Building Inspector I/II

This recruitment is for Level I and Level II.

The salary rage for level I is $1,987.20 - $2,663.20 biweekly ($24.84 -$33.29 per hour).

The salary rage for level II is $2,195.20 - $2,941.60 biweekly ($27.44 -$36.77 per hour).

This is an Extra Help Position. Extra Help means this may be a Part-Time or Non-Permanent position. The number of hours worked per week may vary and depend on the needs of the department. For terms and conditions concerning Extra Help with Butte County, see Section 6.13c of the Butte County Personnel Rules.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

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

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Building Inspector I) or general (Building Inspector II) supervision from the Building Inspection Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

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 and complex; 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 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.

Building Inspector II: This is the journey-level classification in the building inspector series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of 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.

Positions in the Building Inspector classification series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the 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 II-level.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Receives inspection requests; retrieves and reviews permits; schedules and conducts daily field inspections for single-family residential dwellings, multi-family residential properties, and commercial or industrial 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.
• Manages customer relations on all commercial and industrial building inspection projects; deals with difficult people in a constructive manner.
• Reviews plans and construction documents for code compliance; works 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.
• Performs administrative support duties such as providing customer service at the work counter and answering phones, receiving and reviewing requests for permits, accepting payment and issuing permits, and cataloging and maintaining incoming paperwork and related documents.
• Operates and maintains vehicle; performs daily inspection of assigned vehicle; documents maintenance defects and malfunctions; schedules vehicle for required repairs as needed.
• Conducts inventory and orders, receives, stocks, and maintains supplies.
• Provides training to new staff as assigned.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, and standards related to building inspection.
• Principles, practices, and methods of residential, commercial, and industrial structural and building plan review and inspection work.
• Principles and practices in general construction and electrical and mechanical systems.
• Principles of structural design and engineering mathematics.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of building inspection and construction.
• Research methods and sources of information related to building inspection.
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping and preparation of correspondence.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Read, analyze, and interpret and detect deviations from approved building and construction plans, diagrams, and specifications.
• Enforce a wide range of building and related codes and regulations.
• Perform thorough and accurate inspections of the construction, alteration, or repair of buildings and site development.
• Review and advise homeowners of corrections required for basic residential plan checks.
• Perform required mathematical computations with accuracy.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written material.
• Collect, interpret, and analyze office and field inspection data accurately.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and

Building Inspector I : Three (3) years of journey-level experience in craft work in the building trades or processing permit applications and enforcing various building or planning codes.

Building Inspector II : Two (2) years of construction or building inspection experience at a level equivalent to the Countys class of Building Inspector I.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US drivers license upon date of application. Must obtain California drivers license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Building Inspector I:

• Possess and maintain a valid International Code Council (I.C.C.) Residential or Commercial Building Inspector Certificate.

Building Inspector II:

• Possess and maintain a valid I.C.C. Residential or Commercial Building Inspector certificate and one of the following: Commercial or Residential Electrical, Plumbing or Mechanical Inspector.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 35 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

When assigned to field inspection:

• Mobility to work in changing site conditions; 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 County sites.
• Strength and stamina to perform light to medium physical work; lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 5 pounds and weighing up to 35 pounds, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.
• Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, 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.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.