Combination Inspector

Code Enforcement Specialist

This is responsible code enforcement work in securing and maintaining compliance with state and local building construction, building maintenance, and fire prevention codes and related ordinances of the City of Fairfax.

Work involves inspections of buildings during construction, alteration, and repair to ensure conformance with existing code and ordinance requirements applicable to building construction, use, and maintenance. Work is performed with considerable latitude for independent judgement and action within the framework of existing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Code Administration Battalion Chief and is reviewed through reports and conferences.

Examples of duties include:

• Conducts inspections of all construction trades in both residential and commercial projects.
• Inspects houses and buildings for violation of ordinances or regulatory codes pertaining to minimum standards for fire prevention and for basic equipment and facilities for lighting, ventilation, space, heating, hygiene, and sanitation.
• Participates in a variety of inspection services including, but not limited to, public facilities, boilers, shafts, underground water systems, sprinkler systems, and cross connections; issues related certificates and/or permits.
• Conduct special inspections to ensure that all accessible provisions for ramps, restrooms, drinking fountains, and telephones have been satisfied.
• Inspects and approves construction and materials used at various stages of building.
• Recommends non-issuance, non-renewal, or revocation of occupancy permits if city ordinances/codes are violated.
• Must work overtime as required.
• Must be able to read and interpret building plans from design professionals to determine code compliant construction methods.
• Conducts administrative duties; data entry from daily inspections, filing, copying, answering the phone, checking messages, and emails.
• Investigates and responds to code violations, complaints, and code questions.
• Provides public education messaging on safe construction practices and on the importance of properly installed working smoke alarms.
• Conducts cross connection surveys; records and submit results and monitors and maintains required testing.
• Conducting rental occupancy inspections are completed as needed.
• Conducts grass, weeds, and tree notices.
• Performs related work as assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Qualifications:

Requires two years conducting code inspections or closely related experience. Three to five years of experience in the building trades as a contractor, foreman, or inspector; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills:

• Considerable knowledge of the methods and techniques of code enforcement.
• Considerable knowledge of the regulations and laws relating to building construction, fire prevention, and zoning.
• Considerable knowledge of possible defects and flaws in building construction and of effective corrective measures.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and engineering drawings.
• Ability to inspect existing buildings for compliance with building maintenance and fire prevention codes.
• Ability to inspect buildings and structures for structural stability in accordance with accepted engineering practices and to ascertain compliance with applicable codes in the various trade areas such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.
• Ability to tactfully enforce codes and regulations using good judgement and discretion.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, contractors, architects, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Special Certifications and Licenses: Must have or be able to obtain the certifications required by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development listed below. Requires a driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia w/safe driving record. Requires the following certifications: Residential Building Inspector, Residential Electrical Inspector, Residential Plumbing Inspector, Residential Mechanical Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, Commercial Electrical Inspector, Commercial Plumbing Inspector, Commercial Mechanical Inspector, Combination Residential Inspector Certification, and Combination Commercial Certification.