BUILDING INSPECTOR I

Building Inspector I

Under immediate supervision, performs building inspection work in the interpretation of structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and related codes and regulations pertaining to new construction, remodel, and repair of single family and multi-family residential buildings and commercial properties; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives immediate supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Building Inspector I : This is the entry-level classification in the Building Inspector series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine inspections of construction, remodel, and repair projects. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Building Inspector II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Positions in the Building Inspector class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Building Inspector II level are normally filled by advancement from the Building Inspector I level; progression to the Building Inspector II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Building Inspector II level.

Positions at the Building Inspector I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• Receives inspection requests; retrieves and reviews permits; schedules and conducts daily field inspections for single-family residential dwellings, multi-family residential properties, and commercial properties; interprets and enforces compliance to building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other related codes and regulations; responds to and answers questions and concerns related to field inspections.
• Reviews plans and construction documents for code compliance; reads blueprints; collaborates with and responds to staff and the public to address and correct areas of concern that arise during plan check and construction activities.
• Consults with architects, engineers, designers, contractors, and homeowners concerning deficiencies with structural and non-structural requirements.
• Investigates complaints regarding existing buildings or new construction to determine if code violations or problem conditions exist; makes code interpretations; resolves problems that arise due to code or structural design; deals with difficult people in a constructive manner; engages in customer relations on all building inspection projects.
• Performs administrative support duties such as providing customer service at the work counter and answering phones, receives and reviews requests for permits, calculates permit costs and fees, accepts payments and issues permits, generates purchase orders, and catalogs and maintains incoming paperwork and related documents.
• Provides training and oversight to existing technical and new staff, as assigned.
• May assist in the coordination of short-term projects related to the repair and maintenance of City owned buildings.
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as required.

Positions at the Building Inspector I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

Ability to : read, analyze, and interpret and detect deviations from approved building and construction plans, diagrams, and specifications.

Education and Experience : Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be : Education : Building Inspector I : Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12

th

) grade. Experience : Building Inspector I : One (1) year of experience in building trades or processing permit applications and enforcing building or planning codes. Licenses and Certifications : Building Inspector I : Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and / or assistance from other staff.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and / or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and / or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

City employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required to accommodate the City's needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Services Emergency Worker (California Government Code Section 3100-3109).