Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Under direct supervision, inspects and enforces applicable building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, heating and refrigeration codes for residential buildings; ensures the safety of buildings and structures by controlling the design, construction, alteration and quality of materials used; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is an entry level and trainee class within the Building/Combination Inspector series. Employees within this class perform a range of duties under direct supervision as assigned. This class is distinguished from other classifications in the series in that the incumbents receive continual training while gaining on the job experience. Only residential inspections will be performed by incumbents at this level.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Inspect and enforce applicable building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, codes for residential buildings; prepare written reports, issue correction notices and stop work orders; and, testify in court regarding violations.

Conduct on-site inspections of existing residential buildings, buildings under repair and new residential construction; determine if construction methods and materials are being used in compliance with established ordinances, codes and approved plans. Advise contractors and citizens on residential building codes and ordinances and work proactively to avoid code related issues; advise customers on codes and detail items that must be corrected before approval.

Confer with the general public, contractors, engineers and architects in the performance of inspection activities; schedule inspections, explain code requirements and provide final sign-off and approval of residential projects.

Conduct assessments of residential buildings after various events, including floods and earthquakes, to determine structural stability and general safety conditions of buildings; determine if buildings can be re-occupied.

Investigate complaints and conduct inspections of existing buildings to determine if hazardous or illegal conditions exist

Attend and participate in professional group meetings; keep current with new trends and innovations in the field of building inspection and code compliance.

Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

Establish priorities and prepare daily work schedule to effectively coincide with construction requirements and not impede schedule cost.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required and other duties which may be assigned.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:
Basic structural design and engineering mathematics.
Operations, services and activities of a building inspection program.
Principles and techniques of building inspection work and the permitting process.
Methods, materials and techniques involved in building construction, repair and alteration.
Residential building construction, electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems and related equipment, components, materials, instruments, and systems including their design, installation, testing, uses, repair or maintenance.
Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for residential buildings.
Modern and complex principles and practices of code interpretation and enforcement.
Principles and procedures of residential building inspection record keeping, notices, correspondence and reporting.
Techniques for dealing with the public in stressful situations.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
Safe driving principles and practices.

Ability to:
Perform a variety of residential building inspection functions.
Interpret all residential building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical, codes and ordinances.
Read and interpret residential building plans, specifications and building codes for compliance with adopted City codes and ordinances.
Determine if construction conforms to City code requirements.
Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials, and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices.
Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.
Resolve complaints regarding residential inspection procedures and outcomes in an efficient, customer service oriented and timely manner.
Prepare clear and concise reports.
Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials, and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Work in a team based environment to achieve common goals.
Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.
Meet the physical requirements to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:
Equivalent to the completion of a high school diploma or the equivalent supplemented by specialized training in the building trades and/or code enforcement.

Experience:
Two years of inspection or construction experience or a combination of both types of experience.

License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Possession of the International Code Council (ICC) Residential Certifications in Residential Building Inspector and Residential Electrical Inspector must be obtained within the first year of employment.

Possession of the International Code Council (ICC) Residential Certifications in Residential Plumbing Inspector and Residential Mechanical Inspector must be obtained within the second year of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment:
Work is performed primarily in a field setting with travel from site to site and exposure to an outdoor field environment and all types of weather and temperature conditions; exposure to potentially hostile individuals and environments, noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, and gases; work at heights or in confined spaces; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain.

Physical:
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and in a field environment; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; walk on uneven terrain, loose soil, and sloped surfaces; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations; to operate equipment and vehicles; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

G22 Local 39 Non-Supervisory
Human Resources
Last update: 08/2019
JD 11/2018