Salary : $62,712.00 - $107,161.60 Annually
Location : Cary, NC
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 27-02664
Department: Inspections and Permits
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: 9/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A

Description

The ideal candidate will embody excellence and be able to effectively perform difficult technical work of conducting code enforcement inspections, principally of commercial and residential mechanical systems, ensuring compliance with state building codes and related regulations. The primary discipline for this position is mechanical; however, the successful candidate will be expected to receive education and training to perform plumbing inspections. Additional experience in the plumbing industry will be preferential. Work includes considerable public contact in dealing with contractors, architects, engineers, the general public, and other Town staff. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Chief Mechanical Code Official.

If you are committed to excellence and providing high quality service and desire growth opportunities and a great place to work, this may be the opportunity for you!

Applicants for this recruitment must meet, or be able to meet, the minimum requirements for the NC DOI Mechanical/Plumbing Level II Certificate. Please review the information below before submitting your applicationAnticipated Salary Range: $73,008.00 - $93,059.20
Typical Tasks

• Drive to construction sites and inspect commercial mechanical (HVAC, refrigeration, ductwork, fuel gas piping, venting, and combustion air) systems at various stages of construction to ensure conformity with approved plans and compliance with state mechanical codes and related regulations;
• Conduct residential and commercial plumbing inspections, including water supply, drain-waste-vent (DWV), backflow prevention, and fixture installations, to ensure compliance with state plumbing codes and related regulations. Plumbing inspections are expected to make up a substantial portion of the regular workload;
• Performs Live Remote inspections within the guidelines approved by NCDOI and Town of Cary management;
• Identifies conditions requiring correction or additional inspections; notifies appropriate individuals; issues warnings and stop work orders if necessary;
• Reviews alternate methods and materials not specifically prescribed by codes; determines if such alternate is equivalent to that prescribed by the code; approves or disapproves such use; documents and maintains records regarding inspections; enters inspections information on computer system;
• Testifies in court on code violation cases;
• May assist in other inspection areas as needed when applicable;
• Provide consultation; advise and assist engineers, contractors, and the general public on mechanical and plumbing code requirements, code interpretations, and inspection procedures;
• Attend meetings and advise on difficult interpretation of the code and applicable ordinances;
• Conduct special research as needed; manage special projects as needed;
• Provide technical assistance to Town staff as needed;
• Perform other job-related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of commercial mechanical (HVAC, refrigeration) system design, installation, and construction processes;
• Working knowledge of commercial plumbing system design, installation, and construction processes;
• Knowledge of design principles in the mechanical and plumbing trades;
• Knowledge of NC state building and related codes and regulations, including the NC Mechanical Code and NC Plumbing Code;
• Knowledge and ability to operate computers, related technology, and a variety of software applications;
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and blueprints of some complexity, quickly and accurately and to compare them with the construction in process;
• Ability to compare plans with construction in-process;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with building owners, contractors and the public while using firmness and tact in enforcing building ordinances and codes;
• Ability to effectively work in high stress situations;
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing;
• Ability to adopt and maintain accurate records.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from a community college with an associate's degree in mechanical technology, building construction, or a closely related field and a minimum of five years' experience in related mechanical or plumbing construction or inspection work.

Applicants must hold a North Carolina Mechanical Level II or Level III standard or probationary certificate, or demonstrate qualifications that would likely support pre-qualification for a Mechanical Level II or higher certificate. A Plumbing Level II or higher certificate, or demonstrated plumbing inspection experience, is strongly preferred given the plumbing component of this role. Candidates who do not currently hold a qualifying certificate but believe their education and experience meet the pre-qualification requirements are encouraged to apply for this position and begin the certification process with NCDOI.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• Standard Level 2 or higher certificate in the Mechanical trade;
• Additional certification or demonstrated inspection experience in the Plumbing trade;
• Experience working for a municipality as a Mechanical and/or Plumbing inspector;
• Additional professional licenses or certifications;
• Commercial building experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Employees must be able to walk, climb, crawl, talk, see and hear. Work includes the ability to communicate with the public and the physical ability to conduct inspections while construction is in progress.

