Building Inspector

This is technical work supporting the Building Plans Review & Inspection Division by inspection of residential and commercial structures for conformity with the Florida Building Codes and Leon County ordinances. Work also involves assisting the building and development community in obtaining building code compliance, and to assist the construction community with questions and interpretations associated with the implementation of the Florida Building Code.

NOTE: The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The Job Description Questionnaire (JDQ) reflects a more detailed description of the position. Neither the job description nor the JDQ constitutes an employment agreement. Both are subject to change as the needs of the County and requirements of the job change.

Inspects residential and commercial structures for Building Code Compliance, State DMV manufactured home set-up requirements, Leon County ordinances and Accessibility requirements. Records all inspections using the current permit tracking system. Performs follow-up inspections and may assess re-inspection fees. Ensures foundation footings, slabs, grade beams and pilings are compliant with the approved construction plans. Collects and reviews all FEMA flood elevation certificates for completion and correctness. Inspects the structural framing, window and door framing, wall bracing, engineered wind analysis and fire blocking/draft stopping for compliance with the approved plans. Inspects the wall and roof sheathing for compliance with the requirements of the approved engineering wind analysis. Performs roofing inspections, including dry in materials, insulation materials, roof coverings and required flashing as per the approved construction plans. Performs final inspection, including windows, doors, outside steps, guard rails and swimming pool barrier (if applicable). Enforces FEMA flood plain requirements including the correctness of the elevation certification form.
Inspects residential and commercial structures for compliance with the Florida Plumbing Code, Leon County ordinances and accessibility requirements. Records all inspections using the current permit tracking system. Performs follow-up inspections and may assess re-inspection fees. Inspects the under slab drain and supply piping for compliance with the approved plans. Inspects the installation of required backflow prevention devices to ensure compliance with cross-connection control standards. Inspects the plumbing system venting requirements to ensure conformity with the approved plans. Inspects the required clean-out devices at the building drain system. Inspects grinder pump installations to ensure compliance with the plumbing code requirements and the City of Tallahassee low pressure sewer connection requirements.
Inspects residential and commercial structures for compliance with the Florida Mechanical and Gas Codes, Leon County ordinances and accessibility requirements. Records all inspections using the current permit tracking system. Performs follow-up inspections and may assess re-inspection fees.
Inspects the rough-in of the buildings duct work system including junctions, register branches and duct hangers. Inspects the buildings required exhaust systems including required cooking range hoods and rest room exhaust requirements. Inspects the installation of the buildings air handling units and compressor units for compliance with the State Energy Efficiency Code. Inspects for the required gas pressure requirements and the final installation of the gas appliance. Inspects for the required installation of all fire dampers, and emergency shut-down devices.
Inspects residential and commercial structures for compliance with the National Electrical Code. Records all inspections using the current permit tracking system. Performs follow-up inspections and may assess re-inspection fees. Inspects for the correct installation of all electrical system wiring including wire sizes, wire insulation requirements and wire protection. Inspects the required smoke detection devices to ensure compliance with the approved plans. Inspects the buildings main distribution panel to ensure it is properly located and the installed circuit breakers are properly labeled. Inspects and ensures the required electrical system grounding components are installed and ensures all grounding system connections are secure. Inspects and ensures all arc-fault and ground-fault devices are installed and working properly.
Provides support for the Code and Compliance Service Division by inspection of minimum housing complaints and complaints of building without permits. Inspects for dilapidated structures as defined in the Leon County Code of Laws. Inspects for properly functioning electrical systems. Inspects for required sanitary systems. Inspects for roofing system requirements to ensure the roof provides weather protection. Inspects for structural soundness of the foundation and floor systems.

OTHER IMPORTANT OR MARGINAL DUTIES
None.
DIFFICULTY

An employee in this position must judge each inspection independently to achieve the intent of the building codes to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Leon County. Time management is essential in this position and requires planning and adjustments. Inspectors must have a thorough knowledge of codes, physical inspections, investigations, comparing methods and materials, analyzing construction or proposed construction and assuring quality code compliance.

Inspectors are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the public through enforcement of adopted building codes and ordinances. This is accomplished using direct contact with design professionals, contractors, and the public with little or no direct supervision. Inspectors must organize the workload and represent Leon County independently in a professional manner.

Supervision of Others
None.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CUSTOMER CONTACT
Various internal contacts for counsel and advice, to provide information, discuss code violation cases, and to coordinate activities. Various external contacts to schedule inspections, determine code compliance, problem solving, and code interpretation.
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS USED
Personal computer/laptop, word processing software, spreadsheet software, specialized software such as Permits Plus and Florida Building Code software, fax machine, adding machine and calculator, and vehicles are among the tools and equipment used.

Knowledge of building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, accessibility and swimming pool codes. Knowledge of civil and structural engineering. Knowledge of architecture with drafting skills. Knowledge of statutes pertaining to building. Knowledge of basic and advanced math. Knowledge of construction document and blue line reading, specification layout and map reading. Ability to interpret and enforce codes. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Knowledge of computers and software for the entry and tracking of permitting and inspection data. Ability to read blueprints and contour maps.

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and five years of experience as required by Chapter 468 FL Statute in one of the following disciplines: building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, or a one- and two-family dwelling inspector.