Albemarle County has immediate openings for full-time Residential Combination Inspectors with a $2,000 sign-on incentive for qualified candidates! This position performs inspections of residential construction projects to ensure compliance with applicable building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and related codes and regulations. The Residential Combination Inspector works with contractors, homeowners, and other community members to identify code requirements, address compliance issues, and help ensure residential construction is completed safely and in accordance with approved plans and standards.
We’re looking for a knowledgeable and skilled professional who understands residential construction codes, inspection practices, building materials, and methods across building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, gas, and fire suppression disciplines. The ideal candidate brings sound professional judgment, strong emotional intelligence, and the ability to clearly communicate technical and complex information to contractors, community members, colleagues, agency partners, and elected officials—even when situations are sensitive or challenging. Success in this role also requires the ability to read and interpret building plans and applicable codes, stay current on changing regulations and construction technologies, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, use Microsoft Office and other job-related technology, and legally operate a motor vehicle in Virginia.
Position may be filled as a Residential Combination Inspector I or II depending on qualifications and experience.
If filled as a Residential Combination Inspector I, the hiring pay range is: $28.34 - $31.32 hrly (approx. $58,948 - $65,154 annual).
If filled as a Residential Combination Inspector II, the hiring pay range is: $30.61 - $33.83 hrly (approx.$63,664 - $70,366 annual).
Essential Functions:
-
Performs multidisciplinary inspections including but not limited to residential building, electrical, mechanical, gas, fire suppression, and plumbing inspections and re-inspections for compliance with approved plans.
-
Reads and interprets building plans and specifications for compliance.
-
Issues correction notices and stop work orders, if necessary, when violations exist.
-
Investigates complaints of the unsafe structures provision from tenants of residential rental dwelling units in compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC).
-
Provides technical code assistance and information to private citizens, contractors, and architects.
-
Prepares a variety of correspondences and reports concerning code compliance matters to private citizens, contractors, and architects.
-
Prepares evidence and testifies in court on code violation cases as needed.
-
Performs related work as required.
Inspector I – Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and experience in residential construction, building trades, code enforcement, inspection, or a related field. Must possess or obtain required Virginia residential inspector certification(s) within the timeframe established by the Virginia Certification Standards. This is a developmental-level position that performs inspections within the employee’s certification and demonstrated competency while gaining experience across residential code disciplines.
Inspector II – Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and progressively responsible experience in residential construction, building inspection, code enforcement, or a related field. Must possess the Virginia certifications required to independently perform assigned residential inspections across multiple code disciplines. This is the fully proficient level, responsible for independently conducting inspections, interpreting and applying codes, and resolving more complex compliance and construction issues with limited technical oversight.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
-
Frequent visits to construction project locations, traversing uneven terrain and obstructions, possibly in adverse weather conditions, walking for extended periods of time, stooping, and climbing up and down ladders is required.
-
Occasional sedentary computer work.
-
Driving a county vehicle on a regular basis on roads and maneuvering through construction sites.
-
Occasional lifting of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
-
Frequent and regular contact with local government senior officials, commissions, boards, and agencies.
-
Regular contact with the public, building and development professionals, and community business groups.
-
Occasional contact with the courts, fire and police officials is required.
Remote Work:
This position is not eligible for remote work. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Deadline for Applications:
Applications will be accepted until end of day on August 14, 2026.
Virginia Values Veterans:
Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.
Albemarle County Core Values:
Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the County’s Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through
-
Community: We expect diversity, equity and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission.
-
Integrity: We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment.
-
Innovation: We embrace creativity and positive change.
-
Stewardship: We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human, and financial resources respectfully and responsibly.
-
Learning: We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth.
