Building Inspector

The City of Grand Forks is seeking an individual to conduct inspections on new and existing building, housing and sign inspections of residential and commercial dwellings. This position will also enforces compliance with building and sign codes, regulations and ordinances; provide education and information to building/home owners, contractors, engineers, etc. on the national and local safety standards, codes and laws including application procedures; to perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Essential Functions:

1. Inspect new and existing residential and commercial dwellings for compliance with standard, adopted codes and laws and city standards; confer with other City agencies and officials regarding inspection issues.
2. Identify dwellings that are unfit for habitation; issue notices to correct hazardous conditions; issue building permits and certificates of occupancy for completion of required corrections.
3. Verify construction and placement of signs with applicable codes and ordinances; issue sign hangar licenses and permits.
4. Collaborate with contractors and other City agencies to accomplish better code compliance; make recommendations to existing codes and ordinances.
5. Confer with architects, contractors, builders and the general public in the field and office in a professional and customer service orientated manner; explain and interpret building requirements and restrictions. Serve as liaison for assigned department with outside officials and City agencies.
6. Examine plans and specifications of new residential and light commercial construction/remodel projects to determine compliance with the provisions of applicable construction codes, ordinances and regulations.
7. Maintain files and reports regarding inspection and plan check activities and findings.
8. Resolve inspection issues and concerns raised by contractors and other outside parties; meet with involved parties to resolve and make recommendations to resolve concerns.
9. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous, timely manner, provide information on all aspects of the inspections performed; resolve complaints and secure compliance on violations in a timely and efficient manner.
10. Compute, verify fees for and issue sign, building, and other permits as assigned by department leadership
11. Review new codes and ordinances in the building and zoning fields; maintain awareness of changes in other related fields.
12. Compiles data and prepares required documents and records and reports regarding inspection activities, individual compliance issues, etc.
13. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the building construction and inspection fields.
14. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required by department leadership.

Knowledge: Building construction techniques, methods and materials; Operations, services and functions of a comprehensive building inspection program; Principles and techniques of building inspection; Housing, sign and building codes and requirements; Pertinent Federal, State and local codes and ordinances governing building construction and zoning; Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial and residential buildings.

Skills : Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Compute mathematical questions such as load requirements, material spans, fees and payments; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work in a professional and customer service orientated manner; Recognize, assess and solve conflicts or problems; Maintain mental capacity, which allows for effective interaction and communication with others; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Abilities : Interpret and enforce building, housing, zoning and sign codes and regulations; Determine if construction systems conform to City Code requirements; Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public; Identify hazardous conditions in construction projects; Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications; Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Experience:
Five years of increasingly responsible building construction experience or equivalent.

Training :
Equivalent to an Associates degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in construction/engineering or applied science.

License or Certificate:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate valid driver's license.