Job Title: Licensed Building Inspector (Inspector)
Department: Building/Community Development
Classification: Non-exempt
Reports to: Community Development Director
Salary: DOQ
General Description : This non-supervisory position inspects buildings, new construction, and remodeling sites to ensure compliance with adopted building codes, zoning regulations, and other city ordinances. Duties include issuing permits, reviewing plans, and conducting inspections to verify state and federal building laws compliance. The Building Inspector also assists Code Compliance Officers and Fire & Health Inspectors, maintains accurate records of permits and inspections, investigates complaints, and provides testimony in court when necessary. This role requires strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and codes and the ability to communicate effectively with contractors, developers, and the public. The position may require work outside regular business hours and on-call availability during emergencies, as defined by the City Council, City Manager, or Community Development Director.
Essential Job Duties :
The Inspector must be able to perform the following essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
1. Conducts comprehensive inspections of residential and commercial construction projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards .
2. Evaluates and interprets construction plans, permits, and specifications to ensure alignment with code requirements and industry best practices.
3. Issues permits and inspection reports , ensuring accurate documentation of approvals, violations, and corrective actions taken.
4. Investigates code violations, complaints, and hazardous building conditions , recommending enforcement actions when necessary.
5. Provides expert guidance and technical support to contractors, developers, architects, engineers, and city officials regarding code interpretation and compliance .
6. Represents the City in court proceedings , providing expert testimony on code violations and enforcement actions when required.
7. Maintains strong working relationships with City officials, contractors, and the public to facilitate cooperation and adherence to building regulations.
8. Ensures adherence to City and departmental policies and procedures , keeping leadership informed of potential concerns or compliance issues.
9. Utilizes sound judgment and decision-making skills to resolve inspection-related issues and provide effective recommendations for compliance.
10. Effectively communicates with supervisors, staff, and the public , responding to inquiries about permits, regulations, licensing policies, and enforcement procedures.
11. Demonstrates leadership and professionalism in managing inspections, coordinating with multiple departments, and ensuring timely completion of projects.
12. Takes initiative in addressing emerging construction trends, regulatory updates, and best practices , staying current with industry developments.
13. Oversees the implementation of safety protocols , ensuring that construction activities adhere to proper occupational health and safety guidelines.
14. Safeguards City assets by identifying necessary repairs, reporting hazards, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.
15. Maintains confidentiality and ethical standards regarding City business, enforcement actions, and sensitive project information.
16. Responds to emergency situations, structural failures, or disasters as needed, ensuring rapid assessment of building safety and structural integrity.
17. Works beyond standard business hours as required, including on-call availability during emergency periods as designated by the City Council, City Manager, or Community Development Director.
18. Demonstrates commitment to service excellence , ensuring prompt and thorough completion of job duties with accuracy and professionalism.
19. Adheres to all safety regulations , including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to OSHA and City-mandated guidelines.
20. Performs additional duties as assigned to support the mission and objectives of the Building and Community Development Department.
Requirements
Education and Basic Requirements :
1. Education: High school diploma or GED required; additional coursework or training in building codes, construction, or related fields is preferred.
2. Experience: Minimum one (1) year as a licensed inspector with hands-on experience in building inspections, construction methods, materials, and code enforcement.
3. Licensing:
· Must hold a Texas Plumbing Inspector License at the time of hire.
· Must hold an ICC Residential Combination Inspector Certification or at least two (2) of the following ICC certifications:
o Residential/Commercial Building Inspector
o Residential/Commercial Mechanical Inspector
o Residential/Commercial Electrical Inspector
o Residential/Commercial Plumbing Inspector
o Residential/Commercial Energy Conservation Inspector
4. Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Drivers License with a satisfactory driving record.
5. Knowledge & Skills:
· Working knowledge of plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and building methods, materials, and codes.
· Expertise in ordinances, laws, and regulations related to building and construction.
· Strong understanding of state and federal laws related to building codes.
· Ability to interpret and enforce building codes and zoning regulations.
· Good math skills for performing inspections and reviewing plans.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and permitting software.
· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, the public, and private sector professionals.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess compliance issues.
6. Additional Requirements:
· Must successfully pass a background check, credit check, and physical/medical exam.
· Must maintain all required ICC certifications throughout employment.
Qualifications :
The Inspector should possess the following qualifications and abilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
1. Knowledge of relevant laws and government codes/regulations.
2. Ability to identify and address problems proactively and apply general rules to specific issues to produce logical solutions.
3. Strong service orientation, actively looking for ways to assist the public and co-workers while ensuring quality service.
4. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including:
· Speaking clearly and listening effectively to convey and receive information.
· Understanding the structure and content of the English language for clear written and verbal communication.
· Awareness of others' reactions, understanding why they act or react, and responding appropriately.
· Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective relationships with City officials, contractors, co-workers, and the public.
· Ability to work independently and follow City and Department policies and procedures.
· Strong judgment and decision-making skills to address issues efficiently.
5. Ability to attend meetings, work overtime, and handle additional assignments as needed.
6. Physical ability to conduct inspections, including seeing details at close range, working at heights, and recognizing potential hazards.
7. Successfully pass a background check, credit check, and physical/medical exam.
8. Must maintain all required ICC certifications throughout employment.
Physical and Mental Requirements :
In order to successfully achieve the goals of the Building Department, the Inspector must meet the following physical and mental requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.
1. Lift/move objects weighing up to 45 pounds.
2. See clearly and be able to read and interpret documents to determine whether construction conforms to codes.
3. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing and interact effectively with co-workers and the public.
4. Be able to work in enclosed spaces and in inclement weather, including extreme heat and cold.
5. Ability to work at heights and on rooftops.
6. Tolerant of fumes, dust and noise and have the ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
7. Frequently stoop/bend, crawl/kneel and reach, push and pull.
8. Occasionally engage in repetitive motion involving the hands and arms.
9. Sit, stand, and climb stairs and ladders.
10. Walk and crawl on uneven, sometimes dangerous surfaces or confined or sub-surface spaces.
11. Safely drive a motor vehicle.
12. Remember information and details relating to the job.
13. Ability to understand, learn, and communicate information about the job.
14. The ability to understand the meaning of and use and speak words understandably and effectively in the English language.
15. Good hearing and listening abilities, that is, the Inspector must be able to hear spoken words from co-workers, supervisors and others.
16. Good motor coordination skills, that is, the Inspector must be able to coordinate his or her eyes, hands and fingers rapidly and accurately in order to handle precise movements such as driving and in response to visual, auditory and other stimuli.
17. Work effectively under pressure and deadlines in order to respond to the public and co-workers.