SENIOR BUILDING INSPECTOR

Definition:

Under general direction, to supervise, evaluate, train and coordinate the work of building inspectors performing inspection work in all phases of construction, alteration, and repair for adherence to plans, specifications, and state and local codes; to perform the more difficult or problem inspections; and to perform related work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises, assigns and lays out the work of construction inspectors engaged in the inspection of residential, commercial, industrial and other buildings for conformance to Building Code and other related codes and statutes;
• Makes field inspections when difficult enforcement or public relations problems arise or as directed by the Building Official;
• Checks methods of construction and quality of materials at building sites;
• Submits reports on inspections;
• Reviews inspectors' reports and makes decisions concerning recommendations;
• Investigates and resolves complaints against inspectors involving code interpretation or professional conduct;
• Recommends changes in procedures and work methods related to enforcement of building codes;
• Trains, instructs, and evaluates inspectors in the proper procedures and techniques of inspection and the application and interpretation of Code provisions and departmental policies;
• Oversees statistical data record keeping systems;
• Recommends violations to be submitted for legal action;
• Assists in division budget preparation;
• Coordinates the automated building permit systems;
• May serve as staff in matters coming before relevant appeals boards;
• Provides plan check services for compliance with applicable codes for minor projects, including, but not limited to, residential additions and accessory structures, and commercial, industrial tenant improvements.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participates in professional organizations to maintain current knowledge of related information;
• Performs related work as required.

Supervision:

Supervision is received from the Building Official. Supervision is exercised over Building Inspectors as specified by the Building Official.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• The Building Codes and state and local laws related to building construction;
• Electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes;
• Standards of acceptable building construction, materials, procedures, and safety practices;
• Administrative regulations, adjudications and opinions relating to building inspection activities and enforcement problems;
• General legal procedures involved in prosecuting violators of the building laws;
• Principles and practices of supervision;
• Inspection methods and procedures;
• Proper methods of building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical construction;
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications;
• Principles of budgeting.

Ability to:

• Analyze, interpret and accurately check plans and specifications for compliance with code requirements;
• Prepare clear and comprehensive reports, plan correction sheets and inspection records and corrections;
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with engineers, architects, contractors, staff and the general public;
• Supervise the work of subordinate staff, including coordinating, assigning, monitoring and
  evaluating staff; hiring and training, counseling and disciplining staff; and processing grievances;
• Train subordinates on the state-of-the-art construction methods and techniques and upgrade code enforcement techniques;
• Make difficult interpretations of the Code and fair and equitable decisions where legal requirements are involved;
• Mediate differences between the department and individuals affected by the Code through conflict resolution;
• Perform algebraic functions using a calculator;
• Maintain records, logs and to prepare reports.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school or equivalent. A certificate or degree in Inspection Technology from a college or university is desirable.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience as a Building Inspector for a municipal or county building department.

License and Other Requirements

• Certification by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) as a Building or Combination Inspector.
• Must possess a valid Class C California driver's license or be able to arrange transportation for field work.

In addition to the above, essential functions of the position require the following physical, environmental and communication demands:

PHYSICAL: 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, 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL: 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.

COMMUNICATION: VISION (may be correctable) to observe conditions in performing inspections, documentation and driving. HEARING of personal and telephone conversations with citizens, alarms and warning devices. 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: 3/00
Established by RED