Building Inspector/Plans Examiner

DEFINITION
To perform a variety of building inspection duties, including utility and infrastructure inspections at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair. To review building plans and specifications and complex construction documents and applications for compliance with state and municipal building codes, Town ordinances, and standard building and engineering practices.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Building Official. Duties include, but are not limited to:
Perform field inspections of industrial, commercial, and residential buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to assure compliance with applicable codes and regulations of the town, county, state, and federal agencies.
Review, check, and examine complex plans and specifications for construction of new buildings, alterations, and infrastructure improvements to determine compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
Coordinate, permit, and inspect utility work within Town rights of way.
Perform complex inspection duties in trade specialties such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical, structural, and finish trade areas.
Inspect foundation, cement, framing, plastering, plumbing, heating and electrical installations, and a large variety of other complex and routine building system elements.
Investigate complaints and inspect existing buildings to determine if hazardous or illegal conditions exist relating to residential and light commercial construction and their use.
Prepare written reports and issue notices to correct code violations.
Process building permit applications.
Prepare and maintain records and reports of plan review procedures.
Assist and advise architects, designers, contractors, owners, and the general public in matters relating to construction, code, and design requirements.
Recommend revisions to plans and specifications when needed for compliance with codes.
Perform related duties as assigned. Knowledge of:
Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction.
Building-related codes and ordinances enforceable by the Town, specifically the California Building Codes (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).
Code-recognized building construction methods and materials.
Permit issuance requirements and procedures.
Elements of vertical and lateral design and general engineering principles.
Standard principles and practices of plan checking and infrastructure and utility inspection.
Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
Modern office practices, procedures, methods, and equipment.

Ability to:
Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials, detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.
Perform journey-level inspections in a variety of specialty trade areas.
Analyze and interpret plans, specifications, and building codes and communicate requirements to architects, engineers, contractors, and property owners.
Enforce a variety of zoning, general land use, and related Town codes.
Determine that construction systems conform to Town code requirements.
Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies and applicable state and federal laws, and regulations.
Make arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately.
Testify in court regarding code violations, if required.
Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Operate and use modern office equipment, including computer equipment.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.

Experience and Training:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in architecture, engineering, or a related field is preferred.
Experience : At least five years of increasingly responsible experience as a Building Inspector, Building Plans Examiner, or equivalent. Experience working for a California municipality is preferred.
Licenses : Possession of, or ability to obtain within the state-required time frame of ten (10) days within hire, a valid State of California Class C drivers license with an acceptable driving record. Possession of, or ability to obtain within the first twelve months of employment, appropriate certifications issued by the International Code Council as a Building Inspector and as a Plans Examiner. Must pass an appropriate background check prior to the hire date. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The Town reserves the right to revise or change classification duties and responsibilities as the need arises. The description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.