Building Inspector 1 - Open

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This is an entry level Inspector Trainee position requiring an aptitude for construction methods and a desire to learn. Under general supervision, this employee inspects new and existing commercial and residential, buildings/property to determine compliance with approved plans, permits and with codes and regulations on safety, sanitation, trash, dumping, weeds, property maintenance, and zoning code. Relies on excellent customer service skills when interacting with the public. Performs related duties as required

Read more about the Building and Inspections Department here:
What is the Building Inspector Academy:

What can I expect from the hiring process: Knowledge of:
New and old building construction methods, materials, and techniques sufficient to observe or inspect and determine if the project is compliant with appropriate codes. Proper Police procedures when dealing with the public.
Enforcement and legal requirements for obtaining compliance with the code from notification and posting to preparation for and testifying in court
Knowledge of Safety Policies and Procedures and applicable agency requirements.
Knowledge of applicable Building Codes and Standards to locate applicable sections when questions arise and to keep abreast of the latest technologies in materials, devices, and equipment.
The procedures utilized during the entire administrative, inspection, and enforcement processes of either new construction or remodeling from pre-construction and plan approval to the issuing of a Certificate of Use and Occupancy.
The divisional and departmental daily, weekly, monthly, or other periodic reporting procedures.

Skill to:
Drive a car.
Read maps and use mapping software Operate a computer utilizing the appropriate software related to assigned area of responsibility.
Effective communications, customer service, and presentation skills.

Ability to:
Recognize code violations, common types of unsafe conditions, and confirm compliance with codes and safe conditions for existing residential and commercial properties.
Ability to learn basic engineering principles and basic physics as they pertain to the structural integrity of buildings, foundations, retaining walls, structures of earthwork, and soil characteristics sufficient to recognize violations of the building code(s) during inspection.
Communicate to occupants, landlords, and contractors why it is necessary to comply with the code, and to convince them that they must comply
Cooperate and exchange information with coworkers and representatives from other sections, divisions, departments, other jurisdictions, and community groups.
Read, understand, and interpret to others factual and technical written material such as procedural manuals, building codes, and trade publications.
Deal with difficult people in stressful situations, the ability to come to an agreement on a resolution and the ability to explain the benefit of all concerned to comply.
Issue notifications of violations, citations, summons, and warrants to obtain code compliance with owners and contractors.
Work without direct supervision in the field and provide sound judgment to identify violations.
Provide timely and professional customer service. Testify effectively in court/administrative hearings and provide convincing evidence of violations
Use a computer effectively to keep records, to learn software programs, and find information within and outside of City system about permits, owners, and contractors, as well as for required research into approved construction product installation methods.
Appear and speak before civic groups. To qualify, each applicant must have a high school diploma and upon employment must pass the International Code Council (ICC) Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Certification exam within the probationary period.

Must also apply for an Inspector Trainee or Interim Certification for Residential Inspector and Building Inspector within the first 60 days of employment.

Experience in construction (Building, Demolition, Renovation and Repair) is preferred.

For continued employment within this classification, an employee must be able to complete the Ohio Board Building Standards Inspector Trainee Program and obtain a Residential and Building Inspector Certification within the Ohio Board Building Standards time limits.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must have a valid Driver's License and be willing to drive personal vehicle to report to multiple worksites throughout the city daily in the performance of assigned duties.
Must obtain a Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Certification within the probationary period.
Certifications acquired as an Inspector 1 must be renewed at intervals prescribed and approved by the Ohio Board of Building Standards.
Must be willing to work and be called out at other than normal working hours.
Must be able to walk, bend, stoop, climb, pull oneself up, jump up or down into, or otherwise negotiate self around construction site.
Must be able to climb ladders or onto scaffolding and to work at great heights on roofs.
Must be able to crawl or climb into closed spaces.

MILITARY EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division of baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case-by-case basis based on the American Council of Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations

Examples of Work Performed

Under the direct supervision of a trainer or supervisor, performs inspection and enforcement activities on new or remodeling construction of commercial and residential buildings to determine if the work is compliant with the approved plans and appropriate codes.

Investigates and follows-up on complaints on the conditions of buildings and premises that are received from various sources such as the public, City CSR System the Police Department, by telephone, or through the mail
Research property information, public records, and maps, operates a computer and enters data, inspection actions and code enforcement information.
Talks with property owners, landlords about the status of a building to explain violations and corrective action; to exchange or clarify information; to encourage compliance with the code; to interpret and explain the code; or any other related matter. Answers police calls of littering offenses in progress as a priority over other activities.
Identifies unsafe practices and conditions and brings such matters to the attention of the supervisor. Performs administrative work such as completing forms, initiating enforcement actions or referencing code; reviewing paperwork and progress on assigned projects and scheduling work; and gathers information to discuss with others.
Drives an automobile to various addresses throughout the city to inspect building sites or to meet with others.
Working knowledge of current safety policies, instructions for proper usage, and other procedures and professional practices required for completing job duties.
Patrols assigned area to discover housing violations, weed and litter violations. Attends court and administrative hearings to testify and present evidence as to why legal actions should be taken against defendant
Prepares court cases, signs complaints, and is the prosecuting witness.
Accompanies other inspectors or supervisor to building sites to learn various inspection techniques or methods; construction or materials; code interpretation; or enforcement techniques.
Attends training sessions to learn new information about building codes and enforcement methods, or to refresh knowledge of construction techniques or construction technology
Investigates complaints on tall grass and trash on private property. Identifies and develops enforcement on illegal dumping locations.
Investigates violations of the Cincinnati Housing Code and Zoning Ordinance. Investigates and monitors vacant buildings throughout the city.
Prepares and issues civil citations and fines.
Recommends code enforcement actions and update code enforcement cases as assigned. Monitors chronic dumping locations via re-inspection and electronic surveillance technology.

Works with vendors and other departments to have dumping and litter removed through governmental action.

Probationary Period

Twelve months

Supervision Exercised

None

HR Contact: Ashley Thomas- ...