Building Inspector

All salaries posted are minimum starting rates.

Actual starting salary may be dependent on applicant qualifications and experience.

Description

The Building Inspector is responsible for practical application of the City’s adopted building codes through field inspection and plan review, under the direction and management of the Building Official. This is accomplished by carrying out all responsibilities in accordance with clearly established departmental policies & procedures, City codes and ordinances, and state and federal regulations. The building inspector Interfaces extensively with external builders, engineers, architects, developers, and sub-contractors. The building inspector frequently interfaces with City management and other City employees.

Examples of Duties

• Review residential and commercial plans for compliance with city ordinances, model codes, and state and federal requirements; compile written reports of plan reviews.
• Conduct on-site inspections, as required by city, state and local building codes in residential and nonresidential construction, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy efficiency, fuel and gas, fire, property maintenance, and existing buildings and to ensure compliance with minimum code and ordinance requirements; file written reports of each inspection.
• Receive and evaluate building plans; ensure submitted packets contain completed application forms and correct number of copies.
• Address questions from citizens, builders, sub-contractors, engineers, architects, developers, and others regarding permit requirements, code requirements, and inspection requests.
• Inspect for compliance and enforce the City's Zoning Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, and codes; communicate in writing with property owners.
• Issue permits as necessary.
• Prepare reports for Building Official and other City management/City Council as requested.
• Assist with training less experienced building inspectors and other staff, as requested by department management.
• Recommends policies and procedures.
• Participates in various boards and commissions as needed.
• Provide support to the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies and priorities as assigned.
• Establishes, within city policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; allocates resources accordingly.
• Participates in brainstorming and professional group meetings and sessions with senior staff on issues that may be outside area of direct responsibility.
• Maintains certifications and participates in continuing education programs.
• Demonstrates continuous effort in order to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly.
• Communicates orally with official, administrators, co-workers, and the public in a variety of settings.
• Assists permitting in handling customer service questions on building permits and issues permits work with the city’s Fire Marshal on code compliance in plan review and inspections.
• Works with third-party city Inspection Company on plan review and inspections as needed.
• Performs mathematical calculations using algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Follows all safety practices and procedures.
• Remains abreast with state and federal legislation and local code amendments and revisions; makes amends, as necessary, local codes and ordinances to reflect such.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent
Required Qualifications:
Valid State of Texas Class “C” driver's license.

• State Plumbing Inspector License,
• ICC Residential Combination Inspector Certificate
• ICC Commercial Building Inspector Certificate encouraged. Or:
• 1-3 years of related municipal experience or 5 years of experience in general construction field with any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.
• Able to obtain within the first 6 months through the International Code Council (ICC) the following certifications.
• Residential Building Inspector
• Residential Plumbing Inspector
• Able to obtain within one year through the International Code Council (ICC) the following certifications,
• Residential Electrical Inspector
• Residential Energy Inspector
• Residential Mechanical Inspector
• Must obtain a certification as a Plumbing Inspector by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners within 18 months.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of construction code and zoning ordinances applicable to residential and nonresidential; construction and associated rules, regulations, and standards; materials and methods used in the residential and nonresidential construction including carpentry, masonry, plumbing, mechanical and electrical; stages of construction when possible violations and defects may easily be observed and corrected; and mathematical principles required to perform related technical calculations.
• Ability to establish and maintain professionally effective relationships with external public, vendors, internal management and non-management employees, and City and other government officials.
• Good communication (verbal and written) skills; ability to effectively communicate technical information to varying audiences.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills, with ability to considerable attention to detail.
• Ability to operate assigned City vehicles in accordance with safe and effective practices.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, statues, and regulations.
• Skill in the use of small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.
• Skill in using computers for data entry.
• Skill in using computers for word processing and/or accounting purposes.
• Ability to work calmly in stressful situations.
• Ability to interpret building plans, sketches, specifications and drawings.
• Ability to handle difficult people with tact and diplomacy and dignity.