Building Inspector

Building Inspector

This is a newly created position in the FY 26/27 budget effective 10/1/2026. The Building Inspector provides skilled building code inspection and technical plan review services for compliance with building, plumbing and mechanical codes and ordinances. This position is responsible for in-office plan review services and on-site inspection services for various types of construction projects including residential and commercial projects for new construction, remodels, alterations and removal-related work. The position may also perform final inspections for building code and the city's wastewater requirements. An employee in this classification may be assigned to a specialty area in structural inspection, plan review, commercial development, plumbing inspection, mechanical inspection or any combination of these areas. The position works under the general direction of the Building Services Director, with some assignments delegated through the Senior Building Inspector who is also available to assist with new or difficult situations. The Building Inspector exercises technical judgment and discretion based on extensive knowledge of the various ordinances and regulations related to building code enforcement. The position requires an International Code Council Certification as a Building Inspector. Depending on specialty assignment, some positions may require an Idaho State Journeyman Plumbing License, ICC Mechanical Certification and/or a Plan Examiner Certification. At least four years' experience performing construction related work is preferred. The position works in both a general office environment, with regular on-site field work required for inspection services. Physical requirements include climbing ladders, crawling under buildings and maneuvering through steep or rough terrain and through construction sites.

Examples of Duties

(illustrative only and may vary by assignment)

• Performs technical office review of building and construction plans and performs on-site building inspections for compliance with approved plans and City and other applicable codes including but not limited to plumbing, mechanical, structural, fire safety and other applicable codes;
• Inspects buildings at various stages of construction from the start of foundations to final approval;
• Inspects conditions of buildings before occupancy and determines when a certificate of occupancy can be issued;
• Coordinates and verifies final approval of all other trade and life safety provisions of the International Building Code;
• Serves as a resource to contractors, public, design professionals and others on matters relating to code requirements and construction techniques and practices;
• Estimates building costs and determines fees;
• Serves as primary point of contact in the field to facilitate, conduct and manage project scope from permit to final approval;
• Conducts pre-construction meetings with owners, engineers, architects, contractors, city officials and other interested parties;
• Investigates hazardous or illegal conditions;
• Documents and maintains files of inspections, violations and corrections, including engineering, special and/or third party inspection reports;
• Adds set-backs, checking for planning;
• Works with Fire and Police in dealing with Abatement of Dangerous Buildings;
• Keeps current on adopted building code and companion codes
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;
• Responds to management's, supervisor's, co-workers' and citizens' questions and comments in a courteous, thorough and timely manner;
• Performs time management and scheduling functions, meets deadlines, and sets project priorities;
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all matters;
• Assists other department and City employees as needed or requested;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.

• Schedules inspections;
• Issues permits;
• Works with other cities and the State of Idaho on uniformity of codes;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, preferably supplemented with a Associate's Degree in building construction, engineering, architecture or related field; and
• Four (4) years experience in the building industry or building inspection; and
• Certification from the International Code Council (ICC) as a Building Inspector; and
• Depending on assignment, an Idaho Certification as a Plans Examiner or Mechanical Inspector may be required; and
• Valid Idaho Driver's License is required; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Supplemental Information

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position. Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques of building code regulation;
• International building and related codes, laws and ordinances;
• Building construction, terminology and techniques
• Principles, procedures, materials, and standard practices of building construction, including stages when inspections to detect violations and defects are most easily observed and corrected;
• City and other applicable building and construction codes, including but not limited to, structural, plumbing, mechanical, heating, fire safety, and other applicable codes;
• Standard practices and procedures for plan and permit review, evaluation, and approval, including documentation;
• Standard practices and procedures for field inspection;

Skill and Ability to:

• Read and thoroughly understand the applicable construction codes and seek compliance in a positive, helpful manner with contractors, developers, homeowners and others;
• Communicate effectively with people who may be angry, hostile or confused;
• Maintain composure and exercise sound judgment in adverse conditions;
• Work independently with limited oversight from supervisor;
• Interpret and effectively explain residential and commercial building code requirements, relevant standards and problems with architectural and structural plans to other city staff, owners, contractors, building tenants and designers;
• Use good judgment in problem solving and decision making;
• Communicate technical facts in an understandable manner and present recommendations in a clear, concise, logical manner;
• Display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public and other organizations;
• Assist the public in a professional and courteous manner in stressful and emotional situations;
• Proficiently operate computers, software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar office software to create documents and other materials, maintain information, and generate reports;
• Use English and speak clearly for understanding;
• Perform duties to supervisor's expectations;
• Follow verbal and written instructions;
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Demonstrate integrity and ingenuity in the performance of assigned tasks and solving problems;
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.

Physical Demands & Work Environment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, climb, crawl and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to communicate effectively in person and by telephone. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in a public building setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and an outdoor environment with exposure to power and construction equipment with elevated noise levels and inclement weather. The employee must frequently maneuver through unfamiliar buildings, climb ladders, crawl under or through small spaces, and maneuver through steep and/or rough terrain.

Benefits

The City of Coeur d'Alene offers a very generous benefit package. Below is a brief overall summary of our general benefits. Depending on the position you are applying for, the position may fall under a specific bargaining group and as a result, may have benefits in addition to what is listed below.

Retirement & Investment Plans: