Building Inspector I

Job Title

Reviews construction plans and performs and completes the inspection process for buildings and structures according to established department and County policies, procedures, and in compliance with applicable regulations and codes.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Conducts inspections in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, according to established codes, procedures, and approved building plans.
• Creates, provides, and files relevant notices and performs related functions based on inspection results to ensure compliance with codes and regulations.
• Provides service and performs department functions by completing routine inspection reports and correspondence and responding to requests, inquiries, complaints, or questions by researching, reviewing, analyzing, and communicating policy or code interpretation, sharing detailed and/or technical information, making recommendations, and providing advice, reports, or answers in scope of knowledge or authority or referring to appropriate individual.
• Provides interpretation, advice and alternative solutions regarding codes issued to contractors, departments, and property owners.
• Creates and maintains records for code enforcement including files, lists, logs, and other recordkeeping systems utilizing computerized and manual systems that provide for proper evaluation, control, and documentation of assigned operations according to current department and County practices.
• Performs department fiscal functions, including creating invoices and processing payments received for permits according to department and Franklin County standard practices.
• Monitors, reports, interprets, and communicates new trends, innovations, or changes to federal, state and local rules, laws, appeals, regulations, codes, and ordinances as they relate to the assigned areas and responsibilities and recommends changes to written policies, procedures, manuals, forms, workflow documents, and recordkeeping to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance.
• Pursues self-development and continuing development of skills and knowledge by attending ongoing educational workshops, reviewing professional or technical publications, and establishing personal networks.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge, interpretation, and application of Franklin County business and financial processes, County and department policies and procedures, as well as federal, state, and local rules, laws, regulations, legislation, codes, and ordinances as they relate to areas of assignment.
• Proficient knowledge in principles, practices, procedures, techniques, terminology, and related tools and technology as they relate to area(s) of assignment including inspection of, and stages and materials in, construction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
• Proficient skills in troubleshooting and resolving issues or problems by analyzing information, identifying alternative solutions, interpreting compliance documentation, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
• Proficient time management and mental and physical organization skills that support the ability to focus, have clarity, and use strategy to fulfill a variety of tasks successfully.
• Basic skills in data entry, typing, and in the following programs or systems: Word, Outlook, and the internet for research. Ability to learn and develop proficient skills in the current County plan review software.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, maps, engineered drawings and to compare them with construction in progress.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive or confidential information.
• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely, to express ideas and recommendations effectively orally and in writing, and communicate department, technical, or industry information, policies, requirements, and procedures in a language understood by co-workers and the general public.
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with peers, representatives from other agencies, vendors, public officials, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and discretion.
• Ability to effectively present information, findings, proposals, training, or other information to a variety of audiences by clearly articulating, engaging the audience, assessing the needs of the audience, and using appropriate materials to help audience understand the message.

Work Environment:

• Work may be performed in the following environmental conditions:
• constantly: outside in various weather conditions, and
• frequently: around fumes, or airborne particles, dirt, dust, and shavings, and
• occasionally: in wet, humid conditions (non-weather), near water, and in an office environment.
• The noise level in the general work environment varies depending on the task and location and can range from usually moderate to loud when on active construction project sites.

Special Considerations:

• Occasionally required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays for disaster response and building safety inspection.
• Required to drive a County vehicle and travel daily within the County to perform inspections. Occasionally travel in the region or state for conferences or training.

Physical Demands:

• The person in this position must be able to spend the following amount of time in an activity:
• constantly: talk or hear, use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate equipment or tools, and
• frequently: walk for extended periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and reach with hands and arms, and
• occasionally: stand and sit for extended periods of time, climb, pull, push or balance, and work in a cramped or confined space.
• frequently carry or transport up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• have the following vision abilities:
• depth perception, peripheral vision, ability to adjust focus, and have close and distance vision (from one inch to 20 feet or more).

Typical Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Vocational or college coursework in building construction and the International Building Codes.
• One year of experience in building construction or inspection.
• Experience working with the public.

OR

• Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Residential & Commercial Building Inspector Certification (International Code Council - ICC) and the ability to earn continuing education credits and pass testing to maintain certification.

Licenses, Certificates, and Other Qualifications:

• Employment at Franklin County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County's liability insurance carrier. Depending upon the position, background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.
• Valid driver's license if driving a vehicle for County business.