Building Inspector Apprentice

Institute for Building Technology and Safety•St. George, LA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

IBTS is seeking a motivated individual to join our team as a Building Inspector Apprentice through a structured 10-month Residential Combination Inspector Development Program. This position is designed for someone interested in building a career in building safety, construction inspection, and code enforcement. Previous inspection experience and ICC certifications are not required. We are looking for someone with the ability and commitment to learn technical material, accept coaching, work reliably as part of a team, and successfully complete professional certification examinations. Through structured study, mentorship, and hands-on field training, the apprentice will work toward the International Code Council (ICC) Residential Combination Inspector (R5) designation by earning four residential inspector certifications: Residential Electrical Inspector (E1), Residential Building Inspector (B1), Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1), and Residential Mechanical Inspector (M1). The program progresses from departmental orientation and technical study to supervised inspections and, ultimately, demonstrated competency performing residential combination inspections.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally to inspection sites.
Ability to read, understand, and apply detailed written and technical information.
Basic mathematical and computer skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to independently study technical material and meet established deadlines.
Willingness and ability to successfully complete required professional certification examinations.
Ability to receive and apply constructive feedback.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to perform work in active construction environments and typical field conditions.

Nice To Haves

Previous building inspection or code-enforcement experience is not required.
Relevant experience or education may include: Construction or skilled trades, Architecture or engineering, Construction management, Building maintenance or facilities, Permitting or municipal government, Technical or vocational education, Quality assurance or compliance, Military technical training, Other work requiring the interpretation of technical rules, standards, procedures, or regulations.
Demonstrated success completing technical coursework, licensing examinations, professional certifications, apprenticeships, or other structured learning programs is desirable.
Be dependable and follow through on commitments.
Take ownership of their work and professional development.
Enjoy learning, researching, and solving problems.
Be comfortable using manuals and reference materials to find answers.
Pay close attention to detail.
Be able to independently study and stay on schedule.
Accept coaching and apply feedback.
Be willing to ask questions when they do not know the answer.
Communicate respectfully and work effectively with others.
Remain professional when interacting with people who may disagree with a decision.
Be comfortable working in an office, independently studying, and visiting active construction sites.
Want to develop building safety and code enforcement as a career.

Responsibilities

Participate in structured technical training in residential electrical, building, plumbing, and mechanical codes.
Complete approximately eight or more hours per week of assigned technical study (on your own time) during certification phases of the program.
Prepare for and successfully complete required ICC certification examinations.
Learn to efficiently navigate and apply technical codes and reference materials.
Complete practice quizzes, technical -reference exercises, and timed exam simulations.
Shadow experienced inspectors and progressively conduct residential inspections under supervision.
Identify construction deficiencies and applicable code requirements.
Prepare clear, accurate, and defensible inspection reports and correction notices.
Learn permitting, inspection scheduling, records, and related Building Department processes.
Communicate professionally with contractors, property owners, design professionals, coworkers, clients, and members of the public.
Maintain required training, study, and certification documentation.
Participate in ongoing mentoring, coaching, and performance evaluations.
Assume progressively greater field responsibility as certifications and competency are demonstrated.
This position requires a meaningful commitment to professional development. During the approximately 10-month program, the apprentice will progress through structured study, practice testing, certification examinations, supervised field training, and formal competency evaluations.
The program requires successful completion of four ICC residential inspector certification examinations.
Continued participation and advancement are dependent upon satisfactory progress in certification achievement, technical knowledge, field competency, inspection quality, professionalism, customer service, reliability, and responsiveness to coaching.
Successful completion of the program requires: E1 Residential Electrical Inspector certification, B1 Residential Building Inspector certification, P1 Residential Plumbing Inspector certification, M1 Residential Mechanical Inspector certification, Successful residential field competency evaluations, Occupancy inspection training, Demonstrated professionalism and customer service, Consistent demonstration of IBTS core values, Mentor recommendation, Management approval.
Upon successful completion, the employee will have attained the qualifications for the ICC Residential Combination Inspector (R5) designation and may be assigned as a Residential Combination Inspector based on organizational needs and management approval.