Construction Codes Specialist

Job Summary This position secures and maintains compliance with ordinances and regulations relating to building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and energy conservation codes within the City by performing intermediate- to complex-level inspections, plan review, licensing, and technical administrative work under a technical supervisor. The position will interpret complex code and process requirements and answer difficult inquiries, explain requirements to the public, and apply these requirements consistently across projects. The incumbent will review site plans, detailed construction drawings, specifications, and other submittals for code compliance, both prior to permit issuance and during field inspections. The incumbent will perform varied technical work in gathering data for use in application review or preparing reports, maintaining files and documenting procedures. This work requires the application of technical and specialized knowledge, methods and techniques to ensure compliance with codes and City ordinances, as well as adherence to approved plans, permit conditions and specifications. The incumbent also enforces the code when violations are reported, conducting independent field inspections, writing reports, issuing notices of violation, gathering evidence, preparing cases and testifying in court when necessary. The position requires continuing personal contact with the general public, contractors, architects, etc. concerning construction code requirements. The incumbent's work has meaningful impact on specific cases and the work is done under general managerial direction. Essential Job Functions • Inspects residential and/or commercial construction for structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and energy to verify compliance with approved plans and applicable codes and specifications. • Makes field inspections independently or as part of a team of inspectors on complex building projects. • Reviews and evaluates construction plans submitted for permits. • Performs technical administrative duties as the lead point of contact responsible for monitoring and tracking Complaints and Violations (CAV's) and Notice of Violations (NOV's). • Completes plan review and inspections on related tasks in the permitting software. • Issues construction related permits using permitting software. • Confers with and advises contractors, property owners, architects, and the public regarding code requirements and solutions to problems. • Conducts follow-up inspections to monitor compliance; and takes the appropriate actions necessary in cases of non-compliance. • Investigates and resolves citizen complaints regarding code violations including working without permits and substandard construction. • Maintains up to date knowledge of construction methods, codes and materials by attending seminars and classes, by independent study and by internet instruction. • Maintains accurate documentation records of inspection results for all types of permits. • Prepares accurate violation notices and/or stop-work orders that are sent to property owners in order to obtain compliance with City codes. • Issues orders and citations; gathers evidence, prepares cases for court/appellate consideration; and testifies in court as issuing officer and expert witness. • Provides inspection assistance for after-hours emergencies to assess damage and authorize safe reconnection of electrical service to all structures damaged by fire or other means. Recommends condemnation of heavily damaged structures in cooperation with other agencies. • Issues orders to vacate structures that are dangerous due to fire, unsafe construction practices or natural damage. • Assists the supervisor with special assignments and in training of new inspectors when necessary. • Provides guidance to other inspectors on ways to resolve construction on related issues. • Assists the supervisor in the assignment of daily inspection requests and plan reviews • Assists in the resolution of conflicts between inspection staff and general public • Recommends solutions to resolve construction code issues that arise during the construction process. • Assist at the permit counter with application intake when needed Qualifications High school degree; and five (5) years of progressively responsible work in building construction or code enforcement; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Appropriate ICC certifications. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of ICC Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Energy Codes, International Residential Code, the National Electrical Code, Maryland Accessibility Code, Maryland State Rehabilitation Code. Thorough knowledge of the methods, materials and techniques involved in all types of building construction, repair and alteration and the ability to recognize improper trade practices which result in faulty, sub-standard or hazardous conditions. Ability to properly interpret codes and ordinances in relation to field conditions. Ability to read and interpret all types of blueprints, construction documents, working diagrams and specifications quickly and accurately, and to compare specifications with construction in progress. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with building owners, contractors, residents and co-workers. Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to operate computer systems and access databases. Ability to convey accurate explanations of various codes, ordinances, regulations and the reasons therefore. Ability to work with and train co-workers effectively, playing an active part in a team environment. Ability to work effectively as a team participant Physical Demands The work is medium work, which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium. Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet. Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine. Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips. Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling. Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand Hearing 1: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound. Hearing 2: Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound. Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees. Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles. Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes. Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion. Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward. Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers. Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely. Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time. Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles. Talking 1: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. Talking 2: Shouting in order to be heard above ambient noise level. Visual Acuity 1: Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading. Visual Acuity 2: Including color, depth perception, and field vision. Visual Acuity 3: Visual Acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures. Visual Acuity 4: Have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment. Visual Acuity 5: Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, operation of machines; using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes. Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long City of Rockville