Chief Building Inspector

Job Description

Job Description

Chief Building Inspector Position

Position Open Until Filled

JOB INFORMATION

Job Title:  Chief Building Inspector

Department:  Community Development

Bargaining Unit:  Non-Bargaining

Reports to Position:  Building Manager

Location:  City Hall

Overtime Status:  Salary

FLSA Status: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

Work involves supervision within the Building Inspection Division including but not limited to enforcement of Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Code, Zoning Ordinance, and review of building plans and specifications, inspection of building construction, communication with contractors, general public Appeals Boards. General direction and review are received from the Building Manager, must exercise discretion and independent judgement in the day-to-day activities of the Building Inspection Department. Conducts inspections and enforcement of Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Zoning, Nuisance, Property Maintenance, Dangerous Building and other related codes and ordinances. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED

• Assist in supervising, planning, directing, and coordinating Building Inspection Division inspections with regard to code compliance, under the general supervision of the Building Official.
  
• Assist in assigning and directing the work of subordinates with the Building Inspection Department.
• Conduct inspections and enforcement of Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, Dangerous and Abandoned Building Code, and other development-related codes and ordinances. 
• Check building plans to assure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
• Coordinate with and support other city departments with regard to enforcement of Fire Code, Zoning, Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, Sidewalk/Driveway regulations and other development related codes.
• Investigate complaints, and inquiries regarding inspection, enforcement policies, and activities and other related matters.
• Provide after hours inspections as needed.
• Assist in maintaining records of all inspections, conditions noted and corrected, prepare additional records and reports as required.
• Participate in training of Department employees related to development code enforcement methods and administration.
• Provide technical assistance and attend meetings of appeal boards and other meetings as required.
• Perform other duties and related work as assigned and required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of modern building code enforcement.
• Considerable knowledge of construction principles and practices related to building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades.
• Six years' experience in building construction, construction trade, or code inspection. Candidates with a code inspection degree from an accredited university or trade school may qualify with three years of experience.
  
• Must have or be able to obtain Commercial & Residential Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, and a Plan Review Certification. 
• Ability to read and understand construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to read, understand and apply Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances and other local codes.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise oral and written communications.
• Knowledge of the city's geography, including general soil and hydrological information as it affects building construction.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, general public, and fellow employees.
• Ability to keep and maintain department records in an organized and orderly way.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Ability to use computers, including word-processing, spreadsheet, and specialized building permit/inspection software applications.

ESSENTIONAL FUNCTIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical ability to traverse variable terrain conditions not accessible by vehicle including but not limited to steep slopes, un-level grades, and heavily vegetated areas for the purpose of visual construction inspection.
• Ability to bend, stoop, climb, and otherwise move about a construction site for inspections of construction work to assure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
• Ability to bend, reach, climb, stoop and lift 40 pounds for filing and records retrieval.
• Ability to read, speak, write and understand English to communicate effectively and professionally with fellow employees, contractors, Boards and the general public via telephone or face-to-face. 
• Ability to accurately observe construction work and conduct testing procedures to determine compliance with standards and ordinance requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret regulations and ordinances governing construction of buildings and public works.
• Ability to operate a telephone, calculator, and measuring devices.
  
• Ability to work long hours outdoors occasionally under adverse weather conditions.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency required. 
• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of modern building code enforcement.
• Considerable knowledge of construction principles and practices related to building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing trades.
• Six years' experience in commercial building construction, construction trade, or code inspection.
• At time of hire, must have a minimum ICC Commercial certification or ICC's B3 Plans Examiner certification. These may be substituted with a Construction Management degree, or a Code Enforcement degree.
• Must obtain the following ICC Certifications within one year of hire date:
  • Building Inspector Commercial (B2)
  • Building Inspector Residential (B1)
  • Residential Electrical Inspector (E1)
  • Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2)
• Must obtain the following ICC Certifications within two years of hire date:
  • Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P2)
  • Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1)
  • Mechanical Commercial Inspector (M2)
  • Mechanical Residential Inspector (M1)
  • Building Plans Examiner (B3)
• Must obtain the Certified Building Official (CBO) certification within three years of hire date.
• Supervisory experience preferred but not required.
• Must have a valid Iowa driver's license. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works in an office environment
• Works a standard 40-hour work week
• May be required to work some overtime upon demand of workload

REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECKS

• Sex Offender Registry Check
• Criminal Record Check
• Drug Screening
• Driving Record
• Pre-Employment Physical