Building Inspector

Job Title

Building & Code Enforcement Inspector

Job Description

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until the position has been filled. This recruitment may close at any time without notice. This position reviews both residential and commercial plans and applications for conformance to all applicable State and City building codes; including structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire/life safety, State of California Energy Regulations and the physically disabled access laws; inspects buildings and structures to ensure construction or alteration work is being done according to approved plans and in accordance with all applicable State and City buildings codes, and performs related work as required.

Under general supervision, reviews both residential and commercial plans and applications for conformance to all applicable State and City building codes; including structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire/life safety, State of California Energy Regulations and the physically disabled access laws; inspects buildings and structures to ensure construction or alteration work is being done according to approved plans and in accordance with all applicable State and City buildings codes, and performs related work as required. Receives general supervision from the Chief Building Official.

Examples of Duties

Review building plans for conformity with various building codes, ordinances, and regulations for new construction and/or changes to existing structures.

Advise building permit applicants on methods to bring plans into conformity with applicable building code requirements; issue building permits when necessary, to include plans meeting code requirements when plans are required.

Perform on-site inspections of projects during various stages of construction; including, new construction, room additions, alterations, repairs, and code enforcement.

Ensure that projects conform to approved plans and comply with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.

Investigate complaints of building violations or hazards; inspect existing structures under hazardous conditions; notify owners of code deficiencies, issue notices for corrections, stop-work orders, and citations.

Issue stop-work orders in situations of deliberate or negligent non-compliance.

Assist with code enforcement; including investigating code violation complaints and writing administrative citations.

Conduct real property inspections.

Issue certificates of occupancy.

Respond to questions and supply information to contractors, design professionals, and property owners relative to restrictions, municipal ordinances, and building codes.

Meet with architects, developers, contractors, builders, and the general public on building code enforcement issues; research, interpret, and explain codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations.

Provide information to the public at the counter or over the telephone regarding building and code requirements.

Perform various administrative support duties including, but not limited to: data entry, maintain inspection and permit records / files, and prepare reports, letters, memos, inspection logs, and other correspondence as required.

Research new or amended codes or regulations.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Experience: Three (3) years of responsible experience in a variety of building construction work or related inspection work, including one (1) year experience in building inspection. Education: Sixty (60) semester units of college-level coursework in building inspection, building codes, or closely related field. Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
• The possession of an International Code Council (ICC) certificate as "Combination Building Inspector" and/or "Residential Building Inspector" and/or "Building Plans Examiner" prior to employment is highly desirable.

If the selected candidate does not possess one of the desirable certificates at the time of hire, they will be required to obtain one of the following ICC certificates within the first six (6) months of hire:

• Commercial Building Inspector
• Electrical Inspector
• Mechanical Inspector
• Plumbing Inspector
• Residential and/or Commercial Electrical Inspector
• Residential and/or Commercial Mechanical Inspector
• Residential and/or Commercial Plumbing Inspector
• Residential and/or Commercial Plans Examiner

Knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a municipal building inspection and code enforcement program. Laws, ordinances, and codes regulating building construction and zoning. Methods and techniques of conducting building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural inspections. Applicable building codes and ordinances related to building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical system requirements. Industry standards of building, construction materials, craftsmanship, and general building construction methods involving wood, concrete, and steel. Principles and procedures of accurate recordkeeping and maintenance. Appropriate safety precautions and procedures. Basic mathematical principles applicable to building construction and basic English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws, and regulations.

Ability to: Perform building inspection duties in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and other building systems. Read, understand, interpret, and apply Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and Housing Codes, Abbreviation of Dangerous Buildings Code, Fire and Safety Standards, Municipal Ordinances, Zoning requirements and other applicable codes, regulations, and pertinent procedures. Read and understand building plans, drawings, blueprints, and specifications. Exercise professional judgment in detecting deviations from approved construction plans and specifications. Prepare final inspection reports, technical reports, maintain files and records. Attend workshops and meetings. Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately. Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public, architects, developers, contractors, and builders. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Use City equipment including the ability to safely operate a vehicle, observing legal and defensive driving practices. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supplemental Information

Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends and/or evenings. The City welcomes candidates and employees with any physical capabilities and will consider all reasonable accommodations. Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various construction, City, and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This position works partially in the office and partially in the field, and standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator 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. Medium work-lifting, carrying, and/or pushing 50 pounds and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds, and the ability to climb ladders and traverse narrow walkways above ground level is required. All City of Seaside employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Employment Information

A completed City application form and supplemental questionnaire are required for this position. Applications must be complete and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, or discharge from employment. The standards as stated on the front of this job announcement represent only the minimum required to file an application. Meeting the listed standards does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited for an examination as the Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to the most qualified for the position as determined by the Human Resources Department. The testing process for this position may include a written examination, interview panel, and a selection interview. All City employees are required to sign a loyalty oath and affirmation prior to actual employment. All City employees are required to serve a one year probationary period. The City of Seaside does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, covered medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran's status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment actions, decisions, policies or practices. Reasonable accommodation in the application, testing and selection process will be made upon request of disabled applicants. In compliance with the