Inspector/Plans Examiner Levels I-III (Mechanical) (Career Path)

The purpose of this classification is to inspect construction of new/existing buildings and review permit applications, building plans, and construction documents to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, plans, and specifications.

*Depending upon experience and number of certifications held, this position may be filled at the following levels below, based on the experience and certifications.*

Hourly Range at each level listed below

• A. Inspector/Plans Examiner I: $29.65 - $44.47
• B. Inspector/Plans Examiner II: $31.34 - $47.01
• C. Inspector/Plans Examiner III: $33.05 - $49.57

Job duties and functions

• Performs field inspections of new/existing buildings during the construction process for compliance with applicable building codes and ordinances; compares actual work to planned work to ensure compliance with approved construction plans; inspects new/remodeled single-family homes, multi-family homes, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, businesses, and accessory building and improvements.
• Interprets and enforces the provisions of applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations; follows up on code enforcement violations.
• Coordinates inspection activities with other departments, property owners, contractors, other inspectors, or other individuals.
• Investigates structural damage by fire, storm, or accident. Conducts post event damage assessment and provides field evaluation data for tracking and reporting. Issues unsafe structure notices; conducts re-inspection.
• Determines whether construction work passes or fails inspections; identifies violations of laws, codes, or regulations; identifies construction performed without a permit.
• Posts/issues violation notices, "not approved" notices, and correction notices as appropriate.
• Maintains documentation/records of inspection activities and violations.
• Reviews building permit applications, site plans, and construction documents for completeness and conformance with the applicable provisions of the Building, Plumbing, Mechanical or Electrical codes; ensures that projects have approval from proper agencies; monitors status of pending applications.
• Provides information and technical assistance concerning building codes, technical requirements, permit requirements; explains the permit application process and associated fees to customers; assists applicants with applications; refers applicants to other departments to facilitate permit issuance; responds to complaints, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution.
• Determines whether submitted documents comply with applicable codes; writes permit review comments; calculates building fees and impact fees.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, comment reports, statistical reports, charts, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, permit applications, architectural plans, blueprints, surveys, engineering reports, permits, maps, codes, ordinances, policies, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; maintains computerized files; utilizes word processing, database, or other software programs.
• Operates/utilizes a variety of equipment, tools, or instruments associated with field inspections, which may include a motor vehicle, scale, tape measure, testing instruments, or drafting instruments.
• Copies and distributes forms, reports, correspondence, and other related materials; makes microfilm copies; coordinates blueprint reprints.
• Prepares departmental files; locates, removes, and/or files documents; maintains file system of departmental records; prepares documents for microfilming.
• Performs research functions as needed; researches flood zone areas, zoning maps, zoning books, and past permits.
• Answers the telephone; provides information and assistance; takes and relays messages or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, city officials, code enforcement personnel, law enforcement personnel, architects, contractors, engineers, consultants, agents, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Attends meetings; serves on committees as directed.
• Maintains a current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new materials, devices, products, and construction methods; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Assists in providing cross-training to inspectors in other specialties to establish and maintain conformity.
• Participates in hurricane and other disaster preparedness activities.

Additional functions

Provides assistance or coverage to other employees as needed.

Performs other related duties as required.

Communication competencies

The ability to clearly communicate Department and City Goals, Policies, Strategic Plans and other key information to employees and peers using multiple communication platforms including e-mail and social media.

Effectively communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, contractors, engineers, utility companies, vendors, outside agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Accurately and expeditiously receives and delivers messages and information to the appropriate individuals.

Ability to prepare accurate and thorough written records and reports.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to complete assigned tasks with minimal direction.

Ability to understand and quickly and accurately follow brief oral and written instructions on moderately complex matters.

Knowledge, skills, & abilities

• Knowledge of and the ability to accurately conduct plan review within the applicable disciplines to ensure completeness and conformance with applicable codes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable federal, State, and local codes, laws, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of and the ability to examine and identify potential issues with permit applications, business tax applications, and construction plans, documents and specifications.
• Ability to perform comprehensive and accurate research using a wide variety of resources.
• Ability to effectively and expeditiously resolve issues and problems related to plan review.
• Ability to interact and establish effective and harmonious working relationships with a variety of individuals including property owners, contractors, engineers, architects, City officials, supervisors, co-workers, and employees from other City departments.
• Ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the permit application process.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to appropriately and safely operate all work related tools and equipment, including a personal computer and work associated software applications.

Physical and sensory requirements / environmental factors

Physical Ability : While performing plan examination functions, tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station. While performing inspections, tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (50 pounds).

Sensory Requirements : Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors : Plan Review essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Performance of inspection functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, bright/dim light, machinery, traffic hazards, toxic agents, or heights.

Veterans' preference

Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority in the City’s hiring process. Additionally, certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements in employment by the City.

Equal opportunity employment

The City of Boynton Beach, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer . All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Personnel Rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements, or bona fide occupational qualifications).

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Boynton Beach will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat of significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.