Building Code Apprentice

Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at: https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobdetail.ftl?job=25142907&tz=GMT-07:00&tzname=America/Denver

Keep Montana moving—safely. Join the Montana Department of Labor & Industry as an Elevator Safety Inspector and help ensure every lift, escalator, and conveyance system across our state operates with safety and precision. If you’re mechanically minded, detail-driven, and ready to make a real impact on public safety, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

MISSION STATEMENT:
Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

DLI CORE VALUES:

• Responsiveness
• Respect
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Cohesiveness

It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here.

Interested in providing a fair and equitable marketplace? Looking for a career change or a chance to build a career with the State of Montana? We have an excellent opportunity for you! We are looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as a Build Codes Inspector Apprentice, and we're prepared to invest in your future through a structured apprenticeship. We believe investing in our team, which is why we cover all expenses for your certification training and provide ongoing support and opportunities for advancement through our apprenticeship. If you're ready to learn, grow and make a real impact, we encourage you to apply.

Position Overview:
Our Building Code Inspectors serve communities across Montana, ensuring that construction projects meet state and local building standards. This position involves inspecting residential, commercial, and public structures to verify compliance with safety, structural, electrical, plumbing, and accessibility codes. By upholding these regulations, our inspectors help maintain safe, durable buildings and protect the well-being of Montana’s residents.

Inspectors typically work a four-day, ten-hour schedule, with flexibility based on workload and travel requirements. The ideal candidate is comfortable reading and interpreting construction plans, working with contractors and property owners, and using inspection tools and technology. This role requires travel throughout diverse environments and the ability to perform fieldwork in all weather conditions.

Essential Functions:

• Learn and Assist with Inspections: Support experienced inspectors in evaluating residential, commercial, and public buildings for compliance with state and local codes, Administrative Rules, and the Montana Code Annotated (MCA).

• Develop Technical Knowledge: Build foundational understanding of building systems, construction materials, and inspection procedures while learning to interpret blueprints and use inspection tools.

• Gain Field and Communication Skills: Interact with contractors, homeowners, and design professionals to observe how inspectors explain and enforce code requirements.

• Support Plan Review and Documentation: Assist with plan reviews, permit issuance, and accurate recordkeeping using digital inspection systems.

• Engage in Training and Certification: Participate in State-supported coursework and certification programs essential for progression within the Building Code Career Ladder.

• Demonstrate Professional Growth: Apply knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world fieldwork while following safety procedures and state policies.

Here’s a quick overview on how you can progress through our Building Code Inspector Apprenticeship:

As a Building Code Inspector Apprentice, you will participate in a structured training program that blends classroom instruction, field experience, and mentorship. Under the guidance of certified inspectors, you will learn the technical and regulatory aspects of building inspection while gaining hands-on experience across a variety of construction disciplines.

• Learn and Assist with Inspections: Support experienced inspectors in evaluating residential, commercial, and public buildings for compliance with state and local codes, Administrative Rules, and the Montana Code Annotated (MCA).

• Develop Technical Knowledge: Build foundational understanding of building systems, construction materials, and inspection procedures while learning to interpret blueprints and use inspection tools.

• Gain Field and Communication Skills: Interact with contractors, homeowners, and design professionals to observe how inspectors explain and enforce code requirements.

• Support Plan Review and Documentation: Assist with plan reviews, permit issuance, and accurate recordkeeping using digital inspection systems.

• Engage in Training and Certification: Participate in State-supported coursework and certification programs essential for progression within the Building Code Career Ladder.

• Demonstrate Professional Growth: Apply knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world fieldwork while following safety procedures and state policies.

Here’s a quick overview on how you can progress through our Building Code Inspector Apprenticeship:

Required Skills and Competencies:

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Demonstrates empathy and professionalism when interacting with contractors, homeowners, and other stakeholders. Clearly explains complex technical findings in a patient and approachable manner.
• Conflict Resolution: Uses sound judgment, negotiation, and diplomacy to resolve disagreements, ensuring positive outcomes while maintaining code compliance and a focus on life safety.
• Customer Service: Provides courteous, solution-oriented assistance and represents the Department with integrity and professionalism during all public interactions.
• Adaptability and Problem Solving: Responds effectively to changing field conditions and unique project challenges. Applies logical, methodical reasoning when addressing complex inspection issues.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Builds and maintains positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and external partners. Works effectively both independently and as part of a team environment.
• Technical Knowledge and Learning Agility: Demonstrates the ability and willingness to learn state-adopted building codes, rules, and laws (Montana Code Annotated). Applies new knowledge effectively to fieldwork and plan review activities.
• Blueprint and Drawing Interpretation: Reads and interprets construction drawings, blueprints, and technical documents to identify compliance concerns and safety issues.
• Analytical Thinking: Identifies potential code or safety issues, evaluates available options, and recommends corrective actions with attention to detail and life safety priorities.
• Time Management and Accountability: Organizes work effectively, meets deadlines, and manages inspection schedules with minimal oversight while maintaining high accuracy.
• Technology Proficiency: Uses digital inspection tools, mobile devices, and software systems to record, document, and communicate inspection findings efficiently.
• Safety Awareness: Follows proper safety practices in diverse field environments and conditions, identifying and addressing hazards proactively.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Demonstrates fairness, honesty, and ethical decision-making in all aspects of inspection work and public service.

  
  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience)

• Demonstrated interest or experience in construction, building trades, engineering, architecture, or other hands-on technical work.
• Ability to read and interpret basic building plans, drawings, and measurements, or a willingness to learn these skills through training.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with the ability to apply learned information to real-world situations.
• Willingness and ability to learn state-adopted building codes, inspection methods, and safety practices through structured training and field mentoring.
• Basic computer and technology skills, including data entry, email, and digital recordkeeping.
• Skills may be gained through a combination of professional experience, training, or education. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to inspection sites across varied geographic and weather conditions.

  
  Certifications Included in this Apprenticeship Program:

  
  Candidates who already hold one or more of the certifications listed below will be evaluated and placed at appropriate level within the apprenticeship.



• ICC IBC Building Inspector Certification and ICC IBC Plan Review Certification, or degree in architecture or engineering related field
• Montana master or journeyman electrical license, or ICC E1 (residential) and ICC E2 (commercial) certification.

• Montana Master or Journeyman Plumbing license (can also perform fuel gas and mechanical code inspections), or IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code International Fuel Gas Code and International Mechanical Code Certification.