construction plans, and plumbing, or an equivalent mix of training and experience. Five years of experience in the building and plumbing trades is required.

Depending on the step level, candidates must hold Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code certifications and maintain them through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. Certification combinations may include residential and commercial inspector, plan examiner, fire, property maintenance, and related credentials. The role also requires maintaining the ability to cut in electrical services throughout employment.

Candidates must be able to obtain and keep a valid motor vehicle operator’s license issued by Pennsylvania or their state of residence, and must be able to obtain and maintain the license needed to cut in electrical services. Ongoing training, certification, licensing, and continuing education requirements set by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the International Code Council also apply.

Certification progression

The position includes multiple certification levels. Level requirements progress through combinations of residential, commercial, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, accessibility, plan examiner, fire, MCP designation, BCO, and property maintenance certifications, with each step building on the last. The exact certification mix depends on whether the role is classified under Building Code Professional A, B, or C, and the step level from D through G.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Strong understanding of City ordinances covering building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to work outdoors and on construction sites, including climbing ladders and stairs.
• Solid knowledge of plumbing and mechanical systems, including defects, faults, standard testing equipment, and corrective methods.
• Working knowledge of electrical installation problems and the National Electrical Code for residential and commercial work.
• Strong understanding of building construction methods and common defects across different structure types.
• Ability to write clear, concise inspection reports.
• Professional communication skills and the ability to work respectfully with the public, supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and property owners.
• Capacity to respond effectively to complaints and coordinate with multiple departments or agencies.
• Ability to read and interpret construction, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans, drawings, blueprints, and diagrams.
• Ability to identify building and system defects while they are still practical to correct.

Physical requirements

This role requires regular field-based inspection work with moderate physical effort. Duties include stooping, crouching, climbing, and lifting as part of site inspections. The employee must be able to distinguish colors, shapes, and forms, drive a motor vehicle, and use office equipment with adequate hand-eye coordination for repetitive tasks such as data entry.

The position may require lifting or moving up to 35 pounds. Close vision and the ability to adjust focus are also necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Selection process and employment notes

Selection will be based on a formal application, review of education and experience, an oral interview, reference checks, and possibly job-related testing.

The duties listed for this position are examples of the kinds of work that may be assigned. Missing items are not excluded if they are reasonably related to the role. The job description may be changed by the employer when organizational needs or job requirements change, and it does not create an employment agreement.