615 - Combinations Inspector

Job Summary

The Combination Inspector is responsible to maintain building and construction safety by enforcing building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and property maintenance codes and ordinances. The Combination Inspector will be responsible for performing inspections of structures to determine compliance with the various Building Codes and Standards adopted by the City of Brownsville. At this level of certification, the Inspector shall be able to inspect residential and commercial structures of any size or occupancy. The Combination Inspector works within a general outline of work to be performed; develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

Competencies

• Ethical Practice
• Customer Focus
• Analytical Thinking
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Communication

Key Functions/Knowledge/Skills

• For new and existing structures, answer questions about the need for permits and inspections, including special inspections and structural observations, general code compliance of designs, procedures, and materials. Communicate, issue, and maintain inspection reports, correction notices, stop work orders, and data for the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
• Conduct on-site field inspections to ensure that new construction and existing properties are following applicable codes and ordinances.
• Read plans to verify the project conforms to code approved plans, and construction documents.
• Inspect fire resistance-rated construction for compliance with the code and tested assembly requirements.
• Inspect the construction site to see that the building or structure location is following the requirements of the local ordinances, fire separation regulations, fire access, and the approved site plan. Verify that final grade will provide the required slope away from the footing or foundation wall. Verify finish floor elevation in flood-hazard areas for compliance with local and federal requirements.
• Verify that the actual and allowable floor area calculations are correct. Inspect for compliance of minimum room dimensions and openings. Verify compliance of lighting and ventilation systems.
• Verify or determine the occupancy classification, provisions for special uses, and type of construction requirements, including individual elements or components.
• Inspect that materials are in compliance with the markings, standards, and the materials’ characteristics.
• Verify that floor, wall, and ceiling coverings are correct types and thicknesses and are correctly supported and fastened.
• Verify that the building site's soil load-bearing capacity and stability complies with approved plans or reports. Verify that footings are laid out with correct depth, size, and setbacks, and that footings extend below the frost line. Inspect below-grade work for compliance with the code.
• Verify that stepped footings and specialized foundations are constructed per the approved plans or code.
• Verify that piles and piers are correctly supported and anchored, and that wood members are protected against insects and decay.
• Verify that foundation stem walls are correctly sized and have sufficient height above grade. Verify that foundation wall reinforcement, anchor bolts, and fasteners are correct type, size, and grade and are placed per approved plans. Verify that foundation damp proofing and waterproofing is installed where required. Verify maximum unbalanced fill height. Verify that foundation walls are properly braced prior to back fill.
• Inspect floor system spans, bearing, and connections for compliance with approved plans. Verify that the cutting, notching, and borings are within the limitations permitted by code, and that materials are protected against insects and decay where required. Verify that subflooring and decking has required thickness, span, and grade and meets installation specifications. Verify compliance of floor design and fasteners. Verify that crawlspaces have required clearance, ventilation, insulation, screening, and access openings.
• Inspect concrete slabs placement for compliance with standards and material characteristics, and that proper precautions are used in adverse weather conditions.
• Inspect wall systems for proper spans, spacing, bearing, and connections. Verify that pre-engineered wall systems are in accordance with the approved drawings and manufacturer’s specifications. Verify that the cutting, notching, and borings are within the limitations permitted by code, and that wood members are protected against insects and decay where required.
• Inspect wall systems for proper spans, spacing, bearing, and connections. Verify that pre-engineered wall systems are in accordance with the approved drawings and manufacturer’s specifications. Inspect steel framing for compliance with markings, standards, and the material.
• Inspect grouting, bonding, mortar type, mortar joint thickness, height, size, lintels, and distance between lateral supports for masonry walls. Verify that weather conditions are suitable for masonry construction and that proper precautions are used for adverse weather conditions.
• Inspect height, size, attachments, bracing, and distance between lateral supports. Verify that weather conditions are suitable for construction and that proper precautions are used for adverse weather conditions.
• Inspect reinforcement for size, length of lap splices, clearances, alignment, cleanouts, and presence of loose rust, oil, or mill scale.
• Verify that exterior sheathing and weather-resistant siding materials are correctly sized, identified, and installed; protected against insects and decay; and have appropriate clearances to finish grade. Verify that exterior veneers and weather-resistive siding have correct anchorage, support, and backing. Verify that a weather-resistant barrier is correctly installed for all walls and around all wall openings. Verify that plaster, stucco, and metal lath have correct thickness and fasteners, and are correctly installed.
• Inspects roof/ceiling construction for compliance with span, grade, type, connections, bearing, and quality requirements. Verifies that trusses are in accordance with the drawings and properly spaced, braced, and supported. Verify roof access and rooftop structures where required. Verify that insulation is of permitted materials, is provided where required, and is correctly installed. Verify that vapor and moisture barriers are correctly installed. Verify that attic and ceiling area construction has proper ventilation, screens, and access.
• Verify correct classification of roof coverings, roof slope, installation, flashings, and details, and method of roof drainage. Inspects roof sheathing for proper thickness, grade, support, and fastening. Verify re- roofing complies with code, design, and installation standards
• Verify general means of egress requirements, exit access, exits, and exit discharge. Verify any miscellaneous means of egress and special occupancy requirements. Verify emergency escape and rescue requirements.
• Inspect for smoke control and fire venting as required by the code, approved plans, and construction documents.
• Verify that interior floor, wall and ceiling finishes, insulation, and foam plastics comply with flame spread and smoke-developed index density requirements. Verify floor finishes comply with the critical flux rating required by the code, approved plans, and construction documents.
• Verify that safety glazing is correctly installed and labeled where required.
• Inspects opening protectives, penetrations, and joint systems in fire-rated assemblies to assure compliance with the code, approved plans, and construction documents. Verify that fire blocking and draft stopping are provided where required.
• Verify that exterior stairs, ramps, porches, decks, and balconies which are open to the weather are constructed to support designed loads; are of suitable materials; and have required slope and width, tread, riser, headroom, guardrails, and handrail dimensions.
• Inspect existing structures, membrane structures, temporary structures, pedestrian walkways, tunnels, awnings and canopies, marquees, signs, towers, antennas, elevators, and conveyance systems. Inspect building components for seismic restraint requirements.
• Verify that fireplaces, flues, and chimneys are correctly designed and have required clearances from combustible construction.
• Conducts field inspections on applicable trades in the building construction to maintain building safety.
• Performs investigative work enforcing city codes and ordinances.
• Conducts field inspections of ongoing construction to ensure compliance with all applicable building codes.
• Conducts inspections to determine if existing properties are being maintained in compliance with applicable codes.
• Performs Plan Review on an as needed basis to check for code deficiencies, local ordinances and local zoning requirements.
• Prepare inspection reports and may issue notices of violation or citations.
• Enter and maintain electronic records of completed inspections.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an effective and timely manner.
• Perform other work as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree (no experience), or associate's degree plus two years of experience, or high school graduation or GED plus four years of experience.