INSPECTOR I

Why Work for the City of Balch Springs?

The City of Balch Springs is a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community that thrives on its rich history, commitment to progress, and dedication to fostering a positive work environment. As a city, we focus on enhancing the quality of life for our residents, businesses, and visitors.

We are a forward-thinking organization that embraces innovation and strives for excellence in every department. With our clear vision to inspire growth and community pride, the City of Balch Springs is an excellent place to build a rewarding career. Whether you’re passionate about public safety, economic development, or community engagement, we offer diverse opportunities that allow you to make a meaningful impact.

As an employee of the City of Balch Springs, you’ll be part of a supportive team where professional development is encouraged, and collaboration is valued. We believe in providing employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed, ensuring a positive work-life balance and fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and open communication.

Employee Benefits & Compensation:

• Competitive Salary: We offer competitive pay based on qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
• Retirement Plans: Access to Texas Municipal Retirement System
• Paid Leave: Generous paid time off, including vacation (15 days for 1st year), sick leave, and holidays (11 plus 2 floating.)
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement within the city.
• Employee Recognition: We value and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our employees.

Our core values of integrity, respect and transparency guide our everyday work, and we actively support our employees’ professional growth. Join our team and help shape the future of a city that’s committed to creating a thriving environment for all.

Job Summary:

The Inspector I performs technical inspections of residential, commercial, and multi-family construction projects to ensure compliance with applicable building codes, adopted ordinances, and City regulations. This position is responsible for reviewing construction plans, conducting field inspections throughout all phases of construction, identifying code deficiencies, and providing guidance to contractors, developers, and property owners regarding compliance requirements. The Inspector I plays a key role in protecting public health, safety, and welfare while supporting responsible development within the City.

This position exercises independent judgment in the interpretation and application of building, residential, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, accessibility, and related construction codes. The Inspector I is expected to obtain all required International Code Council (ICC) certifications within six (6) months of employment, unless already possessed, and maintain certifications as required.

Minimum Job Requirements:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Three years’ experience in building construction, inspections, plan review, or a closely related field requiring the interpretation of construction plans and applicable building codes.
3. A valid Texas driver’s license.
4. Possession of, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment, the required ICC Commercial and/or Residential Building Inspector certification(s).
5. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct residential, commercial, and multi-family building inspections at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with adopted building codes, ordinances, and approved plans.
• Review construction plans, specifications, and permit documents to verify compliance with applicable building and safety regulations.
• Interpret and explain building codes, ordinances, policies, and inspection requirements to contractors, developers, design professionals, property owners, and the public.
• Identify code deficiencies, issue correction notices, recommend appropriate enforcement actions, and verify corrective measures have been completed.
• Perform inspections of existing structures, occupancy changes, remodels, additions, repairs, and damage assessments following storms or other emergencies.
• Prepare and maintain accurate inspection reports, photographs, electronic records, and related documentation using the City's permitting and inspection systems.
• Respond to customer inquiries and provide professional technical guidance regarding permitting, inspections, and code compliance.
• Coordinate with Planning, Engineering, Fire, Public Works, Code Enforcement, and other City departments to support development projects and ensure consistent code enforcement.
• Maintain required certifications and complete continuing education to remain current with applicable codes, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of departmental operations and the City's commitment to protecting public health, safety, and welfare.

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services and activities of building inspections.
• Structural engineering concepts, design and engineering mathematics.
• Plumbing, mechanical, electrical, building codes.
• Safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
• Federal, state, local laws, codes and regulations as applied to building inspection (including management, retention, and disclosure information.)

Skills in:

• Analyzing building plans and existing structures for code compliance.
• Learning codes and ordinances adopted and enforced by the City, including currently adopted Building Codes and Zoning Ordinance.
• Reading and interpreting complex building plans, specifications and building codes.
• Determining if construction plans conform to the City’s adopted code requirements.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Physical Demands/Work Environment: The employee must have the ability to lift, carry, push and/or pull greater than 50 pounds, and may require infrequent lifting of greater than 100 pounds. This position is exposed to extreme elements including extreme heat and/or cold, wet and/or humid conditions, noise intensity level, moving mechanical parts/hazards, dirt/dust, and odors.

E.E.O.C. The City of Balch Springs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.