Building Inspector I

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Employees in this classification work under the general supervision of the Chief Building Official. Work involves assisting with the inspection of residential and commercial construction and the enforcement of applicable City-adopted and State-adopted building, plumbing, mechanical, gas, electrical, fire, housing, and related codes and ordinances.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Examples of work performed include, but are not limited to, the following:

Inspect residential and commercial construction for compliance with adopted building, plumbing, mechanical, gas, housing, and related codes and ordinances.

Reviews construction activity for compliance with approved plans, permits, and applicable code requirements.

Enforces the City's housing codes for conformance with minimum standards, including structural safety, sanitation, fire and life safety, deterioration, demolition, occupancy, and the use of buildings and grounds.

Investigates complaints related to building, construction, housing, and code violations.

Interprets and explains applicable codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures to contractors, property owners, tenants, design professionals, and the public.

Contacts property owners, contractors, and/or tenants regarding code violations, required corrections, and compliance procedures.

Inspects applicable fire- and life-safety components related to building code compliance, including buildings and structures protected by fire sprinkler systems, as applicable.

Coordinates with the appropriate inspector or official regarding electrical code issues, as needed.

Uses building permitting software, inspection software, GIS, and related technology to schedule inspections, review property and permit information, document inspection results, upload photographs, maintain records, and communicate inspection status.

Assists in the preparation and review of proposed code changes, policies, and procedures.

Maintains inspection records, prepares reports, documents violations, and tracks compliance activity.

Operates a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of state and local building codes, plumbing codes, mechanical codes, housing codes, zoning ordinances, and related regulations governing the construction, alteration, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings.

Knowledge of basic building construction methods, materials, and practices, including plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems.

Knowledge of the geographic area of the City of Cookeville.

Knowledge of business English, basic mathematics, recordkeeping, and report preparation.

Ability to read, understand, and interpret construction plans, specifications, and blueprints.

Ability to determine facts through personal contact, observation, inspection, investigation, and review of records.

Ability to explain and interpret applicable laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, and procedures clearly and accurately.

Ability to enforce rules and regulations firmly, tactfully, consistently, and impartially.

Ability to use computers, tablets, building permitting software, inspection software, GIS, and related technology to research property information, document and manage inspections, maintain records, and prepare reports.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare operational reports.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, property owners, tenants, the public, supervisors, and other employees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalent and a valid Tennessee driver's license are required. A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in building construction, building inspections, code enforcement, or a closely related field is required. Must possess a Residential Building Inspector Certification from the International Code Council within six months of employment. Must obtain Residential Plumbing Inspector Certification and Residential Mechanical Inspector Certification from the International Code Council within one year of employment. All required certifications must be maintained in accordance with Tennessee State Fire Marshal Standards of Certification.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical

Work requires frequent walking, standing, climbing ladders, bending, kneeling, and accessing crawl spaces, rooftops, and partially constructed structures. Work requires sufficient strength, agility, vision, coordination, mental alertness, and hand-eye coordination to perform residential and commercial inspections. The employee must be able to operate a motor vehicle and use a computer, tablet, phone, camera, building permitting software, GIS, and other office or field equipment for documentation, communication, mapping, and reporting.

Environmental

Work is performed in both office and field environments, including active construction sites. The employee is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions, uneven terrain, dust, noise, construction equipment, and construction-related hazards. Work may involve inspection of structurally compromised, deteriorated, or unsafe buildings. The position requires regular interaction with contractors, property owners, tenants, and the public, including situations that may be confrontational.

FULL-TIME BENEFITS SUMMARY:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Paid Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Voluntary Benefits
• Pension and 401k Retirement Savings
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick time – 8 hours/month
• Paid Vacation time – 8 hours/month

City of Cookeville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Human Resources division at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com.