Construction Code Inspector (Electrical)

Construction Code Inspector (Electrical)

Starting Pay: $33.02/hour
Increases to: $36.03/hour after 6 months

Join the City of Decatur as a Construction Code Inspector (Electrical) and use your technical expertise to ensure safety across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. You'll conduct field inspections, enforce the National Electrical Code (NEC), and support quality construction through plan reviews and collaboration. This respected role offers meaningful impact, professional growth, and the chance to contribute to a city committed to smart, safe development.

We support our employees with a strong package that includes:

• Competitive Benefits:  14.5 paid holidays (including 2 personal days), vacation and sick leave, health insurance, and an excellent pension plan.  
• Dedicated Health Center:  Free employee and dependent care services including checkups, labs, chronic condition management, and many prescriptions.  
• Tuition Reimbursement:  Support for continuing education and career development.

Key Responsibilities

Plan Review & Code Compliance
• Reviews electrical plans for compliance with the NEC (NFPA 70), state laws, and local ordinances during the permitting process.
• Approves or rejects work based on code standards and technical accuracy.

Field Inspections & Enforcement
• Conducts on-site inspections of electrical systems for new construction, upgrades, repairs, or alterations.
• Identifies code violations and issues correction notices or stop work orders as needed.
• Collaborates with other City inspectors during multi-disciplinary inspections.

Documentation & Communication
• Maintains accurate inspection records using the City’s permitting and inspection software.
• Provides technical guidance to contractors, engineers, electricians, and the public regarding electrical code and safety.
• Testifies in hearings or court proceedings related to violations or permit disputes.

Code Development & Licensing Oversight
• Participates in Municipal Electrical Commission meetings, evaluating code updates and local amendments.
• Reviews license eligibility and ensures adherence to municipal licensing standards.

Qualifications and Preferred Skills

Technical Expertise & Code Knowledge
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, installation methods, and design review principles.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and apply relevant sections of the NEC, International Residential Code (IRC), and International Building Code (IBC).
• Skilled in identifying hazardous conditions and enforcing code requirements with consistency and accuracy.

Technology & Documentation
• Proficient in using digital permitting and inspection software for managing reports, records, and communications.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation under field conditions.

Communication & Customer Service
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues clearly to contractors, property owners, and the public.
• Skilled in conflict resolution and encouraging voluntary compliance through professionalism and clarity.

Independence & Judgment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage field assignments, and exercise sound judgment in varied conditions.

Training & Experience
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid State of Illinois driver’s license
• Five years of journey-level experience in electrical installation or inspection, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Must pass the International Code Council (ICC) Master Electrician exam within one year of hire

Sponsorship for Employment

The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis.

More Details

Examination Process

1. Written Examination All applicants must take a written examination. The passing criterion for the written examination is 70.00%.
2. Oral Interview  Applicants passing the written test must pass an oral interview with a minimum score of 70.00%.
3. Veteran Points  Applicants passing the written test and oral interview may be eligible to receive 5.00 veteran preference points added to their final examination score.
4. Seniority Points  Applicable persons passing the written test and oral interview will receive 0.50 seniority preference points for each full year of continuous City of Decatur AFSCME service. A maximum of 10.0 points may be added to the final examination score. 

Residency Requirement
The Construction Code Inspector (Electrical) position is covered under the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) collective bargaining agreement. AFSCME employees shall reside within 50 miles of the corporate limits of the City of Decatur no later than 90 days after the completion of the probationary period.

Why Decatur?

Located in the heart of Central Illinois, Decatur offers the perfect balance of professional opportunity and quality of life:

• Affordable, accessible living within easy reach to  Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.
• Land of Lincoln:  Explore Abe's legacy with visits to the nearby Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln’s Tomb, and the family’s first Illinois home.
• Shopping and Dining : Browse locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops and savor diverse delights at unique restaurants and quaint eateries.
• Entertainment Abounds : Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performing arts at Millikin University, and shows in the historic Lincoln Theatre downtown.
• Outdoor Recreation:  Explore over 2,000 acres of parkland, enjoy Lake Decatur, or play a round of golf or disc golf
• Arts & Family Life:  Enjoy murals, sculptures, and attractions like Splash Cove, the Children’s Museum, Scovill Zoo, and Overlook Adventure Park.

To Apply

If you're an experienced electrical professional ready to take the next step in your career, we invite you to bring your expertise to the City of Decatur. This is your opportunity to make a real impact—ensuring safety, supporting responsible development, and working with a team that values technical excellence and public service. Apply today to join a community where your skills are respected, your work matters, and your future is full of potential.

Apply online using the link below. Be sure to include all requested information; incomplete applications will be rejected. You may upload a resume to autofill sections of the application.

All candidates are subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check post-offer. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.