Conditions of Employment:

• Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, SBI finger-printing, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment.
• Requires a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must obtain Standard Mechanical Level 3 certificate within 18-months of hire date.
• Must obtain Standard Plumbing Level 2 certificate within 24-months of hire date.

01

1. Do you currently possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

02

2. Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Graduate/GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

03

3. How many years of experience do you have in mechanical or plumbing construction or inspection work? Details must be included in the work experience section of your application.

• None
• 1 - 2 Years
• 3 - 4 Years
• 5+ Years

04

4. Select the certification(s) you currently have from North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) in the Mechanical and/or Plumbing trade(s).

• I do not have a pre-qualification or certification in Standard Mechanical or Plumbing
• Pre-qualification for Standard Level 2 Mechanical/Plumbing
• Pre-qualification for Standard Level 3 Mechanical/Plumbing
• Standard Level 2 Mechanical/Plumbing
• Standard Level 3 Mechanical/Plumbing

05

5. Which of the following NCDOI Mechanical or Plumbing Level II pre-qualification requirements do you meet? Select all that apply. (Applicants must meet at least one requirement listed below and must also have at least a high school diploma or GED and be 18 years of age or older.) Supporting documentation may be requested to verify your selected response(s).

• I hold a license as a professional engineer.
• I have a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in mechanical engineering or mechanical or plumbing construction.
• I have a four-year degree from an accredited college or university and at least two years of mechanical or plumbing design, construction, or inspection experience on a minimum of two Level II buildings while working under the direct supervision of a certified mechanical or plumbing inspector II or III, licensed engineer, or licensed Class I contractor.
• I have a two-year degree from an accredited college or university in mechanical engineering or mechanical or plumbing construction and at least two years of mechanical or plumbing design, construction, or inspection experience on a minimum of two Level II buildings while working under the direct supervision of a certified mechanical or plumbing inspector II or III, licensed engineer, or licensed Class I contractor.
• I hold a Class I mechanical contractor license (H-1, H-2, or H-3) or a Class I plumbing contractor license, with experience on a minimum of two Level II buildings.
• I have at least three years of mechanical or plumbing inspection experience, including one year of inspection experience with a probationary Level II certificate, on a minimum of two Level II buildings while working under the direct supervision of a certified mechanical or plumbing inspector II or III, and I can provide a supporting letter from my supervisor complying with Rule 11 NCAC 08 .0706(b).
• I have at least three years of mechanical or plumbing design, construction, or inspection experience on a minimum of two Level II buildings while working under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer or licensed Class I contractor, and I can provide a supporting letter from my supervisor complying with Rule 11 NCAC 08 .0706(b).
• I have at least one year of experience with a probationary Level II mechanical or plumbing inspection certificate inspecting installations on a minimum of two Level II buildings.
• Probationary only: I hold a Mechanical (MI) or Plumbing (PI) standard certification.
• I have third-party certification and experience acceptable and equivalent to the Board's rules.
• I have military certification, training, and experience equivalent to the Board's rules.
• I have a pre-qualification or certification for Standard Level II/III Mechanical or Plumbing.
• None of the above apply to my education or experience.

06

6. How many years of experience do you have in inspecting buildings at various stages of construction? Details must be included in the work experience section of your application.

• None
• 1 - 2 Years
• 3 - 4 Years
• 5+ Years

07

7. Do you have experience working for a municipality as an inspector? If yes, details must be included in the work experience section of your application.

• Yes
• No

08

8. Do you have any Contractor's licenses? If so, license information must be listed on the application.

• Yes
• No

09

9. If you answered yes to Question #8, please list all Contractor's licenses that you currently hold. If you do not have any Contractor's licenses, please type "N/A".
10

10. If you earlier listed that you possess current certifications, or pre-qualification letters for certifications, have you attached those documents to this application?

• Yes
• No

Required Question