Building Inspector-Electrical or Plumbing

April 9, 2026
Application ends: October 1, 2026
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Job Description

Building Inspector-Electrical or Plumbing

Description
BACKGROUND:
The City of Cleveland Heights is looking to re-establish its Building Department as a division under the Department of Planning & Development. The City of Cleveland Heights Department of Planning & Development, Building Division is currently seeking a Building Inspector-Electrical and/or Plumbing to join its newly created Building Division.

Cleveland Heights is an inner-ring suburb of Cleveland, Ohio with a population of just under 45,000 people and a combined 2022 budget of over $129M. Cleveland Heights is a dynamic city with a legacy of intentional economic, racial, and cultural diversity and inclusion. With a strong local economy, diverse mix of cultures, new Mayor, and adjacency to Cleveland, the City is on the cusp of a major revitalization.

SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Building Commissioner, the Building Inspector is the first level of inspections work. Incumbents perform inspections on residential and commercial buildings. Incumbents work independently in the field and are responsible for making decisions requiring technical discretion, sound judgment, and familiarity with the City’s adopted housing, building, and zoning codes.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all the duties and responsibilities performed.

Performs inspections at various sites of new and existing construction, for alteration and repairs
Performs Mechanical inspections at various sites of new and existing construction, for alteration and repairs
Performs Electrical or Plumbing inspections at various sites of new and existing construction, for alteration and repairs
Ensures code and ordinance compliance of state of Ohio adopted general building codes and electrical codes and/or plumbing codes; identify violations
Maintains and submits inspection records; issue violation letters and citations
Reviews residential plans for code compliance
Provides information and assistance to the general public related to state of Ohio adopted building codes, National Electrical Codes or Ohio Plumbing Code if applicable to applicant’s current certifications
Adheres to safety and attendance policies
Enters inspection results electronically in the field from a mobile device
Ensures that diversity, equity, and inclusion is considered in all building matters
Performs other duties as assigned by the Building Commissioner / Chief Building Official
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level
Maintains regular attendance and punctuality

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:
None
Typical Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of building and construction safety, engineering principles and practices, and architectural principles, practices, and guidelines.
Methods, materials and techniques involved in general building construction to recognize possible defects.
Federal, State, County, and City building codes, ordinances, and administrative orders applicable to building and construction trades
Construction terminology.
Techniques used to inspect residential and commercial construction to ensure compliance with adopted codes and ordinances
Skill in:
Communication and interpersonal skills to interact with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction
Using a computer and related software applications
Accurately and efficiently completing work
Ability to:
Read, comprehend, interpret, and implement all national, state, and local building and related codes
Interpret and apply applicable laws, rules, and regulations
Read, understand, and interpret plans, diagrams, blueprints, and specifications accurately and assess adherence to codes and standards
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals
Apply program practices to complex situations
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Department, City management, other City departments, and others
Interact in a pleasant manner with employees and the general public

EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCE:
High School Diploma or G.E.D., and additional technical training in construction and methods and standards, plus two (2) years of experience in construction; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

CERTIFICATION/ LICENSURE:
Required for Building Inspector-Electrical or Plumbing:
Possess OBBS Building Inspector Certification and Residential Building Inspector Certification
Possess OBBS Commercial Electrical Safety Inspector Certification or Commercial Plumbing Inspector Certification
Possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License

Additional OBBS Certifications are encouraged (may increase starting pay)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOURS OF WORK
The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (40 hours per week). The position requires reporting to City Hall most of the time, with frequent time spent in the field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. May require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Incumbents may be exposed to hazardous conditions, open trenches and heights while performing inspections. Exposure to risks can be substantially controlled by safety precautions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, fumes, odors, dusts, poor ventilation, extreme temperatures, electricity, chemicals, varying weather conditions, and intense noises.

The City of Cleveland Heights is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Supplemental Information
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOURS OF WORK
The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (40 hours per week). The position requires reporting to City Hall most of the time, with frequent time spent in the field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. May require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Incumbents may be exposed to hazardous conditions, open trenches and heights while performing inspections. Exposure to risks can be substantially controlled by safety precautions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, fumes, odors, dusts, poor ventilation, extreme temperatures, electricity, chemicals, varying weather conditions, and intense noises.

The City of Cleveland Heights is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status.