Job Title: Combination Inspector I/II/III
Posted By: City of Billings
Opening Date: May 29, 2026
SALARY: See Position Overview
DIVISION: Building
OPENING DATE: 05-29-2026
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Salary Range:
• Combination Inspector I: $25.0161 - $33.5214/hour
• Combination Inspector II: $27.0888 - $36.2988/hour
• Combination Inspector III: $29.3333 - $39.3065/hour
Salary range reflects Step 1 and Step 7 of a 7-step pay scale. Salary at hiring will be dependent upon the applicant's education, experience, and training.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Job Summary:
Under general supervision, to perform technical building inspection work involved in enforcing compliance with building codes, regulations and ordinances.
Scope of Responsibility:
Sets precedent within limits and/or administers operating rules and procedures under management guidance. Performs troubleshooting or analysis; problems require interpretation of data using generally prescribed procedures. Failures and successes impact the department or functional operations. Requires frequent interaction to provide detailed procedural explanations or technical responses, where relationships involve cooperation within the overall organization and/or directly interfacing with individual customers or vendors.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Combination Inspector I
This is the entry level in the Combination Inspector class series. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Combination Inspector II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. In addition, positions at this level do not possess all certifications required for those positions allocated to the Combination Inspector II level. Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.
Combination Inspector II
This is the full journey level in the Combination Inspector class series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Combination Inspector I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgement and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Combination Inspector II level are normally filled by advancement from the Combination Inspector I level when employees obtain certification in building, mechanical, and plumbing. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience which allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the Combination Inspector II level as well as the required certifications.
Combination Inspector III
This is the master level in the Combination Inspector class series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Combination Inspector I and II levels by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, including the ability to make all inspections performed by the Building Division, working independently and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only limited occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and positions at the Combination Inspector III level are normally filled by advancement from the Combination Inspector II level when employees obtain Electrical certification and the required experience. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience which allows the employee to meet the qualification standards from the Combination Inspector III level as well as the required certifications.
Department Operations
• Review plans and applications for field inspection; inspect industrial, commercial and residential buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes, and regulations including Building, Plumbing, Mechanical Codes, and other City departments' requirements; check plans for special conditions or requirements.
• Inspect existing buildings for change of use, occupancy, or compliance with applicable codes.
• Receive complaints of building, plumbing, and mechanical code violations; investigate or forward complaint to appropriate personnel.
• Identify code violations; obtain and prepare evidence; issue notices to comply on violations; follow-up on correction notices to ensure required corrections have been performed and corrected; maintain records of history of facts for possible legal actions.
• Coordinate inspection activities with other City departments and divisions as required; ensure all departments' requirements are met before issuing certificate of occupancy.
• Compute permit fees and approve the issuance of permits.
• Confer with architects, contractors, builders and the general public in the field and office; explain and interpret requirements and restrictions.
• Maintain files and reports regarding inspection activities and findings.
• Utilize electronic project management and permit inspection and permitting software for most inspection work through operation of a tablet, cell phone and desktop computer.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications and Skills for all Positions:
• High school diploma or GED
• A valid Montana driver’s license or must have the ability to obtain within sixty (60) days of employment
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and a State and Federal criminal background check
Required Qualifications and Skills for the Combination Inspector I:
• Two (2) years of specialized training or work experience in construction, building trades, code enforcement, or a related field
• Ability to obtain either International Residential Code (IRC) or International Building Code (IBC) inspector certification within six (6) of employment
• Ability to obtain one (1) additional certification (Building, Plumbing, or Mechanical) within twelve (12) months of employment
Required Qualifications and Skills for the Combination Inspector II:
• Two (2) years of specialized training or work experience in construction, building trades, code enforcement, or a related field
• Four (4) years of related work experience in construction, building trades, code enforcement, or a related field including two (2) years’ experience in building inspection
• Must be a commercial International Building Code (IBC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or residential International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) combination inspector
Required Qualifications and Skills for the Combination Inspector III:
• Three (3) or more years of specialized training in building, plumbing, electrical or mechanical fields
• Five (5) years of related work experience in construction, building trades, code enforcement, or a related field, including three (3) years of building inspection experience
• Must possess the following certifications: International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and National Electrical Code (NEC)
Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Work is primarily outside in the elements. Work conditions require moderate physical effort, moving between 5 and 25 pounds, where effort is occasional, between 15% and 45% of the time. Work conditions require high attention to detail or deadlines frequently (between 45% and 70% of the time). A typical workday involves exposure to multiple disagreeable elements, none of which are of greater than moderate intensity, on an occasional basis (between 15% and 45% of the time). Frequent driving is required.
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The City retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
https://billingsmt.gov
316 North 26th Street
Billings, MT 59101
4062376210
[email protected]
Position #202600034
COMBINATION INSPECTOR I/II/III
Contact Info
Name: Megan Hodson
Phone: 406-237-6210
Email: [email protected]