Building Inspector I

Job Title

Residential Building Inspector

Job Description

General Statement of Duties:

The Residential Building Inspector maintains a cooperative working relationship with property owners, contractors, design professionals, fellow employees and the public. Provides excellent customer service skills. Demonstrates good knowledge of state and local codes. Is an effective communicator displaying good written and oral skills. Expresses professional opinions, based on knowledge and experience, with confidence. Maintains composure and self-control when confronting potentially volatile situations. Possesses and uses good analytical skills when researching model code questions.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:

Works under supervision of the Building Official with considerable leeway granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative within the scope of the position and established ordinances, codes and guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Examples of Essential Work (illustrative Only):

Assumes responsibility for enforcement of the City of Tiffin Building Codes;

Reviews and interprets building codes which regulate the inspection and installation of structural systems, as well as related codes, ordinance, and laws;

Prepares and monitors documentation and authorizes building permits and certificates of occupancy;

Enforces the flood plain ordinance;

Initiates legal action as necessary to obtain compliance with building codes;

Investigates special problems, technical data or other matters relating to structural inspection, files oral or written reports on same;

Communicates with contractors and the general public, orally and in writing;

Makes recommendations to improve section operations and procedures;

Maintains manual and computerized inspection records;

General:

Attends staff meetings;

Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices, attends work regularly at the designated place and time;

Supports continuous process improvement initiatives;

Performs related work as required.

Requirements

Required Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of functions and operations of structural installations and systems in building construction;

Knowledge of City Building codes and other laws and ordinances relating to structural installations in buildings;

Knowledge of building safety standards;

Skill in relating observations of conditions to building code provisions and safety standards;

Ability to operate hand tools of the construction trades and motor vehicles;

Ability to work under direction, exercising considerable discretion in execution of building inspection activities;

Ability to operate a personal computer or other personal digital devices and related software of the City to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities;

Ability to develop and use empathetic listening skills, communicate with clarity and maintain an attitude that conveys respect, assistance, honesty and resourcefulness;

Ability to deal effectively with customer issues over the phone and in person;

Ability to work cooperatively and to maintain effective working relationships to accomplish job responsibilities;

Ability to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;

Ability to utilize ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Required Special Qualifications:

Valid drivers' license for the State of Iowa.

Supplemental Information

Acceptable Experience and Training:

High school diploma or GED is required. Two year association degree in building construction technology or related field is preferred. Previous experience as a residential building inspector is desirable. Valid Iowa Operator's Driver's License required throughout employment. Ability to obtain ICC Residential Building and Electrical Inspector Certification within one year of hire and keep it current throughout employment.

Essential Physical Abilities:

Requires the following with or without reasonable accommodation:

Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;

Sufficient vision, which permits the employee to review a wide variety of written and electronic materials and information;

Sufficient manual dexterity, which permits the employee to operate contractor's hand equipment, measuring devices and other tools in addition to handling a variety of records and files in an office setting:

Sufficient personal mobility, which permits the employee to access unfinished work sites in all weather.