Building Careers for Today’s Generation

There is a tremendous work opportunity for qualified candidates seeking a job in the building industry, including code officials.

Professions within the building safety field vary widely in their specialties, and the industry offers many well-paying career options for today’s workforce:

• Building inspectors inspect structures to determine compliance with the various building codes and standards adopted by the jurisdiction.
• Building officials manage the development, administration, interpretation, application and enforcement of the codes adopted by their jurisdiction.
• Special inspectors provide a specialized inspection of structural material fabrication and placement, such as poured concrete, structural steel installation and fasteners, etc.
• Permit technicians assist in the issuance of construction and development permits to ensure compliance with the provisions of a jurisdiction’s adopted regulations and codes
• Fire marshals develop and deliver fire prevention and implements public fire safety programs that provide for inspections of occupancies for life safety and fire issues in accordance with codes and standards adopted by their jurisdiction.
• Plumbing inspectors inspect the installation, maintenance and alteration of plumbing systems complete with their fixtures, equipment, accessories, and appliances.
• Electrical inspectors check the quality of materials, the installation work, and the safeguards in electrical systems. They make sure electrical systems meet city, state or national codes, and electrical codes and standards. Electrical inspectors look closely at new wiring and fixtures in businesses, public buildings, and in homes.
• Mechanical inspectors focus on heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) concerns. This includes inspection of: mechanical appliances and equipment; air distribution systems; kitchen exhaust equipment; boilers and water heaters; hydronic piping; gas piping systems; flammable and combustible liquid storage and piping systems; fireplaces, chimneys and vents; refrigeration systems; incinerators and crematories. The mechanical inspector also checks for air quality and energy conservation measures.
• Public works inspectors check digging and fill operations, and the placement of forms for concrete. They observe the concrete mixing and pouring, asphalt paving and grading operations and keep records of all work performed and the materials used. Public works inspectors may be specialists in one kind of operation such as reinforced concrete, dredging or ditches.
• Property maintenance or housing inspectors inspect existing buildings to check for health or safety violations and the condition of the exterior property.
• Plan reviewers or examiners begin the evaluation process which ensures that a building or structure conforms to the requirements of the local or specified code. The plan reviewer examines the construction documents used to describe a project, including architectural, structural, site plan, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and fire protection drawings as well as the corresponding specifications, structural design calculations and soil report.
• Code enforcement officers evaluate and enforce local building codes. They typically issue warnings or give citations for any code violations they find.

Check out the Code Council’s career step-by-step guide to help you get started in the building safety profession.

If you are a student or professional looking for a new career, check out the Building Safety Career Path Initiative.

If you are a community looking to fund building code training, check out FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs, which can fund eligible building code activities including: providing or pursuing training for building safety professionals; developing planning, training, and exercises for post-disaster building code enforcement through ICC's “When Disaster Strike's Institute” training course; and training building department staff on new software acquired through the grant program.

Importance of Training and Professional Development

Well-trained, motivated building safety professionals are key to creating and maintaining a successful built environment. Thorough training and education help code officials consistently ensure that the buildings in their community are safe, especially in areas vulnerable to natural disasters like tornados and wildfires. The Code Council offers various certification programs and online training to help building safety professionals build their careers.

Visit the Code Council’s Learning Center to learn more about available training options.

Check out the Learning Center's Career Path Roadmaps.

Catch up on the ICC Region I Radio podcast to hear interviews from leaders in the building safety profession.

Safety 2.0 Program

According to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Building Science in 2014, the building industry will experience a loss of about 80 percent of the existing skilled workforce over a 15-year period, this will open the door to new job opportunities for incoming building safety workers.

The Code Council has developed Safety 2.0 to welcome a new generation of members and leaders to the building safety profession and provide resources for students, veterans, and others considering a career in the field. The Safety 2.0 initiative continues to expand and includes a wide gamut of programs such as the Technical Training Program, which is geared towards high schools and community colleges to implement building codes into their trades curriculum,  and our Military Families Career Path Program, which promotes building safety careers for military personnel after service.

Safety 2.0 also provides information on how veterans can use the military COOL programs to support their building safety journey.

The Code Council in Action

Through the Safety 2.0 initiative, the Code Council is offering training, mentoring, and career advancement opportunities to individuals as they enter and succeed in the profession. Through the mentoring program, whether you are looking for a mentor or want to become a mentor, individuals can help strengthen the future of construction trades by developing skills, gaining knowledge, and helping to guide personal and professional growth.