Spotsylvania County is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace. Employees are prohibited from manufacturing, distributing, possessing or using controlled substances such as marijuana. A positive drug test result, confirmed use or impairment can be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination in accordance with our personnel policies.
A positive pre-employment drug test will also disqualify a candidate for hire.
General Statement of Job
Under general supervision, responds to complaints of possible violations; performs inspections and determines compliance with applicable code, standards and ordinances; identifies violations; prepares written report of findings and identifies needed corrective actions. Work involves researching and responding to a wide range of complaints, to include investigation of possible building code violations, overcrowding, and unsafe structures. Conducts field inspections of commercial and residential establishments and construction projects to ensure compliance with State, Federal and County Codes and ordinances.
Special Duties & Responsibilities
- Receives, evaluates and prioritizes violation complaints
- Investigates complaints and conducts inspection of identified site that may include commercial and/or residential buildings, and construction projects
- Identifies compliance or violation with applicable Codes and ordinances to include Building Code, Fire Code and other local, State and/or Federal standards.
- Prepares reports of inspection findings and/or violations; and recommends corrective action when necessary. Issues notice to comply, notice of violation, and other corrective orders.
- Required to be a sworn officer of the court.
- Keeps track of violation cases using computer based software program and testifies in court.
- Provides information, interpretation and explanation to contractors, architects, engineers, attorneys, property owners and the general public upon request; communicates tactfully, firmly, and effectively in order to achieve compliance with state and local codes.
- Provides technical assistance for residential plans review, and inspections, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable building codes.
- Prepares, maintains and provides monthly records of all violations.
- Communicates with and assists Department of Professional Occupation and Regulation Investigators.
- Investigates, maintains and updates records for existing building files and Freedom of Information requests.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Training & Experience
High school graduate or equivalent supplemented by three years of technical experience and general knowledge in building construction industry; and 3 - 5 years of experience performing inspections of buildings and construction projects for the purpose of ensuring compliance; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Requires State certification for Combination Residential Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, and Property Maintenance Inspector.
Special Requirements
- Knowledge of the policies, procedures, techniques, standards, codes, and ordinances of inspecting buildings, and construction projects
- Knowledge of the policies and procedures of the Code Compliance programs and department.
- Knowledge of the geographic layout of the County.
- Ability to use a variety of office machines including a computer, calculator, copier and facsimile.
- Ability to inspect buildings, construction projects and structures and determine compliance with applicable Codes, ordinances and standards.
- Ability to prepare reports of inspection findings, violations and recommendations.
- Ability to identify noncompliance and prepare letters which explain findings and compliance issues.
- Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions; and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to exercise tact, courtesy and firmness in contacts with County personnel, citizens, etc.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
- Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
- Ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions from immediate supervisor.
- Ability to read State and County Code, Building Code, Zoning Ordinance, Erosion and Sediment Control standards, building plans, reference guides, program manuals, policies and procedures. Ability to prepare letters and correspondence regarding compliance, inspection records, program reports, and related documents using proper format.
- Ability to apply rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral diagrammatic or schedule form.
- Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively using building code, and construction terminology.
- Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract totals; to multiply and divide; to determine percentages and decimals; to compute interest and ratios.
- Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instruction. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate levels of stress.
