5 Ways to Get Promoted in a Career in Building Safety

A career in building safety can be both inspiring and fulfilling. Jobs ranging from building officials and fire marshals, to mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspectors are in-demand and are an integral part in keeping the built environment safe for all.

Though it may be difficult for those who love the industry to retire – some may even return to work after doing so – it is important to carve a path forward for the next generation. The International Code Council’s Safety 2.0 initiative is designed to do just that, providing a resource for training, career opportunities, leadership programs, and more.

The Code Council recently spoke to six building safety professionals about their career progression and found that there are multiple ways to advance through the ranks. Read on for their stories of how they got promoted and how others can do the same.

1. Volunteer to Gain Experience and a Career-Boosting Edge

Cindy Davis, Deputy Director, Division of Building & Fire Regulation for the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, worked her way up the ladder after starting out as a part-time secretary in the Fire Marshal’s office in Butler Township, PA. With a career spanning more than 30 years, Davis has served as both a President and Board Member for the Code Council.

Instead of simply applying for each new position, Davis worked hard to make sure she had solid qualifications and recommended others do the same.

“For me, that meant a lot of unpaid volunteer time on my own,” she said. “Giving up nights and weekends to attend classes, training, and volunteering for committee work. But the investment was worth it. I got a lifetime of opportunities, friends and mentors I would have never had otherwise.”

Alex Cook, Plan Reviewer for the City of Conway, SC, volunteered with the Code Council’s Building Safety Leadership Experience (formerly the Board Shadow Program) in September 2022 and agreed with Davis’ assessment.

“I recommend getting involved with the Code Council by volunteering,” said Cook. “A few great options are the Emerging Leaders Membership Council (which I am also involved with), the [Building Safety Leadership Experience], or serving on a codes committee. This industry is full of people who want to help you and the Code Council is at the forefront of it.”

SEE RELATED: 2023 Building Safety Leadership Experience Highlights

2. Take an Entry-Level Position to Open Doors and shape Your Career

Amy Wunder, Deputy Director for Construction and Business Services at the City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, started her career in building safety as an Office Assistant with no prior experience. That job gave her the chance to learn a variety of new skills and paved the way for her initial promotion to Project Development Analyst.

“As an Office Assistant, I was able to assist with, observe and learn about several different positions and areas of responsibility within my department and the city enterprise,” said Wunder.

“I recognized early on that as a Project Development Analyst, I could contribute to my own community’s building safety by properly enforcing our codes and ordinances during permit plan review. I believe my commitment and hard work in my role as the Office Assistant, along with years of prior customer service experience, helped in highlighting my capabilities when offered the Project Development Analyst position.”

3. Build Coworker Relationships and Become a Trusted Resource

Cody Melville, Supervisor-Building Inspection at the City of Indianapolis-Department of Business and Neighborhood Services uprooted his life when he left Michigan for a job as a Permit Technician in Indiana. His growth in the years since has taught him about the importance of coworker relationships.

“For a municipality, it is beneficial to understand how the department works as a whole and when and who to contact to properly serve the public,” said Melville. “Having a relationship with your coworkers and making it apparent you want the same outcome as them is beneficial versus flying under the radar and your name not be known.

“Being knowledgeable and being a resource of information is also very important. I always say, ‘If you’re not learning something every day, then you aren’t doing it right.’ You must have an open mind and be willing to learn and accept that you may be wrong sometimes.”

 4. Put Others First, No Matter the Occasion

Dan Carlson, Building Official for the City of Wilsonville, OR, has amassed a wealth of knowledge over his 27-year career, but his most valuable lesson may be his recommendation to put others first.

“Do not be above doing jobs that need to be done that are seemingly beneath your pay grade or status,” said Carlson. “This may mean lots of things. Like helping a coworker with their inspection load or helping them deal with a difficult customer. Investigating a contentious complaint, taking a shift at the front counter so a coworker can have a break or be off, or doing some overtime so the workload is bearable for others. Our society seems geared to put ourselves first. I’m suggesting we switch it up. Put others first and do so intending to be helpful. That should be the motivation. If it is, eventually the getting noticed part will follow naturally.”

 5. Remember That Patience and Humility Go a Long Way

Danny Dabler, Building Inspector III for Clark County Building Department in Vancouver, WA, is young in his career but has already become a Master Code Professional and a Certified Building Official. His experience in building safety has taught him to be patient, have humility, and learn from everyone.

“This is an incredibly vast industry and there is something to be learned from everyone in it,” said Dabler. “Be patient – you are never going to know all there is to this industry (due to constant innovation in building materials and technology, improving building codes, etc.). Let that be a driving force to remember that there is always room for constant, never-ending improvement in your role as a Building Inspector/Plans Examiner.

“Have humility – we work with individuals that have years of experience in their trade. Have empathy and remember that it is okay to be wrong in our role. What is important is that the intent of the building code is being met to the best of everyone’s capability and start from there.”

5 Bonus Tips – Fast Advice for a Prosperous Career in Building Safety

1. Ask questions and do the necessary research: “The willingness to do that is generally very much appreciated,” said Davis.
2. Support your permit technicians and front counter staff: According to Carlson, “They are the heart and lifeblood of your organization.”
3. Don’t dwell on the jobs you didn’t get: “Consider these experiences a learning opportunity rather than a setback,” Wunder affirmed.
4. It’s okay to be wrong but not opinionated: “Understand that our opinion should not be used when making determinations instead of the code,” Melville cautioned.
5. Walk a mile in your customers’ shoes: “Then you yourself will be open and in a better position to help them in their journey, or to help them solve a difficult problem,” Carlson advised. 

Ready to start your own journey in the building safety industry, or help mentor the next generation of building safety professionals? Click here to learn more about Safety 2.0.