Address
Form of workSalary: $47,239.00 - $72,675.00 Annually
Location : Buffalo, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 76323
Department: PERMITS & INSPECTIONS
Opening Date: 11/28/2023
Closing Date: 12/22/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
Fee: $15.00
RESIDENCE: Residence is a requirement for all positions. In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, an applicant shall be deemed a non-resident if he/she cannot show ninety (90) days of continuous and uninterrupted residence in the City of Buffalo prior to filing application.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO MANDATE CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY IN THE CITY DURING YOUR EMPLOYMENT, EXCEPT FOR POSITIONS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
Chief Building Inspector - #76323 (Promotional)
Final Filing Date: December 22, 2023
Exam Date: January 13, 2024
Incumbents to a position in this class supervises and directs the work of Building Inspectors who inspect structures, in an assigned area of the City of Buffalo, for compliance with applicable codes. This is important technical work involving the directing of activities of Building Inspectors in the conduct of neighborhood conservation and rehabilitation programs. These programs are designed to assist property owners in obtaining compliance with all housing codes and ordinances. The Chief Building Inspector, from time to time, evaluates the program and prepares progress reports. Incumbents work independently making decisions concerning compliance with codes, however, complex problems are referred to the Director or Assistant Director of Housing and Property Inspections for their advisement. Immediate supervision is received from the Assistant Director of Housing and Property Inspections. Supervision is exercised over Building Inspectors and clerical personnel assigned.
Examples of work (Illustration Only)
Monitors the work of inspectional staff assigned in the office and in the field;
-lays out, assigns and supervises the work of personnel engaged in inspecting construction, alterations, repairs and demolition of structures for compliance with city and state codes;
-reviews reports and submits written documentation of all inspections and re-inspections;
-recommends proper action/decision regarding building construction, code violations, etc.
Responds to inquiries from citizens, lending institutions, community groups and contractors in order to establish a positive program of assistance to property owners;
-gives information regarding requirements of the city and state codes and ordinances for construction repair, alteration or demolition;
Performs field inspections in cases where questions or problems occur;
Coordinates the work of the division with other city departments;
-resolves problems that may arise;
Prepares data for and serves as an expert witness testifying in cases of violations of city and state codes/ordinances in Housing Court;
May conduct in-house training concerning inspection, methods, procedures and provisions of the city and state codes;
Oversees departmental hearings as directed by supervisor;
Acts as a liaison between the Department of Permit and Inspection Services and other city, county and state agencies;
Performs related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Continuous and permanent status in any city department as a Building Inspector, Building Plans Inspector, Building Code Specialist, Housing Court Representative, or Supervisor of Building Construction for at least three years immediately preceding the date of this examination.
Special Requirements
l. Possession of a current NYS Drivers License, which must be presented at time of appointment.
2. Possession of a Basic Code Enforcement Training Certificate issued by the NYS Department of Education which must be presented at time of appointment.
SUBJECT OF EXAMINATION - Written Test..........Relative Weight 100%
Points will be added to a successful candidate's score as follows:
SENIORITY..............................................For Each Year 0. 2
Rating of Seniority is based on the length of continuous and permanent status in the classified civil service up to a maximum of twenty years.
EXAMINATION WILL TEST FOR KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND/OR ABILITIES IN SUCH AREAS AS:
1.) Inspection procedures and principles
2.) Building construction and rehabilitation
3.) Understanding and interpreting building plans and requirements
4.) Understanding and interpreting codes and ordinances
5.) Supervision
THE USE OF A CALCULATOR IS RECOMMEDED FOR THIS EXAMINATION
NOTE: The use of a hand-held, battery-or solar- powered calculator is RECOMMENDED for this examination. Devices with typewriter keyboards, spell checkers, personal digital assistants, address books, language translators, dictionaries or any similar devices are prohibited.You maynot bring books or other reference material. Cell phones and any other electronic devices are also prohibited.
Additional Information
EXPANDED SUBTEST DESCRIPTIONS:
1.) Inspection procedures and principles
These questions test for knowledge of the appropriate practices and methods to use when inspecting various types of building facilities and projects; including proper adherence to plans and codes; dealing with residents, owners, and contractors; and inspection record keeping.
2.) Building construction and rehabilitation
These questions test for knowledge of the various methods and materials used when constructing or renovating various types of buildings and their components.
3.) Understanding and interpreting building plans and requirements
These questions test for the ability to read, analyze and perform computations based on technical drawings and written technical material related to building facilities and projects. All the information needed to answer the questions will be presented in the written material and/or drawings.
