Description
Building Inspector I: This is the entry-level class in the Building Inspector series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic experience perform professional and technical inspection work in the City’s Building Division projects, and daily departmental operations. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the position 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. Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited directly related work experience.
Building Inspector II: This is the journey-level class in the Building Inspector series. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of professional and technical inspection work in all of the Building Division projects and programs, and daily departmental operations. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Building Inspector I level by the performance of the full range of complex duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Building Inspector in that the latter functions as a lead worker in the series and has ultimate responsibility for organizing, assigning, and reviewing all work of all staff involved in an assigned area of the Building Division.
Positions in the Building Inspector series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Building Inspector II level are normally filled by advancement from the Building Inspector I level after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience that allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the Building Inspector II level.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Inspects buildings and similar structures that are being constructed, altered, moved or demolished to verify that work being done complies with provisions of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and related codes, ordinances, State and Federal construction regulations and with the approved plans and specifications.
Inspects the quality of materials and methods of construction for footings, foundations, wood framing, concrete work, steel erection, exterior cladding, roofing, masonry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical installation.
Performs plan checks of residential and commercial buildings for compliance with applicable codes, and disabled access regulations.
Investigates construction being performed without proper permits.
Follows up on complaints regarding improper building or structural construction and zoning violations.
Enforces Federal Clean Water Act and the City’s Storm Water Management Ordinances.
Provides a wide variety of technical information to the public pertaining to Federal, State and municipal building requirements; assists in the review of private sector development plans.
Investigates and enforces violations of municipal codes and ordinances.
Enters data and operates a computerized permit system; explains codes and ordinances, prepares responses to related correspondence; issues correction notices, stop work orders and Notices of Violations.
Attends conferences, trainings, and meetings regarding new codes and standards Issues citations as directed, if PC832 certified.
Performs other related work as required.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of:
Federal, State and local building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, green, disabled access requirements and related codes and ordinances; methods, tools and materials used in building construction; principles and techniques of building inspection and plan checking; appropriate safety procedures for performing inspections.
Ability to:
Perform plan checks, complex building inspections and complaint investigations unsupervised; determine compliance with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances and policies; understand and interpret building plans, specifications and codes; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; keep accurate records and prepare comprehensive verbal and written reports; use a computer; use good judgment in the scope of assigned authority; establish and maintain effective relationships with City employees and the public including engineers, contractors, architects, and design professionals, and homeowners; and demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Experience
High school diploma required with advanced courses in building inspection/construction technology (minimum equivalent to 45 Community College units) with an International Code Council (ICC) Building Inspector Certificate; OR, one year of entry level construction experience with ICC Building Inspector Certificate; OR, Bachelor of Arts degree in a related field (i.e., engineering, architecture, etc.) with ICC Building Inspector Certificate. Bilingual skills in English and Spanish are desirable.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.
State Law Assembly Bill 717 requires inspectors to possess in good standing: one (1) inspection certification prior to employment. The certification may be any one of the following: an International Code Council (ICC) building, plumbing, electrical or mechanical inspection certification; or an ICC plans examiner certification; or a Certified Building Official certificate; or a Class I or Class II Licensed Inspector issued for State hospitals, schools or bridges; or a Special Inspector Certification from ICC.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions described herein are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment:
FREQUENTLY working outdoors, exposure to inclement weather, heat, humidity, cold, dust and noise. Work requires close physical proximity to various pieces of heavy equipment. Work includes frequent use of the telephone and use of a computer intermittently throughout the day.Weekend, evening and overtime work may be required periodically and position is considered to be a member of the City Emergency Response Team. Work environment is informal, primarily autonomous in nature, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure.
Physical:
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in outdoor settings. FREQUENT standing, walking, including walking on uneven terrain and over trenches, etc.; climbing ladders, scaffolding and stairs up to the height of multi-story buildings; maintaining balance, lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds without the aid of lifting devices; full range of mobility to twist and turn in tight spaces; fine finger dexterity and repetitive use of fingers and/or wrists or hands to operate computer and various office equipment, grasp and hold writing materials, paper and supplies; and have rapid mental/muscular coordination. OCCASIONAL sitting, squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20 – 35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.
Vision:
See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.
Hearing:
Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
