Building Inspector II

The Building Inspector II is responsible for conducting skilled plan reviews and inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial structures to ensure compliance with applicable building codes, ordinances, and safety regulations. Part of a collaborative community development team, the Building Inspector II partners with planning, zoning, and fire safety to deliver coordinated and efficient services, contributing to safe, high-quality development and redevelopment projects that shape the Forest Lakes long-term growth and success.

Building Inspector II Responsibilities

• Enforce applicable building codes and regulations across structural, mechanical, plumbing and related systems to ensure safe and compliant structures
• Provide responsive and professional customer service via phone, email and in person
• Investigate and resolve complaints involving building codes, related ordinances, and nuisance conditions
• Provide interpretation of applicable codes and ordinances to applicants, contractors and community members
• Prepare and issue residential and commercial permits
• Review residential and commercial building plans and site surveys
• Performs field inspections on residential and commercial properties
• Maintains accurate records
• Represents the City in a positive manner when interacting with the public and other stakeholders
• Attend required training and maintain certifications necessary to perform assigned duties
• Participate in professional organizations to stay current with industry standards and best practices

Other Duties
Performs additional duties and related tasks as required, or as directed by the Building Official and/or Community Development Director.

Education and Experience

• Building Inspection Technology degree (A.A.) from an accredited institution of higher learning; and five years inspection and/or related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must have a State of MN Building Official License
• State of MN driver's license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of the principles and state laws of building permit plan review and inspections
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists
• Ability to effectively convey information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public verbally and in writing
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, maps, specifications and other construction related documents
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the public, builders and other staff members
• Strong computer skills to include word processing, data base, spreadsheets, GIS, network and Internet applications
• Ability to work 8 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
• Ability to act decisively, using good judgment under both normal and extreme situations.
• Ability to assess problems and situations; anticipate needs and evaluate alternatives

• Work is performed in an office setting, where duties such as reviewing plans, processing permits, preparing reports, and handling administrative tasks take place.
• Site visits to construction and inspection locations are required on a daily basis, which may involve exposure to varying weather conditions (e.g., rain, heat, cold, snow) and construction site hazards.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, heights, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration, and high noise levels especially during site inspections.
• The role requires regular walking, standing, bending, and occasionally lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Some travel within the city or surrounding areas is required for site inspections, meetings, and other official duties.
• The role may involve moderate stress due to the need to manage multiple inspections, projects, and deadlines.
• Close collaboration with contractors, city officials, and the public is required, necessitating strong interpersonal communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English.
• Normal hearing, or the ability to correct hearing to normal levels.
• Vision must be 20/40 or corrected to 20/40, including distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, kneel, balance, and reach as required by the job.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 30 pounds.
• The job may require frequent outdoor work in various weather conditions.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibrations, and high noise levels.