Building Inspector

Salary: $25.79 - $35.35 Hourly
Location : Town Hall - Bluffton, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600118
Department: Growth Management
Division: Building Safety
Opening Date: 03/09/2026


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Job Summary
PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THE EXPERIENCE NEEDED. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE NEEDED CERTIFICATIONS FOR THE BUILDING INSPECTOR II POSITION, PLEASE LIST ON YOUR COVER LETTER THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE BUILDING INSPECTOR I POSITION.

The purpose of this position is to inspect construction sites and structures to ensure compliance with all codes required by law and regulation and established Town construction practices and procedures for the Town of Bluffton (Town).

Essential Job Functions

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the building officials, other Town management and personnel, area businesses, homeowners, contractors, architects, engineers, developers, other related professionals, and the general public.
• Responds to internal and external customer questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Conducts inspections of construction sites and structures for compliance with all building, plumbing, electrical, gas, energy, and mechanical codes as adopted by the Town including other Town ordinances regarding setbacks and buffers; notes specific violations; ensures construction is in accordance with approved plans including completing job site reports of addressing any specific violations; and documents inspection history in computerized tracking program.
• Interprets codes and regulations; explains permit and compliance conditions.
• Keeps daily logs including photographs for recordkeeping and verification purposes.
• Uses survey instruments, meeting devices, and test equipment in performing inspections.
• Verifies alignment, level, and elevation of structures to ensure building meets specifications.
• Documents and maintains complete and accurate records of all inspections and any regulatory actions taken; prepares written reports and correspondence; and issues notices to correct code violations.
• Confers with and provides information regarding code requirements to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, the public, and other interested parties.
• Addresses any complaints or problems from concerned parties; takes appropriate measures to ensure an expedient resolution in a timely and courteous manner.
• Investigates complaints regarding unauthorized or non-compliant construction; issues "stop work orders" as necessary.
• Reviews, approves, or denies single family building plans and drawings for new construction, remodeling, or renovations to ensure compliance with applicable ordinances; contacts contractors regarding needed information; documents plan violations; determines flood zones and compliance with FEMA requirements; and determines required inspections based on construction plans and drawings.
• Educates and trains superintendents and subcontractors on code, compliance, and efficiency.
• Conducts research on code related issues and manufacturer's specifications.
• Participates in post disaster recovery plan, including conducting on-site inspection of properties following declared disasters; assesses structures for damage; and determines safety and habitability of all structures.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate parties to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of operations and activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent; and five (5) years of work experience in the building construction field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licenses or Certifications:
Valid South Carolina driver's license. At least four certifications (either in commercial or residential) required in: Building; Electrical; Mechanical; and Plumbing.
Special Requirements:
None.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local codes related to required work.
• Knowledge of construction industry practices, methods, operations, and materials.
• Knowledge of investigation techniques and methods of inspection related to the construction trades.
• Knowledge of Department policies and procedures.
• Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in being tactful, discrete, and persuasive.
• Skill in delivering customer service.
• Skill in using computers and related Department software.
• Ability to enforce regulations in a fair and impartial manner.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and make recommendations on construction plans, construction codes, ordinances, and blueprints.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
The work is medium work. The employee is frequently required to apply 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The employee is occasionally required to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. In addition, positions in this classification typically require balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, manual dexterity, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, visual acuity to analyze data/work with color or depth perception/determine accuracy or observe facilities/operate motor vehicles or equipment/inspect defects or fabricate parts, and walking.
Duties are generally performed in a moderately noisy location (e.g., construction sites; office location with computer, telephone, and other related equipment. Work involves exposure to a variety of weather conditions and terrains for extended period of time.
The Town of Bluffton has the right to revise this job description at any time. This

description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

The Town of Bluffton commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state and federal laws. The Town's policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination regarding race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, country of national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, ethnicity, or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Health and Dental Insurance
All regular full-time employees, employees who work 30 hours or more per week, and Town Council members are eligible to participate in the Town's health plan through the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA). If an employee elects to be covered, the cost for the coverage will be deducted from each paycheck. The Town covers the premiums for the employee portion of the State Health and the State Dental plans. The employee will be responsible for the cost of any additional dependent premiums selected. For more information regarding the health plans click
Paid Time Off (PTO)
All regular full-time employees, employees who work 30 hours or more per week, will start accruing PTO on the first day of employment. PTO is a cumulative bank of time for sick days, vacation time, and bereavement leave.


Full-time employees will accrue PTO according to the following schedule:

• 0-5 years of employment: 5.2 hours / pay period
• 6-9 years of employment: 6.8 hours / pay period
• Over 9 years of employment: 8.32 hours / pay period

Holiday Pay
The Town of Bluffton offers 13 paid holidays and 1 personal day (8.5 hours):

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Presidents' Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving
• Heritage Day (Friday after Thanksgiving)
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• Personal Day

Holiday Pay

The Town of Bluffton offers PTO to employees for absences related to the death of immediate family members and fellow employees or retirees of Town of Bluffton.

