ACE

BUILDING INSPECTOR I/II

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.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under regular supervision (Building Inspector I) or general supervision (Building Inspector II), inspects building construction or alteration work for compliance with the provisions of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and zoning codes; assists the public at the permit counter and over the telephone regarding the interpretation of Building Codes and Ordinances; and provides plan check services for minor projects.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Building Inspector I – This is the entry level class in the Building Inspector series. Positions in this class have prior experience in construction inspection or general construction experience and a working knowledge of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and Title-24 accessibility and energy requirements. This level is not expected to function with the same amount of work knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Building Inspector II level. Building Inspector I’ s exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Incumbents in this class are expected to learn the counter, office and field operations of the division under the direction of a Development Tech for counter activities and a Building Inspector II or Senior Building Inspector for field operations. Incumbents initially appointed to Building Inspector I level may progress to Building Inspector II after successfully completing one year (12 months) as a Building Inspector I with the City of Escondido, and achieving the qualifications and department requirements established for progression.

Building Inspector II – This is the journey level class in the Building Inspector series. Positions at this level require construction inspection experience or construction experience as a journeyman, including a thorough knowledge of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and Title-24 accessibility and energy requirements. Positions at this level require demonstrated ability to perform responsible building inspections and plan checks. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Building Inspector II level are normally filled by advancement from the Building Inspector I level. Positions at this level require one year of experience comparable to a Building Inspector I with the City of Escondido, or two years of experience in construction inspection or construction experience as a journeyman. Possess Certification as a Building or Combination Inspector from the International Code Conference or similarly recognized organization.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

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.

• Inspects buildings and similar structures that are being constructed, altered, moved or demolished to verify that work being done complies with provisions of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and related codes, ordinances and State and Federal construction regulations, and are in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
• Provides plan check services for compliance with the above codes for minor projects, including but not limited to, residential additions and accessory structures and commercial/industrial tenant improvements.
• Maintains log books and issues permits when assigned to counter duties.
• Computes fees and issues Building Permits and other related permits.
• Assists builders, contractors, architects, artisans and the public in the clarification and interpretation of codes and ordinances.
• Verifies that tests of structural materials have been conducted and recorded.
• Inspects the quality of materials and methods of construction for footing, foundation, excavation, wood framing, concrete work, steel erection, lathing, plastering, roofing, masonry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical installation.
• Keeps a log of inspections made on active permits and action taken. Approves or indicates corrective action.
• Checks for construction or alterations being performed without proper permits.
• Follows up on complaints made by the public regarding improper building or structural construction.
• Observes safety practices and advises responsible party at any construction site where safety violations are observed.
• Drives a City vehicle when major assignment is field work.
• Testifies in court concerning code regulations.
• May assist in code enforcement, housing and building maintenance construction projects.
• May be assigned to perform counter plan checks and assist customers with permits.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

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:

• Principles, practices and techniques of building inspection.
• Requirements of the building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and related codes and ordinances.
• California vehicular laws.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word
• processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Algebraic and arithmetic computations.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Principles and practices of customer service.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply the detailed provisions of building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical and related codes and ordinance.
• Keep abreast of the latest editions and changes of all codes enforced by the Building Division.
• Read and understand complex instructions such as regulatory policies.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Understand and interpret building plans and specifications; make inspections and detect deviations from approved plans and specifications.
• Detect substandard materials and workmanship.
• Keep records and make reports.
• Prepare clear, concise instructions, reports and correspondence.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public; tactfully and courteously represent the Community Development Department during public contacts.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
• 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:

Building Inspector I/II

Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Certificate from or enrollment in a Construction Inspection Program from a Community College or university is desirable.

Building Inspector I

Experience: One year of experience in construction inspection or general construction experience.

Building Inspector II

Experience: Two years of experience in construction inspection or construction experience as a journeyman, or one year of experience as a Building Inspector I with the City of Escondido.

License and Other Requirements

Building Inspector I: Certification by the International Code Conference or similarly recognized organization as a Combination Inspector or Building Inspector is required within two years of employment. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

Building Inspector II: Possession of Combination Inspector or Building Inspector certification is required. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

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: Exposure to extreme heat and humidity working outdoors; temperature swings from indoor air-conditioning to outdoors, extreme noise and dust from construction equipment and hand tools at sites; mechanical and radiation hazards at industrial and construction sites; electrical hazards of electrical wiring; explosive hazards; fumes and odors of gases and exhaust; dust of household, storage spaces and environment; toxic chemicals and waste. Work schedule is 80 hour work periods with unscheduled breaks and lunch periods. Overtime may occasionally be required based on workload. Work is performed both in the office and in the field at various residential, commercial, and public buildings, as well as vacant land. Work setting is informal, autonomy-oriented, having variable tasks. Work is frequently fast-paced with high pressure.

Physical: Field and standard office setting. FREQUENT sitting to drive a vehicle with twisting and turning at shoulders and waist to enter and exit a vehicle. FREQUENT walking, standing, bending and stooping, twisting at waist, upward, downward and side-to-side turning of neck to perform inspections and work in confined spaces; light grasp and finger press and pinch to manipulate writing materials and measuring equipment. OCCASIONAL squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching at shoulder level, balancing above ground, and pushing and pulling; lifting and transporting objects weighing up to 25 lbs. distances up to 50 yards; light finger press to manipulate writing tools, fine finger dexterity, power grasp, and twisting wrist to manipulate equipment, materials, and tools.

Communication: VISION may be correctible to see in the normal visual range; vision sufficient to observe conditions in performing inspections, documentation, operating equipment, and driving. HEARING in the normal audio range with or without correction. SPEAKING to communicate with citizens in person and by telephone. WRITING or other method of recording field notes of inspection observations and activities. READING of documents, codes, regulations and ordinances, training materials, and construction plans.

Date: August 2006
Revised by MH/Department