Inspector I

Salary: $25.55 - $43.43 Hourly
Location : Division of Public Works - Frederick, MD
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: FY26-00280
Department: DPW Office of Construction Inspection
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt


JOB INFORMATION
Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible; additional compensation to include annual uniform and safety boot allowance); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; full benefits; partial teleworking schedule may be available in accordance with Division policies.
This technical position is responsible for performing entry-level to journey-level inspection work on a wide range of County construction and infrastructure projects to ensure full compliance with approved plans, specifications, codes, contract documents, and safety standards. The inspector will conduct routine to moderately complex field inspections of commercial buildings, stormwater management facilities, site development projects, parkland improvements, roads, bridges, and other County-owned assets. Responsibilities include monitoring contractor activities, verifying materials and workmanship, coordinating with project stakeholders, and documenting findings through reports, logs, and project records. The role also supports project tracking, documentation, and payment verification processes, and includes both field and office work such as maintaining inspection records and performing data entry. While the position does not supervise County staff, it may oversee contractor work at project sites and operates under the general supervision of the Construction Manager.
NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform field inspections of construction projects, facilities, and sites to verify compliance with approved plans, specifications, codes, and safety standards
• Monitor contractor activities and work progress to ensure adherence to contract requirements, quality standards, and project timelines
• Document daily inspection activities, quantities, materials, and site conditions using logs, reports, and electronic systems
• Review and verify materials, equipment, and deliveries to confirm compliance with specifications and identify defects or discrepancies
• Prepare and maintain accurate inspection reports, project records, and supporting documentation for use by project managers and stakeholders
• Communicate with contractors, project managers, and the public to coordinate inspections, address questions, and resolve routine issues
• Assist with tracking project progress, quantities, and costs to support payment verification and budget monitoring processes
• Identify non-compliant work and notify appropriate parties to ensure corrective actions are taken in accordance with contract requirements
• Coordinate and participate in meetings, including pre-construction and progress meetings, to support project communication and planning
• Utilize construction plans, blueprints, and technical documents to guide inspection activities and verify work accuracy
• Perform field measurements, sampling, and basic testing activities to support inspection and compliance efforts
• Maintain inspection schedules, prioritize assignments, and respond to changing project needs and priorities
• Enter and manage inspection data within computerized systems to ensure accurate and accessible project information
• Observe work zones and site conditions to ensure proper setup, safety compliance, and adherence to regulatory requirements
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• High school graduation, or the equivalent
• Minimum of 2 years of construction and inspection experience to include regulatory compliance
• Possession of a valid driver's license

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Basic knowledge of current code standards
• Basic knowledge of standard building practices
• Skilled in time management and organization
• Skilled in verbal and written communication
• Skilled in customer service
• Skill in evaluating and reporting on work inspection activities
• Ability to effectively communicate by text, email and phone with contractors, business owners and the general public
• Ability to perform data entry to record each onsite inspection in a timely and accurate manner
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and blueprints
• Ability to utilize computer programs (Outlook, Excel, Word)
• Ability to oversee the work of contractors
• Ability to track progress of construction activities
• Ability to compose technical correspondence and conduct any research needed in the process

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Work experience performing construction-related inspections
• Experience in the following fields: utility installation (water, sewer, storm drain), building construction, storm water management construction, roadway and bridges, and/or parkland development construction
• College coursework related to the construction trade
• Experience with ProCore construction management software

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently walk, stoop and drive; occasionally climb and reach; and rarely crawl.
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly wear protective equipment; frequently work outdoors, walk on uneven ground, work in hot temperatures above 100 degrees and cold temperatures below 32 degrees, work in dirty, dusty and noisy environments and near machinery; occasionally work indoors; and rarely work in confined spaces, work at heights and below ground level

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Available to work irregular hours as needed due to contractors' schedules, and available on-call for emergency situations

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) One or more interviews
3) A pre-employment drug test
4) A pre-employment fingerprint supported background investigation
Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to View email address on click.appcast.io
Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance :
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.


Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment


NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.


Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.

Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.


NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.


For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at


All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01


Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02


Have you earned a high school diploma or the equivalency?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have possession of a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have at least 2 years of construction and inspection work experience?

• Yes
• No

05


Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.
06


Did your construction and inspection experience include regulatory compliance?

• Yes
• No

07


Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the preference.
08


Do you have college coursework related to the construction trade?

• Yes
• No

09


If you answered 'Yes' to the previous question, please outline the related coursework in the text box below.
10


Do you have experience with construction management software?

• Yes
• No

11


Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the preference.
12


Do you have work experience performing construction-related inspections?

• Yes
• No

13


Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
14


Do you have experience in the following fields: utility installation (water, sewer, storm drain), building construction, storm water management construction, roadway and bridges, and/or parkland development construction? Check all that apply.

• Utility installation (water, sewer, storm drain)
• Building construction
• Storm water management construction
• Roadway and bridges
• Parkland development construction

15


Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
Required Question