Building Compliance Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Under supervision of the Senior Office Manager, this position facilitates and strengthens building code and licensure compliance by responding to inquiries on the building permit approval and inspection processes, initiating investigation and rectification of unpermitted work, and informing building owners, tenants and contractors on adherence to related Town and State laws.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists with inquiries or complaints regarding building plan reviews, issuance of building permits, inspections and related issues. Provides summary reports regarding nature and resolution of inquiries and complaints and helps identify trends that may assist in development of new or refined guidance and/or processes. Performs field investigation of complaints concerning violations of the IRC, IBC, International Property Maintenance Code and Town Ordinances. Inspects designated areas periodically for evidence of unauthorized construction, renovation or repair activity and follows through on compliance and enforcement actions. Locates property owners and explains nature of inspection and investigation findings and encourages voluntary action to resolve problems. Coordinates with PLAN code compliance as well as the Business License enforcement personnel as needed. Utilizes OPAL and other means to investigate building permit-related inquiries and complaints. Suggests and tests modifications to workflows and outputs of the OPAL software system. Creates, updates and disseminates instructional and learning resource materials for individuals involved in the building permit approval and inspection processes. Interviews residents and inspects area to investigate reports of violations. Uses laws and statutes in municipal code to determine specific nature of code violations and type of action to be taken. Issues notices of violation to owners not complying with request for voluntary correction of problems. Prepares case materials when legal action is required to solve problems and appears in court to testify if needed. Conducts or participates in informational meetings for residents and property owners. Maintains appropriate records and prepares required reports. Investigates follow-up on violations until the situation is remedied. Performs additional duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

High School diploma and three (3) years of relevant work experience. Ability to learn building practices related to residential and commercial buildings and use software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Oracle, OPAL and BlueBeam to document actions. Have or attain within one year of date of hire licensure with the South Carolina Building Codes Council as a Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector. New, unlicensed employees may be required to register with the South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation as a Provisional Inspector immediately after hire and must complete full licensure as indicated above. Valid South Carolina driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of all phases of building and construction trades, including plumbing, gas, electric, etc. Knowledge of permit practices and techniques, including plan reviews, code requirements and inspection processes. Knowledge of basic principles and practices of land development, grading, building construction, hydraulics and site development. Ability to understand environmental benefits to preserving and protecting sensitive areas. Ability to deal tactfully with disgruntled members of the public. Ability to establish effective working relationships with department staff, owners, designers, contractors, subcontractors, the public, and other agencies. Ability to read and interpret construction plans, diagrams and blueprints. Skill in problem‑solving using critical thinking skills. Skill in the use of computers. Ability to communicate well in writing and orally.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, usage of computers and reading. This position requires substantial repetitive motion of wrists, hands, and fingers. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, grasp or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee consistently maintains balance either sitting, standing or walking and is occasionally required to stoop or crouch. The work requires some agility and physical strength, such as moving in or about construction sites or over rough terrain or standing or walking most of the work period. Occasionally, work may require pushing, pulling, moving, lifting, and carrying heavy objects (up to 20 lbs.). There may be need to stretch and reach to retrieve materials. Usually, the work does not require extended physical effort over a significant portion of the workday.

COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS

The work requires the following mental abilities to perform critical tasks: use judgment, make decisions, varied work pace, problem solving, verbal interactions, interact with others, adapt to changes in jobs, people skills – more than basic communication with others, problem solving, and working with the public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Work may also involve occasional mental stress, such as completing several unrelated tasks within a relatively short period of time. The field work environment involves the occasional presence of unpleasant and/or irritating elements such as considerable noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, or grease. Work is continually performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. Employee will be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to natural disasters, emergencies, Town special events, and to attend evening meetings. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ceridian HCM