Building Inspector

Description

Inspect commercial and residential construction to ensure that all trades comply with building, zoning and municipal codes, review and interpret plans, inspect structures and projects, test construction materials, meet with contractors, builders and homeowners, enforce codes, and issue permits.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Inspects structures for compliance by reading and interpreting plans, reviewing and interpreting codes, approving or denying installation or construction, developing reports and correspondence, and providing additional information to site owners and construction personnel.
• Reviews plans, applications and other requests by answering customer inquiries and providing information, conferring with architects, engineers, builders and homeowners, explaining codes and ordinances, registering contractors, scheduling inspections and reviewing housing departments rehab specifications for code compliance.
• Composes letters, criminal warrants for code violations, responding to e-mails, answer phones and collect permit fees and balance cash drawer.
• Responds to phone and walk-in requests by providing information on programs and services, answering specific inspection questions, recording inspection requests, investigating incidents by responding to calls for service, examining structures for compliance or accident determination and providing training for contractors and customers during code change cycles.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED supplemented by post-secondary study or training : e.g. vocational, business, technical school, and over four years up to and including six years of experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the special requirements listed above.

Certifications / Licenses

Job Knowledge

Intermediate knowledge to perform most work in normal situations. Comprehension of standard situations and includes knowledge of most of the significant aspects of the subject.

Reading

Intermediate : Ability to read papers, periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries and thesauruses.

Writing

Intermediate : Ability to write reports, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Math

Intermediate : Ability to deal with system of real numbers; practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios / proportions, and measurement.

Communication Skills

Decisions regarding interpretation of policies may be made. Contact may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact, and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

Independence and Decision-Making

Normally performs the duty assignment according to his or her own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.

Technical Skills

Work requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.

Fiscal Responsibility

No budgetary / fiscal responsibility.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE, AND HARDWARE

Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This work is performed in an office environment; when on inspection sites, may experience respiratory hazards, noise and vibration, and physical hazards several times per month; extreme temperatures, wetness / humidity seasonally. There are rarely mechanical hazards and electrical hazards.

The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (hard hat, safety vest, steel-toe shoes, etc.), and any other equipment as apparent or assigned, if any.