Inspects plans and other documentation, partial constructions, and completed structures to determine whether buildings will be, or are, built in accordance with central and local government regulations. May provide advice to the public, and city/district councils, on building matters to ensure ongoing compliance with regulations affecting building and delivery of safe and sanitary buildings. May process building consents. They may also issue various notices/certificates, write reports, and help owners and potential buyers with construction problems and solutions or with building assessments.

Responds to enquiries about building matters in person, by telephone, or in writing; assesses building consent applications for compliance; discusses building work with relevant people such as builders, architects, and owners; consults with local government officers about proposed building projects; records changes to building plans; recommends building consent applications be approved/declined and drafts conditions of approval; inspects building work at regular intervals to check that plans, regulations, specifications, and standards are being followed; issues a Code Compliance Certificate on completion of building work; receives complaints from the public regarding building projects or non-compliance with regulations and assists to bring about resolution; compiles and maintains accurate records; issues other notices/certificates; writes reports; represents council interests; be involved in building control related projects; and helps owners and potential buyers with construction problems and solutions or with building assessments.

• Works indoors in offices and meeting rooms and outdoors when visiting building sites.
• Indoor work areas are adequately heated and ventilated. Site visits will be conducted in most weather Will wear appropriate protective clothing and footwear during site visits.
• May need to work at height or in confined spaces, for example on roofs or under buildings.

• Light physical demand level.
• Standing, walking, and sitting are frequently
• Stretching and reaching across, climbing, and crawling may be required.
• Bending, squatting, crouching, or kneeling is likely to be required when undertaking inspection work. Twisting of the body or neck may be required occasionally.
• Contact with skin irritants or water is unlikely to be required.
• Lifting, pulling, or carrying is unlikely to exceed the light demand level.
• Driving is occasionally to frequently required to perform site visits and inspections.
• Use of hand-held objects and electronic equipment is frequent and may involve the use of telephones, computers and other devices, writing and measuring tools, calculators, moisture meters, infrared heat detection devices, photocopiers, scanners, and other general office equipment.
• Repetitive movements of the hands and fingers are likely on an occasional to frequent basis due to the operation of the items listed above.
• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning, communication, administration, organisational, problem-solving, planning, and decision-making capabilities. Building Surveyors need to: be able to interpret complex site and architectural plans and drawings; have good reading comprehension to understand complex regulations and technical information; be able to check complex mathematical calculations, for example regarding bracing, insulation, or stormwater requirements; and have good spoken and written expression to convey information concisely and accurately.

The specialist role of Building Inspector / Building Control Officer for city/district councils usually requires 10-20 years of relevant work experience, and/or a building-related diploma or degree in fields such as building science, construction, architecture, or engineering (ANZSCO Skill Level 2). Other types of Building Surveyors need 3-10 years of relevant experience, and/or a building related diploma or degree. Additionally, a Full Class 1 Driver Licence is preferred (Class 1R at minimum).

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.