Building Inspector I/II

BUILDING INSPECTOR I/II

DEFINITION

Under immediate (Building Inspector I) or general (Building Inspector II) supervision, performs routine to complex inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial building sites to enforce building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and environmental codes, and/or conduct resale inspections; ensures conformance with approved plans, specifications, standards, permits, and licensing; provides a variety of information to property owners, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors; performs inspections on a variety of buildings and infrastructure; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Building Inspector I) or general (Building Inspector II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. 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 technical duties in support of the City's code enforcement and residential resale inspection programs. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; 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 Building Inspector 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 fully qualified journey-level classification in the Building Inspector series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Building Inspector 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. This class is distinguished from the Senior Building Inspector in that the latter performs the more complex structural building inspections assigned to the series and/or provides technical and functional direction over lower level staff.

Positions in the Building Inspector class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Building Inspector II level are normally filled by advancement from the Building Inspector I level; progression to the Building Inspector 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 Building Inspector II level. EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Positions at the Building Inspector I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity

• Performs field inspections of new and existing commercial, industrial, and residential properties, at various stages of construction, alterations, and repair for conformance to codes, regulations, plans, specifications, standards, and architect and engineering drawings related to foundations, framing, electrical, mechanical, heating, plumbing, structure, finish, and a wide variety of other routine to complex building system elements; inspects a variety of structural member factors; examines grade, quality, and treatment of a variety of materials; performs final inspections.
• Performs non-structural plan checking for completeness, accuracy, and code compliance for new construction, alterations, or remodeling of existing structures; ensures compliance with applicable codes and accepted engineering practices.
• Performs inspections of residential units at the time of resale to determine compliance with applicable codes and ordinances including the adopted housing codes, zoning ordinance, and energy regulations.
• Prepares and issues resale reports post inspection detailing existing deficiencies and violations; identifies code corrections when appropriate; performs re-inspections; validates and issues a resale certificate of occupancy as appropriate.
• Initiates minor field changes on contract projects not involving structural or architectural features.
• Investigates complaints regarding existing buildings or new construction to determine if code violations or problem conditions exist; writes stop work notices for work being done without permits or in an unsafe manner.
• Reviews plans and applications for building permits; assesses and calculates fees; issues building permits; makes final inspections and issues certificates of occupancy.
• Consults with department management regarding legal aspects of building inspection and other matters that may require legal review.
• Confers with and provides information to property owners, contractors, and others regarding code requirements and alternatives; attends pre-construction meetings; resolves complaints and problems.
• Conducts follow-up inspections to ensure compliance; establishes and maintains accurate and complete case files; prepares documents and evidence for court proceedings and testifies in hearings and court proceedings, as necessary.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of correspondence, reports, correction notices, and other written materials.
• Resolves technical disputes which may arise among parties with interests in projects including contractors, developers, real estate representatives and property owners.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Performs administrative tasks in support of division operations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Positions at the Building Inspector I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, materials, techniques, and safety standards of building construction, building inspection, resale inspection, and structural design for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
• Building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, and related codes.
• Proper field inspection methods and procedures.
• Concepts and practices of non-structural plan review.
• Characteristics of common materials used in building construction.
• Principles of trades areas as they relate to inspecting buildings and mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures governing the construction or renovation of assigned projects.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of building inspection and construction.
• Mathematical principles including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City 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:

• Perform the full range of assigned inspections in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings including those related to property resales.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures, and departmental policies governing the construction and inspection of buildings.
• Review, understand, interpret, and analyze construction blueprints, plans, specifications, architect and engineering drawings, and maps for conformance with City standards and policies.
• Detect faulty materials and workmanship and identify measures needed to remedy them.
• Coordinate and deal with contractors, engineers, and property owners, as well as investigate building code violations and respond to inquiries and complaints in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, change orders, specifications, and other written materials; maintain accurate and precise records.
• Make accurate mathematic computations.
• Establish and maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal 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:

Education:

• Building Inspector I/II : Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12 th ) grade, supplemented by construction code classes, such as uniform building, plumbing, mechanical, national electrical, and/or local municipal code, or a related field.

Experience:

• Building Inspector I: Two (2) years of responsible journey level experience in the trades or as a contractor in a variety of building construction activities. Some experience as a building inspector is desirable.
• Building Inspector II : Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in code compliance, building, and/or resale inspection, preferably with a public agency.

Licenses and Certifications :

• Possession of a valid California Drivers License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Building Inspector I: Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid International Code Council (I.C.C.) Residential Building Inspector Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Building Inspector I: When assigned to Plan Check : Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid I.C.C. Residential Plans Examiner Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Building Inspector II: When assigned to Field Inspection: Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, valid I.C.C. Commercial and Residential Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Inspector Certificates to be maintained throughout employment.
• Building Inspector II: When assigned to Resale Inspection: Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, valid I.C.C. Residential Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Inspector Certificates to be maintained throughout employment.
• B uilding Inspector II: When assigned to Plan Check : Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid Building Plans Examiner Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Building Inspector II: When assigned to Code Enforcement: Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, completion of Code Enforcement Officer Basic Intermediate and Advanced Courses and/or possession of a Certified Code Enforcement Officer Certificate from a nationally recognized organization to be maintained throughout employment.

Physical Demands

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; 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 City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. Climb ladders or scaffolding, ranging up to 50-60 feet, in order to access and walk on roof tops, walk on 6/12 pitched roof tops; access and enter cramped quarters such as crawl spaces located under buildings or spaces such as attic areas; walk over rough uneven or rocky surfaces, and to jump over trenches and other obstacles. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to be to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.