Building / Housing Inspector

Primary Purpose:
Conduct field inspections of construction sites and manages permit related correspondence and customer service coordination.

Supervision Received:
Direct supervision from the Senior Inspector and general supervision from the Building Division Manager and Senior Management.

Supervision Exercised:
None.

Hiring Range:
Up to 33.39 per/hr. ($69,451 annually) depending on qualifications. Max of range: $40.71. IMRF Pension Eligible Position

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Applies knowledge of development codes and related laws to perform field inspections of all types of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to ensure compliance with adopted International Building Codes as amended. Detects structural, mechanical and other compliance matters, and appraises the sufficiency of design, construction and physical depreciation. Inspects projects in the process of construction, alteration or repair for compliance with building and mechanical codes, zoning requirements and conformity with approved plans, including design review approvals. May also be assigned enforcement of other local codes as needed. Makes written records of field inspections results together with notes on any action taken. Prepares and maintains records and writes letters and reports regarding inspections and enforcement actions.
• Meets and corresponds with architects, contractors, property owners and residents regarding the details of construction projects, compliance with relevant codes, plans and approvals, and the timing of work. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with architects, building owners, contractors, fellow employees and the general public. Addresses customer complaints, provides code information and explains departmental policies and functions. Coordinates inspection related work with customers, outside consultants and other City Departments and Divisions including Public Works Dept., Fire Dept., Finance Dept., Com Dev. - Planning Div., and Business Development Div. as appropriate.
• Prepares for and represents the City at administrative hearings related to Community Development related enforcement actions. Attends meetings, conferences and seminars related to building code and enforcement matters to obtain and/or maintain certifications.
• Provides emergency inspections from time-to-time and provides inspection support during emergency situations. Conducts special event inspections from time-to-time.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education:
A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
Experience:
3 to 5 years of experience as an inspector or an equivalent combination of educational certification, training and experience in commercial and residential construction practices and procedures.
Certification or license:
Valid Driver's License required. International Code Council (ICC) certifications in Residential Inspection and Commercial Inspection, Residential and Commercial Energy Code within 24 months of hire. Maintain and obtain additional certifications as part of on-going professional development.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Proficiencies:
Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal code enforcement and methods for conducting in-field site inspections to ensure compliance with building and related codes. Strong written, oral communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a wide audience of people from residents to industry professionals and interdepartmental staff. Ability and willingness to learn municipal code requirements. Willingness and ability to consistently provide a high level of customer service to the public through tactful but firm facilitation of code compliance as necessary. Knowledge of how to enter and retrieve information from database systems and how to use standard office productivity software - Windows and MS Office. Performance all work in a professional manner with the highest level of integrity and in accordance with the City's conflict of interest policies and practices.

Safety Functions:

• Becomes familiar with and observes all applicable safety policy/procedures.
• Maintains and uses appropriate proper personal equipment.
• Promotes a positive work environment among employees through positive reinforcement via a systematic behavior observation program.
• Recommends improvements to safety practices.
• Adheres to all safety rules and established work practices.

Work Environment:
Fast-paced, customer service oriented environment with a high degree of independent work through field inspection (using City owned vehicle) of properties and construction sites. Also, spends time in office to document inspections and provide support for permit management. An inspector may be exposed to cold, wet, hot and humid weather conditions. Inspections may be required to be performed in high places and the inspector may experience loud noises comparable to the conditions experienced by a typical Building Inspector.
Bloodborne Pathogens:
None
Tools and Equipment Used:
Office equipment including a computer with Windows and Microsoft Office Suite, copier, printer, scanner, fax machine, cell phone, a digital camera and a motor vehicle.

Employment Type: Full-time