4.) Understanding and interpreting codes and ordinances
These questions test for the ability to read and analyze various codes and requirements. Candidates will be provided with written selections related to code provisions (mainly dealing with zoning, housing and property management issues) and will be asked questions based on those reading passages. All the information needed to answer the questions will be presented in the written selections. Candidates will not be required to have any special knowledge related to the content areas covered in the reading selections.
5.) Supervision
These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of a work unit toward predetermined objectives. The concepts covered, usually in a situational question format, include such topics as assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; maintaining work standards; motivating and developing subordinates; implementing procedural change; increasing efficiency; and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale, and discipline.
Test Guide:
The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General guide to Written Test' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available online at:
This written exam is being prepared and rated by the N.Y.S. Department of Civil Service in accordance with Section 23-2 of the Civil Service Law, and the provisions of the N.Y.S. Civil Service Rules and Regulations dealing with the rating and review of exams apply.
(If not attached, expanded subtest descriptions may be obtained from the Civil Service office, Room 1001 City Hall.)
(The eligible list resulting from this exam may be used to fill comparable positions.)
MULTIPLE EXAMINATIONS SCHEDULED FOR THE SAME DAY:
If you have applied to take a written test announced by either one or several local jurisdictions (county, town, city) scheduled to be held on the same day as this written test, you must notify each of the local jurisdictions no later than two weeks before the test date, so they can make arrangements for taking all tests at one test site. All examinations for positions in State government will be held at a State examination center.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXAMS notify each civil service agency to make arrangements no later than two weeks before test date. You must notify each agency with whom you have filed. For this information, notify the Department of Human Resources, Division of Civil Service, Room 1001 City Hall, Buffalo, New York 14202 or call or come to the office.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING WEATHER CONDITIONS ON THE DAY OF THE EXAMINATION -
In the event of severe weather conditions on the day of the examination, please listen to the following radio/tv stations for postponement or delay in the starting time of the administration of the examination: WBEN 550, WGR 930, WWW 1400, WWKB 1520- AM RADIO; WKSE 98.5, WLKK 102.5, WTSS 107.7-FM RADIO OR WIVB-TV (CH. 4) If no such announcement is made, you must presume that the examination will be administered as scheduled.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR USE OF VETERAN'S CREDITS
If you are currently serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, you may apply for veteran's credits. These veteran's credits shall be granted on a conditional basis at time of establishment of the eligible list. You will be restricted from certification using these credits until you have received an honorable discharge or release under honorable conditions. Your
DD214 must be presented as proof of service during war time, before you can be certified for appointment from the eligible list
using these credits.
Special Requirement for Appointment in School Districts and BOCES
Per Chapter 180 of the Laws of 2000, and by Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, to be employed in a position designated by a school district or BOCES as involving direct contact with students, a clearance for employment from the State Education Department is required.
NOTICE TO EXAM PARTICIPANTS Additional Points Available to Children of Police Officers and Firefighters Killed in the Line of Duty
(New Section 85-a, NYS Civil Service Law, effective 9/17/02)
On September 17, 2002, Governor Pataki signed into law a bill adding a new section 85-a to the Civil Service Law granting additional credit on civil service examinations for children of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty. This law is to take effect immediately.
"In conformance with Section 85-a of the Civil Service Law, children of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty shall be entitled to receive an additional ten points in a competitive examination for original appointment in the same municipality in which his or her parent has served. If you are qualified to participate in this examination and are a child of a firefighter or police officer killed in the line of duty in this municipality, please inform this office of this matter when you submit your application for examination. A candidate claiming such credit has a minimum of two months from the application deadline to provide the necessary documentation to verify additional credit eligibility. However, no credit may be added after the eligible list has been established."
Applicants claiming these points must do so in writing (you may enclose in application), indicating the name, title, relationship and place of employment of the deceased parent.
Eligibility for points will be reviewed and applicants may be required to submit additional information to verify the claim.
Additional points available to siblings of Firefighters and Police Officers killed in the line of duty as the result of the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center Attack (Chapter 500, Laws of New York 2003).
For more information, check with the Department of Human Resources, Civil Service office.
The City of Buffalo's benefit package is designed to give our employees and their love one's, comfort, safety, and stability they need in serving our community each and every day.
