Building Inspector I

Building Inspector

Under general direction, performs skilled work in securing and maintaining compliance with codes governing building construction, alteration, and demolition. Work involves inspection of buildings in the course of construction, alteration, and repair to determine whether plans, workmanship, and materials conform to existing code requirements. Work also includes review of plans for lesser structures prior to issuance of permits. Employees in this class work independently on field inspections and must make decisions requiring independent judgment.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Inspects buildings in the course of construction, alteration, and repair for general conformities to code requirements.
• Confers with contractors in making corrections to ensure conformity with regulations and plans, and with the public on matters relating to building regulations.
• Reviews and examines plans of proposed alterations and repair of residential and apartment structures for purposes of approving permits.
• Takes necessary steps to prosecute violations where necessary.
• Performs related work as required.

Education and experience requirements include:

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Considerable experience in a variety of skilled building construction work.

Knowledge, skill, and ability requirements include:

• Knowledge of Southern Standard Building Codes, local building codes, and related laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of all types of building construction materials and methods and stages of construction at which possible violations and defects may be most easily observed and corrected.
• Ability to detect structural and other faults and to appraise for quality of construction and physical depreciation.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and compare them with construction in progress.
• Ability to determine inspection priorities when appropriate.
• Must possess verbal skills to communicate effectively at all levels with all persons involved in the building trade.
• Must possess math skills to compute square footage, cost of permits, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical requirements.
• Must possess writing skills to communicate effectively with the general public and various government agencies.
• Must possess reading skills to understand building codes, construction reports, plans, blueprints, etc.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with building owners, contractors, and the public.
• Must also have the ability to work independently and to make decisions requiring technical discretion and judgment and experience.

Other requirements include:

• Must be physically able to climb, crawl, stoop, etc. to perform inspections.
• Must be able to ascend/descend a ladder, constantly positions self under houses, cabinets, in attics, other tight spaces to perform inspections.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with homeowners, builders, co-workers and general public.
• Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Must be able to detect, observe, determine and assess of building structures are adequate per the Code.
• Must be willing and able to work in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to pass physical examination.

Certifications or licenses required include:

• Must possess a valid driver's license, and a safe driving records acceptable to Madison County's vehicle insurance and be willing to travel throughout the County.
• Must be certified by the International Code Council as a Building Inspector (or obtain within one year after hired date).
• Residential Inspector Certificate or Commercial Inspector or Plan Review Certificate is a plus.

Work schedule:

• 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

To be considered for this position, all applicants must complete the employment application in full. Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Madison County is a drug-free workplace and conducts drug and alcohol testing.

A comprehensive set of benefits is offered for all full-time employees. No benefits are offered to part-time or seasonal employees. Please consult with the Human Resources Department for a full list of benefits. Benefits summary includes:

• Healthcare Insurance: Blue Cross of Alabama is administered through the Local Government Health Insurance Plan (LGHIP).
• Dental Coverage: Dental coverage is included with LGHIP through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.
• Life Insurance: Madison County provides $25,000 in life, $25,000 in accidental death and dismemberment and $25,000 line of duty insurance to eligible employees in certified positions.
• Employee Retirement Plans: Employees are required to participate in the Employees Retirement System, which is a Defined Benefit Plan administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA).
• Employee Clinic: Madison County employees and dependents over age 12 may use the Employee Health Clinic for the low co-pay of $15.00 per visit.
• Voluntary Plans are also available: Additional life Insurance for employee and dependents, Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and childcare), Vision Insurance
• Holidays, Annual Leave and Sick Leave: Minimum of 10 holidays per calendar year, Accrue 8 hours of annual leave and 8 hours of sick leave per month