Paid Parental Leave

The Town of Bluffton will provide up to six weeks or two weeks of paid parental leave upon the occurrence of a qualifying event to employees who occupy a full-time position.
Milestone Anniversary Bonus

Employee will receive a monetary bonus once they have reached a milestone anniversary (5,10,15,...).

Flexible Spending Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts are a tax-saving way to pay health care and dependent care expenses that you would typically pay out-of-pocket. Expenses such as deductibles, co payments, coinsurance, prescriptions, dental procedures and eyeglasses can quickly add up, and dependent care expenses can add up even more. The FSA's let you pay these expenses with pretax dollars.

Contributions are deducted from your pretax pay in equal amounts during the year. This means you save money, as contributions are not subject to Social Security tax, federal income tax or state income tax.

Medical Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Spending Account enrollments are only valid for one year and be re-enrolled during the Annual Open Enrollment Period in order to continue. Your account(s) will not automatically renew each year.
Pension Plans: South Carolina Retirement System or Police Officer Retirement System
All regular full-time and part-time employees and Town Council are required by law to join the South Carolina Retirement Systems. Seasonal and temporary employees have the option to opt out of the memberships.


The Town offers two plans for employees, the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) and the Police Officer Retirement System (PORS). Each employee/participant is required to contribute a certain percentage of their gross salary to the Retirement System. The actual contribution amounts are subject to change per legislation but will be provided upon hire date. The employee contributions are deducted on a pre-tax basis. Employee contributions earn interest.

More information on these programs can be found in the Retirement Handbook on PEBA's
Disability
Eligible employees enrolled in the State Health Plan have basic long-term disability protection at no cost. The Basic Long-Term Disability Plan protects a part of your income if you become disabled. It includes: a 90-day benefit waiting period; a monthly benefit of 62.5 percent of your pre-disability earnings, reduced by deductible income; a maximum $800 monthly benefit; and a maximum benefit period to age 65 if you become disabled before age 62. If you become disabled at age 62 or older, the maximum benefit period is based on your age at the time of disability.
Supplemental Long-Term Disability (SLTD)
This optional disability insurance plan provides more protection for you and your family. Supplemental long-term disability is a voluntary benefit for which the employee pays. This benefit provides: Competitive group rates; Survivors benefits for eligible dependents; coverage for injury, physical disease, mental disorder or pregnancy; a return-to-work incentive; SLTD conversion insurance; a cost-of-living adjustment; and lifetime security benefit. There are two options either a 90-day or 180-day benefit waiting period that includes: a monthly benefit of 65 percent of your pre-disability earnings, reduced by deductible income; a maximum $8,000 monthly benefit; and a minimum $100 monthly benefit. For more details visit PEBA's
Workers' Compensation
Town employees are covered by workers' compensation for on-the-job injuries. Benefits are governed by state law and not set by the Town.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The EAP is a confidential counseling, assessment and referral program designed to help you manage your life. Just as health insurance is designed to address your physical well being, your EAP is designed to address your emotional and mental health, as well as manage your work/life issues to achieve a healthy balance. EAP also provides legal and financial consultation services, as well as the Work Life Benefit which provides assistance with elder care, childcare, adoption, education, and other work life matters. All calls made to the EAP are kept private and confidential.
Sun Life - Supplemental Insurance
The Town of Bluffton also offers Supplemental Insurance coverage through Sun Life to employees which includes: Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, and Short Term Disability. Everyone's benefit needs are different so these are optional to each employee to select (if they choose) benefits that are right for their personal situation.
On-Site Medical Bus
An onsite medical bus through Beaufort Memorial Health available for employees with health insurance. This on-site medical bus comes to a Town facility one a week for employees to use throughout their workday.


Educational Assistance and Educational Bonus Policies
The Town supports continuing education efforts made by Town employees through the reimbursement of tuition and training for certifications related to positions. Further, in our efforts to provide excellent levels of service to our citizens, the Town of Bluffton continuously strives to train and educate its employees and believes that the organization benefits from having a workforce that achieves certain academic attainment and certain specialized training and certifications.
Wellness Programs
The Town encourages employee wellness and encourages them to take advantage of some of the incentives available to them through Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA).


PEBA Perks provides a comprehensive range of activities, programs, services, and information designed to help State employees, retirees and their covered dependents enjoy a happier, healthier life. As a part of the employee insurance program, PEBA Perks focuses on disease prevention, early detection, disease management, and offers educational resources on diverse issues such as diabetes, tobacco cessation, weight management, stress management, and nutrition.
Discretionary Awards
It is the policy of the Town to provide employee recognition and incentive awards to an employee or team upon Supervisor recommendation. This program is intended to reward staff employees whose achievements have resulted in a particular benefit to the Town of Bluffton. Awards are in the Town's discretion, and no employee is entitled to an award.