New Hanover County is seeking experienced Code Compliance Official inspector candidates to serve in the Building Safety Department. Code Compliance Officials are responsible for guiding citizens towards compliance for the commercial and residential codes for their construction projects. Duties include conducting inspections to ensure compliance with codes, reviewing blueprints and schematics, and interpreting appropriate construction ordinances and codes, communicating with owners, contractors, and design professionals concerning code issues, interacting with the public to answer questions, completing electronic reports of inspections, and investigating reports of non-compliance. Performing damage assessment resulting from natural disasters as required by New Hanover County.

This is a telework position where the selected candidate will start his/her workday from home and report directly to job sites throughout the day. Certain meetings or training may require the employee to come into the office. However, advanced notice will be given whenever possible. The ideal candidate for a telework environment is a self starter with strong written and verbal skills and solid proficiency in using modern office technology including iPads and iPhones to perform work duties.

New Hanover County's Building Safety Department is comprised of a team of dedicated professionals who stay committed to the County's goal of intelligent growth and economic development by ensuring code compliance. The Inspections department completes over 80,000 inspections per year. Our approach focuses on compliance, rather than enforcement, in an effort to remain effective, efficient, consistent, responsive and easy to do business with as we strive to assist New Hanover County be viewed as the model of good governance. The ideal candidate for this position will have knowledge and experience with North Carolina technical codes, excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills and outstanding interpersonal skills. Also, must be pre-qualified by the NC Office of State Fire Marshal or have NC certificates in Building, Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing before salary negotiations can begin.

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.

-Hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays
-Must be available to report for emergency work assignment during emergency situations, and damage assessment.

Salary Information:

Pay for all zones is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

The hiring range for zone 1 is $53,668 - $91,234 plus a one time sign on bonus.

• Points needed for zone one: 1 point - 3 points

The hiring range for zone 2 is $55,278 - $91,234 plus a one time sign on bonus.

• Points needed for zone two: 4 points - 6 points

The hiring range for zone 3 is $56,929 - $91,234 plus a one time sign on bonus.

• Points needed for zone two: 7 points - 9 points

The hiring range for zone 4 is $58,664 - $91,234 plus a one time sign on bonus.

• Points needed for zone four: 10 points - 12 points

Pay zones are determined based on a point system where points are received according to the highest level of certification maintained in the trade areas of Building, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing by the NC Office of State Fire Marshal. Points are awarded as follows:

• 1 point for a Level I Certificate;

• 2 points for a Level II Certificate;

• 3 points for a Level III Certificate

Sign On Bonus of up to $5,000! Candidates accepting employment into this position are eligible to receive a one-time sign on bonus of $2,000. Candidates prequalified by the NC Office of State Fire Marshal with level II certifications will receive an additional $500 in sign on bonus for each level II certification. Candidates prequalified by the NC Office of State Fire Marshal with level III certifications will receive an additional $500 in sign on bonus for each level III certification.

Candidates accepting employment into this position are eligible to receive a one-time sign on bonus of up to $5,000 with half being paid upon starting in the position and half being paid upon successful completion of one's introductory period. Current NHC employees hired to fill one of these positions will receive half of the sign on bonus amount upon starting in the position and the second installment will be paid following 180 days of successful employment in the position. In the event the employee voluntarily resigns from the position before one year of service in it, the employee shall repay the sign on bonus amount on a prorated basis, depending on the length of full time service in the position prior to resignation.

Bilingual candidates are eligible for a pay differential when performing duties utilizing this skill during the course of performing work duties.

New Hanover County offers:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.

• Must qualify for Level I, Level II, or Level III NC Standard or Probationary Code Enforcement Official certification. All certifications are welcome to apply. Priority consideration will be given to candidates with a minimum Level II certification.
  • Applicants selected with Probationary level certifications must obtain Standard level certifications within the time frame allowed by the issuing authority.
• Must be computer-literate and capable of performing inspections and entering field data by using iPads, and using iPhones to perform inspections remotely and communicate with customers, peers, supervisor, and fellow employees.
• Must be able to provide an appropriate workspace conducive to a teleworking environment, which includes appropriate office furniture and a quality, high speed connection to the internet.

• (2) Level III certifications (or prequalification) in Building, Electrical, and/or Mechanical.
• Obtaining prequalification by the NC Office of State Fire Marshal.

Link to apply for prequalification at the NC Office of State Fire Marshal:

https://www.ncosfm.gov/licensing-cert/code-officials-qualification-board-coqb/coqb-prequalify-or-military

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Driver's License and good driving record required at the time of application.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required by the first date of employment with a good driving record.
• NC Standard or Probationary NC Code Enforcement Official certification (or prequalification) in at least one of the following trade areas: Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing.

Important Applicant Information:

This is a continuous posting that is open until filled with a priority application date of Monday 11/03/2025. Applications will be active for a period of 90 days. You must submit a new application every 90 days to keep your application actively under consideration for opportunities that arise.

Candidates referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. Updates regarding your application can be viewed through your applicant portal. If you have had an interview and would like to inquire about the status of your interview, please contact the hiring manager that you interviewed with.