Building Official Training (BOT) Grant Inspector

Building Official Training (BOT) Grant Inspector

Pay: $30.087 - $39.010

Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Benefit Eligible, Non-Union Position

One-year grant funded position that sunsets on or before December 31, 2026.

Join the City of Eagan as an Entry-Level Building Inspector Trainee!

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and service-minded individual to join our team for a full-time, one-year development program. This position is ideal for individuals with no prior construction or inspection experience who are interested in building safety, public service, and long-term professional growth. 

The trainee will receive hands-on training through a combination of field experience, classroom instruction, and mentorship from experienced inspectors. The program is designed to build the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for the Building Official Certification Exam at the end of the program and provides a clear pathway into a professional career dedicated to public safety and community well-being.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 4th @ 11:59pm CST

Essential Position Functions

• Reviews proposed plans for residential/ structures to ensure that they meet building, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes, as well as requirements established by the City and other agencies.  
• Assist building inspectors by conducting residential building inspections to ensure compliance with local, state, and national codes.
• Observe and learn how to review building plans, permit applications, and zoning regulations.
• Document inspection findings and assist in preparing reports under supervision.
• Attend and participate in training sessions, code review meetings, and jobsite walkthroughs.
• Learn and apply basic knowledge of the Minnesota Residential Building Code and local municipal ordinances.
• Interact professionally with contractors, homeowners, architects, and other stakeholders while shadowing experienced inspectors.
• Study and prepare for the Building Official Limited Certification Exam, with resources provided for exam readiness.
• Maintain accurate training logs, participate in regular performance check-ins, and complete assigned learning objectives.
• Reviews permit applications and construction documents to ensure accurate reflection of work projected.
• Ensures that all applicable conditions and requirements of approval have been satisfied prior to the issuance of permits and that adequate records are maintained.
• Performs building inspections at construction sites to verify compliance between plans and actual construction.

Training and Certification Support

• Structured, hands-on training under certified Building Inspectors.
• Access to codebooks, study materials, and online learning resources.
• Paid time to attend workshops, industry seminars, and test preparation classes.
• Full support to sit for and successfully pass the Building Official Limited Certification Exam by December 2026.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong interest in construction, architecture, engineering, municipal planning, or public safety.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Basic computer literacy (email, digital forms, report writing).
• 18 years of age
• Valid MN driver's license.
• Capable of safely performing physical actions necessary to conduct inspections at, above, or below ground level of construction sites.

Things that may help you be successful in this role

Knowledge:

• Basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), and digital permitting/reporting tools.

Knowledge to be developed during training:

• Basic construction principles and terminology.
• General safety practices on construction sites.
• Fundamentals of reading and understanding construction plans and specifications.

Skills in:

• Oral and written communication, including the ability to clearly document observations and convey findings.
• Active listening and observational skills, especially when learning from mentors or conducting site visits.
• Time management and organization in managing multiple tasks, inspections, and certification study.
• Customer service skills to interact respectfully and professionally with contractors, homeowners, and the public.

Ability to:

• Learn, interpret, and apply the Minnesota Residential Building Code and local municipal ordinances.
• Observe, shadow, and replicate inspection procedures under supervision.
• Read and understand basic construction plans, blueprints, and specifications (developed during training).
• Work both independently and as part of a team.
• Adapt to a variety of job-site conditions and environments, including seasonal weather extremes.
• Ask thoughtful questions and receive feedback as part of professional development.
• Represent the City with professionalism and integrity in public and jobsite interactions.
• Follow oral and written instructions.

Physical Requirements

• Safely operate City vehicles to construction sites year-round in various weather conditions, including heat, rain, snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures.
• Walk over uneven, snow-covered, muddy, or sloped terrain at construction sites.
• Stand, walk, kneel, crouch, or climb ladders for extended periods of time to perform inspections.
• Perform inspections at, above, or below ground level (basements, attics, crawl spaces, etc.).
• Tolerate exposure to outdoor elements, loud noise, dust, and construction activity.
• Perform inspections at construction sites in seasonal weather extremes.
• Ability to hear and visually see close, color vision, distance vision, depth and peripheral perception.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.  

Working Conditions

• Building Official Trainee hours would be 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.   
• FLSA non-exempt position.