Building Inspector (Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department)

Salary : $66,159.00 - $88,791.00 Annually
Location : Detroit, Michigan, MI
Job Type: Certified-Regular Civil Service
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 20261199221BSEEDmm
Department: Buildings & Safety Eng
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: 9/11/2026 12:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: 0500

Description
Building Inspector

Buildings Safety Engineering and Environmental Department
The Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) mission is to provide for the safety, health, and welfare of the general public as it pertains to buildings and their environs in an efficient, cost-effective, user-friendly, and professional manner.

BSEED enforces construction, property maintenance, environmental compliance, and zoning codes, which preserve and enhance property values and promote quality of life to make Detroit a preferred place to reside and conduct business.

Under general supervision, inspects new and existing buildings, structures, and signs to ensure compliance with regulatory codes and city ordinances, approved plans, specifications, and accepted standards and methods of work; examines plans for compliance with regulatory codes, laws, and ordinances for the approval of applications for permits.
Examples of Duties

1. Inspects the use of land and all types and sizes of buildings including residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings, and signs and structures for conformance with the building codes.
2. Inspects the construction of new buildings, signs and structures with regard to materials, dimensions and work methods used and against approved plans and specifications and codes.
3. Inspects completed new buildings, signs and structures for conformance to code provisions.
4. Investigates complaints of unsafe or unlawful conditions of buildings and signs.
5. Performs routine inspections of existing signs and buildings such as multiple dwellings and places of public assembly to determine whether such buildings and structures conform to applicable codes and ordinances.
6. Investigates building alterations or repairs to determine whether a building permit is required or has been obtained.
7. Inspects buildings damaged by fire, estimates the amount of damage and determines whether such buildings may be repaired or should be razed.
8. Investigates complaints of violations of codes, prepares notices of violation and performs re-inspections of premises or equipment to determine corrections of code violations.
9. Compiles information and prepares code violation cases for court and appears and testifies regarding code violations in court cases.
10. Examines plans prior to the issuance of permits to assess conformance with the "state housing law" portion of the building code and zoning ordinance and recommends changes to plans, as required.
11. Approves applications for permits.
12. Prepares daily activities reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Graduation or GED.
• Four years of recent journey worker-level experience in the construction of buildings and related structures.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:

• Employees certified or promoted to this class must acquire and maintain registration as an inspector and plan reviewer with the State of Michigan, as required under the provisions of Public Act #407. Progress toward obtaining certification will be evaluated at the end of the initial six-month probation period with a conditional six-month extension possible, after which, failure to comply will result in termination of employment in this class.
• Employees in this class will be required to provide and operator a motor vehicle on a reimbursed mileage basis, a valid State of Michigan Operator license is required.

EQUIVALENCY

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan

• Computerized Exam: 35%
• Interview: 35%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total Computerized Exam, Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 - 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of materials, operations, construction, and trade practices related to building construction.
• Knowledge of elementary structural engineering principles governing the construction of buildings.
• Skill in observation.
• Skill in reading and interpreting plans and specifications.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with tact and diplomacy.
• Skill in physical and mechanical dexterity.
• Ability to display initiative and resourcefulness in performance of duties including handling inspection problems.
• Ability to detect potential hazards.
• Ability to climb ladders and enter manholes, narrow openings and crawl spaces and to move along narrow, exposed platforms and beams.
• Ability to work in high and/or confines spaces.
• Ability to willfully work in hot, dusty areas.
• Ability to withstand noxious odors.
• Ability to interact effectively with the public, peers and other departmental personnel.
• Ability to willfully acquire additional knowledge and education to remain current in the field.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS :

• Fieldwork includes exposure to outside elements and seasonal weather conditions and indoor exposure to residential, commercial or industrial property in various conditions and stages of repair or construction.
• Customer contacts require a neat and clean appearance

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

HEALTH

• Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
• Dental
• Vision

INSURANCE

• Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.

PAID TIME OFF

• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holidays

OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,

RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
• Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or

- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
• In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
• Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit . Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit
01

Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

DO you have four years of recent journey worker level experience in the construction of buildings and related structures?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess an Act 54 Certification?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a valid State of Michigan Driver License?

• Yes
• No

Required Question