Our offerings include:
-Medical and vision, Dental, Life Insurance (basic) and (supplemental)
-New York State Retirement System
-Deferred Compensation Plan
-Employee Assistance Program for employee/family members
-Flexible Spending Accounts
-Liberal holidays & vacation
-Growth Opportunities and Steady earnings potential
Location : Buffalo, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 76323
Department: PERMITS & INSPECTIONS
Opening Date: 11/28/2023
Closing Date: 12/22/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
Fee: $15.00
RESIDENCE: Residence is a requirement for all positions. In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, an applicant shall be deemed a non-resident if he/she cannot show ninety (90) days of continuous and uninterrupted residence in the City of Buffalo prior to filing application.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO MANDATE CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY IN THE CITY DURING YOUR EMPLOYMENT, EXCEPT FOR POSITIONS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
Chief Building Inspector - #76323 (Promotional)
Final Filing Date: December 22, 2023
Exam Date: January 13, 2024
Incumbents to a position in this class supervises and directs the work of Building Inspectors who inspect structures, in an assigned area of the City of Buffalo, for compliance with applicable codes. This is important technical work involving the directing of activities of Building Inspectors in the conduct of neighborhood conservation and rehabilitation programs. These programs are designed to assist property owners in obtaining compliance with all housing codes and ordinances. The Chief Building Inspector, from time to time, evaluates the program and prepares progress reports. Incumbents work independently making decisions concerning compliance with codes, however, complex problems are referred to the Director or Assistant Director of Housing and Property Inspections for their advisement. Immediate supervision is received from the Assistant Director of Housing and Property Inspections. Supervision is exercised over Building Inspectors and clerical personnel assigned.
Examples of work (Illustration Only)
Monitors the work of inspectional staff assigned in the office and in the field;
-lays out, assigns and supervises the work of personnel engaged in inspecting construction, alterations, repairs and demolition of structures for compliance with city and state codes;
-reviews reports and submits written documentation of all inspections and re-inspections;
-recommends proper action/decision regarding building construction, code violations, etc.
Responds to inquiries from citizens, lending institutions, community groups and contractors in order to establish a positive program of assistance to property owners;
-gives information regarding requirements of the city and state codes and ordinances for construction repair, alteration or demolition;
Performs field inspections in cases where questions or problems occur;
Coordinates the work of the division with other city departments;
-resolves problems that may arise;
Prepares data for and serves as an expert witness testifying in cases of violations of city and state codes/ordinances in Housing Court;
May conduct in-house training concerning inspection, methods, procedures and provisions of the city and state codes;
Oversees departmental hearings as directed by supervisor;
Acts as a liaison between the Department of Permit and Inspection Services and other city, county and state agencies;
Performs related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Continuous and permanent status in any city department as a Building Inspector, Building Plans Inspector, Building Code Specialist, Housing Court Representative, or Supervisor of Building Construction for at least three years immediately preceding the date of this examination.
Special Requirements
l. Possession of a current NYS Drivers License, which must be presented at time of appointment.
2. Possession of a Basic Code Enforcement Training Certificate issued by the NYS Department of Education which must be presented at time of appointment.
SUBJECT OF EXAMINATION - Written Test..........Relative Weight 100%
Points will be added to a successful candidate's score as follows:
SENIORITY..............................................For Each Year 0. 2
Rating of Seniority is based on the length of continuous and permanent status in the classified civil service up to a maximum of twenty years.
EXAMINATION WILL TEST FOR KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND/OR ABILITIES IN SUCH AREAS AS:
1.) Inspection procedures and principles
2.) Building construction and rehabilitation
3.) Understanding and interpreting building plans and requirements
4.) Understanding and interpreting codes and ordinances
5.) Supervision
THE USE OF A CALCULATOR IS RECOMMEDED FOR THIS EXAMINATION
NOTE: The use of a hand-held, battery-or solar- powered calculator is RECOMMENDED for this examination. Devices with typewriter keyboards, spell checkers, personal digital assistants, address books, language translators, dictionaries or any similar devices are prohibited.You maynot bring books or other reference material. Cell phones and any other electronic devices are also prohibited.
Additional Information
EXPANDED SUBTEST DESCRIPTIONS:
1.) Inspection procedures and principles
These questions test for knowledge of the appropriate practices and methods to use when inspecting various types of building facilities and projects; including proper adherence to plans and codes; dealing with residents, owners, and contractors; and inspection record keeping.
2.) Building construction and rehabilitation
These questions test for knowledge of the various methods and materials used when constructing or renovating various types of buildings and their components.
3.) Understanding and interpreting building plans and requirements
These questions test for the ability to read, analyze and perform computations based on technical drawings and written technical material related to building facilities and projects. All the information needed to answer the questions will be presented in the written material and/or drawings.
