Municipal Building Inspector Internship- Inspections Department

The City of Portsmouth is seeking a full-time Municipal Building Inspector Intern for the Summer of 2026!  The intern will work with the Inspections Department and will gain valuable, hands-on experience in the field of building safety and public service.  

Hours: 37.5 hours a week (up to 10 weeks).
Schedule: Monday: 8am-6pm; Tuesday-Thursday: 8am-4:30pm; Friday: 8am-1pm.
Pay rate: $19.00 per hour.
 

NATURE OF WORK
The Municipal Building Inspector Intern will gain practical experience in building inspection. The intern will gain knowledge and understanding of municipal and building codes and develop skills in plan examination and field inspections.

SUPERVISION
Incumbent works under the general direction of the Chief Building Inspector. Intern will have ongoing evaluations and feedback from the Chief Building Inspector and/or mentor. A final evaluation will be presented at the end of the internship to assess progress and areas for improvement.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.
 

Phase 1: Orientation and Training
a. Introduction to the department: overview of the municipal building department, its functions, and key personnel.
b. Training sessions: building codes and standards; safety protocols and procedures; introduction to plan reading and blueprint analysis.

Phase 2: Permit Administration
a. Tasks: intake of permit applications; review permit submissions for compliance with applicable laws; assist in the issuance of permits.
b. Skill Development: understanding of permit process; familiarity with municipal regulations.

Phase 3: Plan Examination
a. Tasks: review construction plans for compliance with building codes; identify potential issues and suggest corrections.
b. Skill Development: detailed plan analysis; code compliance verification.

Phase 4: Field Inspections
a. Tasks: conduct on-site inspections of new constructions, additions, and renovations; document findings and report any code violations.
b. Skill development: practical inspection techniques; effective communication with contractors and property owners.

Other duties as assigned by the Chief Building Inspector.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
An incumbent in this position consistently demonstrates a(n)...

1. Have good written and verbal communication skills, computer skills, mathematical skills, and a high interest in basic engineering principles.

2. Interest in building inspection, blueprint analysis, and plan reading.

3. Customer service skills. 

4. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, City staff, and government officials at all levels.

 

ENVIRONMENT, WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT
Intern will work in a moderately noisy office and in the field visiting loud constructions sites.  Intern is required to talk, listen/hear and use hands more than 2/3rd of the time; stand, walk, and sit up to 2/3rd of the time; climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with arms and hands up to 1/3rd of the time. Intern will be exposed to outdoor weather conditions.  The nature of work involves hostile people.  Normal vision is required for this internship.  

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates currently majoring in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or other related majors are encouraged to apply. Recent graduates are also encouraged to apply.

Incumbent must possess a valid driver’s license and have no offenses which would prohibit or restrict insurability by any insurance carrier providing coverage to the City. 

(The above descriptions are illustrative.  They are intended as guides for personnel actions and are not complete itemizations of all facets of any job)

 

DISCLAIMER
The essential functions and duties described herein are normal for this position. They are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similarly related or a logical assignment to or extension of the position. Other duties may be required and assigned by the supervisor. The City of Portsmouth is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The City is committed to providing access to equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our Human Resources Director by phone 603-610-4478.

APPLICATION SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Finalist must complete pre-employment screening, drug testing, & background check.