Combination Building Inspector

Combination Building Inspector

This Combination Building Inspector performs responsible technical work in the enforcement of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) as interpreted by the State Building Code Technical Review Board and applicable City Code in relation to new and/or existing residential/commercial buildings. Work is performed under the general supervision of and reports to the Building Code Official. The preferred hiring range for this position is between $25.31 - $30.47 an hour ( $52,644.80 - $63,377.60 Annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.

Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Performs, schedules, and plans routine field inspections of new and/or existing buildings, structures, and/or properties to ensure code and ordinance compliance.
• Investigate complaints of sub-standard and hazardous conditions in buildings, structures, and/or properties.
• Checks for code compliance and safety of work being performed.
• Approves or rejects inspections based on the building codes.
• Issues warnings and stop-work orders for violations of the codes.
• Depending on assignment:
  • Reviews building plans, permit application information and inspects buildings during construction, alteration, or repair work for compliance with building codes.
  • May produce certificates of occupancy and building occupancy loads.
  • Writes letters or reports of code compliance or noncompliance, inspection warrants, and notices of violations for noncompliance.
• Completes inspection reports and maintains records regarding inspections, using appropriate database systems.
• Responds to citizen complaints and helps property owners to resolve complaints and code violations.
• Answers questions and updates citizens, contractors, designers, and builders regarding code enforcement and/or future changes to the building codes.
• Assists in the coordination and the dissemination of information with interdepartmental or intergovernmental impact.
• Safely operates a city vehicle in the performance of duties.
• Testifies in court on code violation cases as needed.
• Conducts code inspections as required.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

• May perform after-hours inspection/investigation of buildings where fires and structural failures or damage have occurred.
• May cross-train in related areas, as needed or assigned.
• May represent the department on various organizational committees.
• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education such as college.

• High School Diploma or GED AND at least 3 years of experience and general knowledge in at least one of the following areas: building construction; building construction conceptual and administrative processes; building, fire or housing inspections; plumbing, electrical or mechanical trades; or fire protection, elevator or property maintenance work.
• OR An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above that would confer equivalent knowledge and ability. (13VAC5-63-50, Code of Virginia).

• Within 18 months of start date, must obtain certification per the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, (Virginia Certification Standards).
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.

• General knowledge of building construction, materials and methods.
• Knowledge of Virginia construction codes and related laws and City ordinances.
• Knowledge of typical stages of construction to help advert possible violations and defects.
• Working knowledge of poor workmanship, deficiencies, inferior materials, and hazards of fire and structural failures in buildings.
• Working knowledge of building construction, housing inspections, electrical, elevators, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing, and/or property maintenance.

• Intermediate: ability to read and understand written materials such as newspapers, magazines, multi-step instruction manuals, reference materials, and building code materials.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications of ordinary complexity in timely manner and accurately compare them with construction in process.

• Intermediate: ability to organize data and write clear and concise reports, prepare materials such as business letters, explanations, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

• Intermediate: ability to deal with number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement.

• Intermediate: Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, officials, agencies, businesses, and the public. Provides and receives standard to complex information. May include interactions that involve stressful, negative situations requiring significant tact and the ability to diffuse aggressive behavior and reach consensus. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and understanding.

• Requires General Direction: normally performs the job by following general instructions or established standard operating procedures and/or policies. There is some discretion when making decisions among a few easily identifiable choices of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance is reviewed frequently.

• Skilled: comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Skill in the use of Microsoft office applications and department software.

• No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities.

• No supervisory responsibilities. May assist helpers, co-workers, contractors, seasonal employees, interns or temps.

• Organization and time management skills, sometimes under strict time constraints.
• Working closely with others as part of a team.
• Tedious or exacting work.
• Performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Frequent change of tasks.
• Constant interruptions and requests for service.
• May require emergency response.
• May be required to work additional hours outside of normal schedule.
• May be required to work a non-traditional work schedule.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.

Physical Demands:

• Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.