Building Code Professional

Position summary

This role sits within the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code framework and reports to the Building Official through the Codes Administrator. The position focuses on inspecting structures and reviewing construction plans to confirm compliance with electrical, plumbing, mechanical, accessibility, building, and fire requirements. The exact scope of inspection work depends on the certifications the employee holds or earns while working for the City of Allentown.

Key duties

The Building Code Professional is responsible for carrying out inspections and code enforcement across residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Work includes checking structural, fire, health, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy-related requirements against adopted codes, standards, and ordinances; reviewing proposed drawings and construction documents; and advising staff, contractors, architects, and property owners on code matters. The role also includes following through on violations, which may involve court attendance, preparing inspection records and reports, answering public questions about hazards or illegal construction, and responding to code compliance and safety concerns.

Additional duties include attending training to maintain and expand certifications, keeping an assigned vehicle in good condition and reporting maintenance issues, performing office tasks such as phone coverage, typing, copying, filing, scheduling, and data entry, and participating in an emergency on-call rotation. Other related work may be assigned as needed.

Qualification requirements

Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, plus continued education in building trades, building materials, construction plans, and plumbing. A valid Pennsylvania driver's license is required, along with at least five years of experience in the building and plumbing trades or an equivalent mix of training and experience. The role also requires valid Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code certifications, or the certifications needed for the applicable Combination Inspector level, all verified, accepted, and maintained through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. The successful candidate must also be able to maintain the ability to cut in electrical services throughout employment and meet all ongoing training, certification, licensing, and continuing education requirements set by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and the International Code Council.

Certification levels

Building Code Professional certification requirements vary by step and level, including combinations of residential inspector, commercial inspector, plan examiner, property maintenance, fire, and related certifications.

• Building Code Professional (A) Step D: all residential inspector certifications (B1, E1, M1, P1, 79) and property maintenance (64), or the equivalent commercial/residential combination.
• Building Code Professional (A) Step E: all commercial inspector certifications except commercial electric, with the ability to perform residential inspections except electric (B2, M2, P2, 77 or CE, 21) plus property maintenance (64).
• Building Code Professional (A) Step F-G: all certifications from the earlier steps, plus additional certifications not listed in Steps D and E, excluding certifications needed for BCP Level 2 Step D.
• Building Code Professional (B) Step D: all commercial inspector certifications, including residential electric inspections, but excluding commercial electric (B2, E1, M2, P2, 77 or CE, 21), plus property maintenance (64).
• Building Code Professional (B) Step E: all commercial inspector certifications and electric plan examiner certification, or alternatively all commercial inspector certifications plus residential electric and all plan examiner certifications excluding commercial electric and electric plan examiner certifications (B2, E2, E3, M2, P2, 77, 78 or CE, R3, 21; or B2, B3, E1, M2, M3, P2, P3, 77, 78 or CE, R3, 21), plus property maintenance (64).
• Building Code Professional (B) Step F-G: all certifications from the prior levels and steps, plus additional certifications not listed in Steps D and E, excluding certifications required for BCP Level 3 Step D.
• Building Code Professional (C) Step G: all residential and commercial inspector and plan examiner certifications, including fire 1, 2, fire plans examiner, MCP designation, and BCO (B1, B2, B3, R3, E1, E2, E3, M1, M2, M3, P1, P2, P3, 77, 78 or CE, 79, 21, 66, 67, F3) plus property maintenance (64).

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

The ideal candidate should have strong working knowledge of local ordinances covering building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, along with a solid understanding of construction practices, wiring, appliances, fixtures, defects, testing methods, and corrective actions. The role requires the ability to read plans, blueprints, drawings, and diagrams; write clear reports; identify defects in construction and installations; and work effectively with the public, contractors, plumbers, mechanics, electricians, supervisors, and other staff. Strong customer service, tact, professionalism, and the ability to handle complaints are essential.

Physical requirements

This job involves active fieldwork and may require moderate physical effort. The employee must be able to carry out on-site inspections, stoop, crouch, climb stairs and ladders, lift as needed, and work on construction sites. The position also requires the ability to perceive colors, shapes, and forms; operate a motor vehicle; and use hand-eye coordination for repetitive tasks such as data entry and office equipment use. The role may require lifting or moving up to 35 pounds occasionally and has vision requirements that include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Selection process

Hiring will be based on a formal application, evaluation of education and experience, oral interview, reference checks, and, if needed, job-related testing.

Additional notes

The listed duties are examples of the work that may be assigned and do not limit the position to only those tasks. If business needs or job requirements change, the employer may revise the role. This description is not an employment contract and does not create one.