4.) Understanding and interpreting codes and ordinances
These questions test for the ability to read and analyze various codes and requirements. Candidates will be provided with written selections related to code provisions (mainly dealing with zoning, housing and property management issues) and will be asked questions based on those reading passages. All the information needed to answer the questions will be presented in the written selections. Candidates will not be required to have any special knowledge related to the content areas covered in the reading selections.
5.) Supervision
These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of a work unit toward predetermined objectives. The concepts covered, usually in a situational question format, include such topics as assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; maintaining work standards; motivating and developing subordinates; implementing procedural change; increasing efficiency; and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale, and discipline.
Test Guide:
The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General guide to Written Test' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available online at:
This written exam is being prepared and rated by the N.Y.S. Department of Civil Service in accordance with Section 23-2 of the Civil Service Law, and the provisions of the N.Y.S. Civil Service Rules and Regulations dealing with the rating and review of exams apply.
(If not attached, expanded subtest descriptions may be obtained from the Civil Service office, Room 1001 City Hall.)
(The eligible list resulting from this exam may be used to fill comparable positions.)
MULTIPLE EXAMINATIONS SCHEDULED FOR THE SAME DAY:
If you have applied to take a written test announced by either one or several local jurisdictions (county, town, city) scheduled to be held on the same day as this written test, you must notify each of the local jurisdictions no later than two weeks before the test date, so they can make arrangements for taking all tests at one test site. All examinations for positions in State government will be held at a State examination center.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXAMS notify each civil service agency to make arrangements no later than two weeks before test date. You must notify each agency with whom you have filed. For this information, notify the Department of Human Resources, Division of Civil Service, Room 1001 City Hall, Buffalo, New York 14202 or call or come to the office.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING WEATHER CONDITIONS ON THE DAY OF THE EXAMINATION -
In the event of severe weather conditions on the day of the examination, please listen to the following radio/tv stations for postponement or delay in the starting time of the administration of the examination: WBEN 550, WGR 930, WWW 1400, WWKB 1520- AM RADIO; WKSE 98.5, WLKK 102.5, WTSS 107.7-FM RADIO OR WIVB-TV (CH. 4) If no such announcement is made, you must presume that the examination will be administered as scheduled.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR USE OF VETERAN'S CREDITS
If you are currently serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, you may apply for veteran's credits. These veteran's credits shall be granted on a conditional basis at time of establishment of the eligible list. You will be restricted from certification using these credits until you have received an honorable discharge or release under honorable conditions. Your
DD214 must be presented as proof of service during war time, before you can be certified for appointment from the eligible list
using these credits.
Special Requirement for Appointment in School Districts and BOCES
Per Chapter 180 of the Laws of 2000, and by Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, to be employed in a position designated by a school district or BOCES as involving direct contact with students, a clearance for employment from the State Education Department is required.
NOTICE TO EXAM PARTICIPANTS Additional Points Available to Children of Police Officers and Firefighters Killed in the Line of Duty
(New Section 85-a, NYS Civil Service Law, effective 9/17/02)
On September 17, 2002, Governor Pataki signed into law a bill adding a new section 85-a to the Civil Service Law granting additional credit on civil service examinations for children of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty. This law is to take effect immediately.
"In conformance with Section 85-a of the Civil Service Law, children of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty shall be entitled to receive an additional ten points in a competitive examination for original appointment in the same municipality in which his or her parent has served. If you are qualified to participate in this examination and are a child of a firefighter or police officer killed in the line of duty in this municipality, please inform this office of this matter when you submit your application for examination. A candidate claiming such credit has a minimum of two months from the application deadline to provide the necessary documentation to verify additional credit eligibility. However, no credit may be added after the eligible list has been established."
Applicants claiming these points must do so in writing (you may enclose in application), indicating the name, title, relationship and place of employment of the deceased parent.
Eligibility for points will be reviewed and applicants may be required to submit additional information to verify the claim.
Additional points available to siblings of Firefighters and Police Officers killed in the line of duty as the result of the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center Attack (Chapter 500, Laws of New York 2003).
For more information, check with the Department of Human Resources, Civil Service office.
The City of Buffalo's benefit package is designed to give our employees and their love one's, comfort, safety, and stability they need in serving our community each and every day.
Our offerings include:
-Medical and vision, Dental, Life Insurance (basic) and (supplemental)
-New York State Retirement System
-Deferred Compensation Plan
-Employee Assistance Program for employee/family members
-Flexible Spending Accounts
-Liberal holidays & vacation
-Growth Opportunities and Steady earnings potential
