Building Inspector

Role overview

This role focuses on assessing new and existing structures for safety, compliance, and proper construction standards. The inspector reviews whether building activity follows municipal rules, state legislation, and accepted construction practices related to erection, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, occupancy, zoning, and building use. The position involves working independently in the field with a high degree of technical judgment. Complex or unusual matters may be escalated for guidance, and performance is evaluated through written and verbal reporting. There is no direct staff supervision associated with this position.

Key duties

• Review building plans and specifications tied to permit requests for construction, alteration, repair, removal, and demolition, and confirm they meet legal standards.
• Provide guidance to builders, owners, architects, engineers, and attorneys on construction-related issues while interpreting applicable codes, laws, and regulations.
• Carry out site inspections during construction, renovation, or repair to check compliance with building and zoning rules, including location, soil, foundations, framing, structural work, readiness for lath, materials, workmanship, and alignment with approved plans.
• Inspect older or potentially unsafe buildings that may require condemnation, especially where fire hazards or other dangers may be present.
• Examine assembly spaces and public buildings for structural soundness, occupancy and use conditions, fire safeguards, alarms, lighting, and the safety and accessibility of exits, corridors, and fire escapes.
• Investigate complaints and gather proof of building or zoning breaches, as well as unsafe or unhealthy conditions.
• Issue verbal or written correction notices for code violations, defects, and hazards, then follow up to confirm compliance.
• Request show-cause orders from the Clerk of Courts when needed and attend court to support enforcement and provide testimony in accident or damage matters.
• Prepare inspection reports covering findings, actions taken, and recommendations for future steps or occupancy permit decisions.
• Handle other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Strong understanding of municipal building and zoning ordinances and state laws governing construction and building upkeep.
• Solid knowledge of construction materials, methods, and techniques.
• Understanding of material quality, structural strength, fire safety, ventilation, lighting, and safe egress standards.
• Awareness of equipment and materials needed for occupant safety, comfort, convenience, and energy-related requirements referenced in clause (p) of section 94.
• Ability to identify poor construction, deterioration, and hazardous site conditions.
• Ability to read rough and finished construction drawings and specifications and detect deviations during the building process.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to enforce regulations firmly, fairly, and diplomatically.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with builders, architects, property owners, government representatives, and the public.

Education and experience

Candidates should have an associate degree in a building construction or design-related field plus 3 years of experience supervising building construction or design work, or an equivalent combination totaling 5 years.

Certification and legal qualifications

Applicants must satisfy or exceed the stated qualifications in line with MGL c 143 section 3 and the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR 110.R7).

All selected candidates are required to obtain certification within 12 months of the start date. To qualify for certification in Massachusetts as a Local Inspector, individuals must pass the required examinations for either NCPCCI Certified Building Inspector or NCPCCI Certified Building Plans Examiner, or the ICC exams applicable to this certification level.