Description
Shape the Built Environment. Protect Public Safety. Build Your Career.
Charleston County is seeking a knowledgeable, motivated, and communityminded Building Codes Inspector to join our highly skilled Building Inspection team. This is a mission-critical role entrusted with safeguarding public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that commercial and residential construction meets all applicable building codes, regulations, and safety standards.
If you're passionate about construction quality, enjoy working in the field, and want to make a significant impact in one of the fastest-growing counties in the Southeast, this is an opportunity to build a career that matters.
What You Will Do
As a Building Codes Inspector, you will play a vital role throughout every stage of construction, renovation, and repair. Your expertise ensures that structures across Charleston County meet professional and safety expectations. You will:
Conduct thorough inspections of construction sites, existing structures, and renovations to confirm compliance with building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations.
Review building plans, permits, and related documents before and during construction.
Identify violations, unsafe conditions, or noncompliance and provide clear, actionable guidance to contractors, builders, and property owners.
Issue notices of violation, stopwork orders, or citations when required.
Collaborate with contractors, architects, engineers, and government partners to resolve complex code issues.
Maintain detailed records of inspections, findings, and enforcement actions.
Stay current with industry standards and code updates through ongoing training.
Assist with public education efforts related to building codes and safety.
Participate in meetings, hearings, and legal proceedings to support enforcement actions.
Perform additional duties as needed to support departmental goals.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you must have:
High School Diploma or GED.
Five (5) or more years of experience as a licensed contractor OR current SC Building Code Council (SCBCC) certifications as a Plans Reviewer or Codes Inspector.
Preference may be given to applicants with multiple certifications, a combination of experience and education, and/or credentials such as PE or AIA.
Ability to obtain SCBCC certifications in residential and commercial plan review or inspections and pass NIMS 100 & 700 within 6 months of hire.
Ability to obtain multidiscipline certification within 1 year of hire.
Clean DMV record and valid SC Driver’s License (or ability to obtain within 3 months).
Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
What We’re Looking For
We value professionals who demonstrate:
Strong communication, customer service, and problemsolving skills.
The ability to work independently, show initiative, and manage multiple priorities.
Commitment to collaboration, positive work relationships, and continuous improvement.
A focus on accuracy, safety, and accountability in all field operations.
Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic regulatory environment.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
This role includes both office and field work:
Exposure to varied weather conditions.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 55 lbs.
Ability to stand, crouch, climb, kneel, and traverse uneven ground.
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Occasional travel within and beyond the county.
May be required to report during hazardous weather or emergency conditions.
All Charleston County Government employees must reside in South Carolina.
