Building Inspector I

Building Inspector I

Inspects construction or electrical or mechanical / plumbing installations at residential, commercial and industrial buildings and structures, in all stages of construction, alteration, and repair to assure compliance with applicable state and local regulations; enforces building, electrical and safety codes, laws, regulations, and standards.

Work is performed in a standard office environment, with frequent visits to construction sites in outside environments with exposure to inclement weather. Light physical demands; may be exposed to frequent climbing, bending, kneeling and lifting; frequent use of a personal computer.

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policy.

First consideration may be given to current City of Las Cruces employees that meet the minimum requirements. Meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. First review of applications will be on 10 / 27 / 2025, with periodic reviews thereafter.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspects residential, commercial and industrial construction and building projects constructed, altered, repaired or demolished to assure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances and regulations; reviews plans and specifications of projects to gain familiarity with the projects prior to inspection.
• Performs field inspections to examine and evaluate the work performed and materials used; verifies quality of workmanship, quality of materials used, and compliance with plans, specifications, estimates and applicable codes and regulations; notes deficiencies and deviations from plans; refers serious problems and disagreements in interpretation to Chief Building Official.
• Interprets City codes, and issues citations, notices of violation, occupancy certificates, and work stop orders; maintains communications with developers and builders on commercial and residential building / electrical / plumbing / mechanical / inspection projects; analyzes practices and recommends improvements; maintains, updates and assures the accuracy of inspection records, project documentation and project files.
• Provides customer service; answers questions and concerns related to codes and requirements for building or electrical or mechanical / plumbing installations and equipment; consults with contractors and homeowners concerning deficiencies with technical requirements; investigates citizen complaints against contractors, and coordinates effective resolution of conflicts and disagreements; interprets, applies and explains City codes and regulations.
• Responds to requests for information; provides technical information to City staff as authorized; provides assistance to the public within the scope of authority.

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent to a high school diploma; AND three year's foreman-level experience in general construction or electrician experience in general construction or mechanical and plumbing experience in general construction. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Valid driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in ordinance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Based on area of focus New Mexico State Construction Industries Division (CID) Certification as a Mechanical / Plumbing Inspector is required or New Mexico State Construction Industries Division (CID) Certification as an Electrical Inspector is required or New Mexico State Construction Industries Division (CID) Certification as a Building Inspector is required. Must receive national certification as a Commercial and Residential Inspector within one (1) year of employment. International Code Council (ICC) certification is preferred and may be required to obtain additional technical certifications.

Special Requirement : Incumbents in any of the inspector positions must surrender to the Construction Industries Division any contractor's license or certificate of competence to be held in inactive status upon immediately accepting employment with the City of Las Cruces. Failure to do so will result in immediate termination.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of : principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to : perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in : reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.

To view a summary of benefits offered by the City of Las Cruces, go to Benefits.