Job Description

Posting number: 27-00028

Department: Inspections, Licenses & Permits

Division: ILP - Inspections & Enforcement

Job classification: Regulation Inspector I-Inspections, Licenses and Permits, Inspection and Enforcement

Posting type: Open

Categories: Code Enforcement

Summary

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position inspects and electronically documents results of inspections of construction projects for compliance with adopted County building codes and standards to secure safety to life and property from all hazards incident to the occupancy of buildings, structures or premises including provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Maryland Accessibility Code; performs field review of approved construction plans. Performs advanced technical level licensing, inspections, and regulations work under general supervision from a technical superior. Inspecting and insuring code compliance with local, State, and Federal building, housing, environmental, and safety codes and laws; providing technical assistance to County residents towards resolving problems; interpreting and addressing conflicts with codes, ordinances, plans, or specifications.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$27.23 - $35.68

$56,645 - $74,213

*This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles.*

*This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months*

*Please note that this position falls within a collective bargaining unit and is represented by AFSCME Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810.*

Examples of duties

Inspection and Compliance Monitoring:

• Inspect exterior and interior areas of residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings during and after construction.
• Verify that building components (footings, slabs, framing, insulation, fireplace throats, means of egress, etc.) comply with building codes, ADA, Maryland Accessibility Code, Life Safety Code, approved plans, and standards.
• Read and interpret construction drawings, shop drawings, specifications, and installation methods.
• Conduct inspections of complaints and alleged violations; resolve code-related complaints.
• Perform follow-up and progress inspections for permits nearing expiration.

Electronic Documentation and Reporting:

• Electronically document inspection results using modern computer software.
• Maintain inspection records and case histories, including digital photographs.
• Prepare inspection reports, daily activity reports, weekly/monthly time-use reports, mileage and expense reports.
• Document and prepare materials for legal action.
• Research inspection and permit details using the Accela internet-based permitting system.
• Use a laptop for electronic documentation, email, and word processing.

Code Interpretation and Customer Guidance:

• Interpret building codes and provide guidance to contractors, engineers, architects, craft workers, and property owners.
• Recommend corrective measures and determine time limits for compliance.

Enforcement and Legal Actions:

• Issue violations and civil citations when necessary.
• Electronically notify owners and/or builders of corrective requirements.
• Re-inspect properties to verify compliance.
• Provide supporting documentation for legal proceedings.
• Testify in court as required.

Other Duties:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED with five (5) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

Class C Maryland Driver's License or an equivalent issued by State of residence.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Associate's degree; International Code Council (ICC) Inspector certification in the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), considerable familiarity and experience with commercial construction codes and standards, including building, fire protection, life safety, disability and accessibility code provisions; demonstrated knowledge of the IBC and IRC, demonstrated advanced skills in the operation of laptops, smartphones and apps.
• Demonstrated ability to fully utilize personal computer systems, including internet, including email and basic programs such as Windows, Word and Excel.
• Writing skills are necessary for writing reports and letters.
• Must be able to use a digital camera for documentation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; climb stairs, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is required to sit; reach with hands and arms; balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and unfinished construction sites. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Must be able to climb stairs, ladders, steep slopes, and inclines. Must wear protective clothing, i.e. hard hats and safety shoes. Must be able to endure adverse climatic conditions and perform work at elevated heights. Must use alternative means of accessing multistory areas during the construction process.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general codes and standards, professional journals and bulletins, technical manuals and governmental regulations.

Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and letters.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as pressure, loads, rates and flow; Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Ability to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Ability to electronically create and manage digital media to write reports, business correspondence, and letters.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, tenants, property owners, and the general public.