Inspector I - Public Development - Permits

Inspector I - Public Development - Permits

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

17234

Department

Engineering Department

Opening Date

09/21/2026

Closing Date

10/5/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

Position Overview:

The Development Services & Permits Division facilitates safe and responsible development, construction, and occupancy of buildings and properties in our community. In 2023, the division issued over 57,000 permits with a construction value of $11.15B. In addition, the division conducted over 41,000 inspections and almost 85,000 plan reviews. We strive to provide prompt, courteous service to our customers while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Our goal is to promote public safety, protect the environment, and support economic growth through permit issuance and inspections. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in all aspects of our operations.

Inspects construction and pursues compliance regarding plans and specifications set by the rules and regulations of Harris County as administered by the Permits Group.

Job Duties:

• Works outdoors in all weather conditions and varying ground surfaces.
• Observes all phases of construction activities in the field.
• Climbs in and out of storm sewer manholes and inlets as needed.
• Walks and stands for extended periods of time.
• Ensures proper operation and routine maintenance of assigned vehicle.
• Performs disaster recovery support tasks as assigned during emergency events.
• Supports additional community emergency response duties during hurricanes, floods, or other incidents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Responsibilities may evolve and are not limited to the list above.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• A high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience/background in engineering-related design, construction, real property, or a closely related field.

Or,

• A Bachelors or Associates Degree from an accredited university with major coursework in Engineering, Architecture, or other closely related field.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to maintain records, manage files, and interact effectively with the public.
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to multitask and maintain attention to detail.
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs; ability to learn department-supported applications quickly after hire.
• Ability to read construction drawings and topographical maps.
• Knowledge of regulatory agencies and their impact on architecture and engineering planning.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and prepare clear, professional business correspondence.
• Possession of a valid driver's license (Texas required upon hire) and a good driving record.
• Must provide and maintain proof of automobile liability insurance upon employment.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Education:

• Bachelors or Associates degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering, Architecture, or other closely related field.

Experience:

• Experience in roles requiring the understanding and implementation of rules and regulations.
• Construction experience in field or office settings.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Previous government employment, particularly in areas involving regulatory administration.
• Intermediate or higher-level knowledge of construction techniques or engineering design.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and/or Vietnamese (preferred).

General Information

General Information:

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.

Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

Salary: Commensurate experience, based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

Ability to work for extended periods in hot, cold, or inclement weather. Ability to lift maps, plans, and specifications related to the inspection process. Ability to stoop or crouch during the inspection process as necessary.

FEATURED BENEFITS:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Wellness.

Professional development opportunities.

Flexible spending accounts.

457 deferred compensation plans.

Retirement pension (TCDRS).

Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

Disability and life insurance.

Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position? Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.

• High School or GED diploma
• Associate Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?

• Engineering
• Engineering Technology
• Construction Science
• Construction Management
• Architecture
• Other related field
• N/A; No degree

03

How many years of years of experience/background do you have in engineering-related design, construction, real property, or a closely related field?

• less than a year
• 1 - 2 years
• 2 years and above

04

Do you have the ability to read construction drawings and topographical maps?

• yes
• No

05

Do you have the knowledge of regulatory agencies and their impact on architecture and engineering planning?

• Yes
• No

06

For this position, a valid Texas Drivers License is necessary. Do you meet the above requirement? (Please be sure to include all related details in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.)

• Yes, I currently hold a valid Texas Drivers License.
• Yes, I possess a valid Out-of-State Drivers License, but I am aware that I must acquire a valid Texas Drivers License before the start date.
• No, I do not currently have a drivers license, but I commit to obtaining one before the start date.
• No, I do not currently have a valid drivers license.

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx