Under general direction of the Building Official, performs combination inspections of residential, commercial and industrial buildings and structures of all types in the process of construction, alteration, or repair 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.

Essential job functions & responsibilities

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

Inspects building 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.
Observes conditions and enforces department regulations, City ordinances, building codes, approved plans, specifications, and standards during and after construction.
Investigates violation complaints of building codes, and recommends compliance procedures to contractors, engineers, architects, owners, and the public.
Explains code violations to contractors and citizens to ensure corrections are completed in compliance with City ordinances and building codes.
Issues "Notice of Violation" and/or "Stop Work" orders to persons responsible for code compliances upon obtaining evidence of uncorrected violations; prepares uncorrected violation reports.
Inspects building sites for proper zoning and setback, and posts building inspection results for permit records.
If Plan Review is being performed, processes requests for and issues building, improvements, and expansion permits as appropriate to citizens and businesses.
If Plan Review is being performed, receives and reviews architectural drawings, building plans, soil erosion plans, and related information necessary for code compliance determinations.
Confers with architects, owners, engineers, contractors and general public on all City and State ordinances and current building code requirements.
Observes safety practices and advises responsible party at any construction site where safety violations are observed.
Maintains a variety of files and records related to areas of assignment including permit binders, records of inspections made and actions taken, and plans; inputs and retrieves information into computer databases; prepares reports, correspondence, and a variety of other written materials as requested.
Performs routine prevention maintenance to the assigned department vehicle.
Coordinates sanitary systems with Fulton County, life safety codes with City Fire Marshal; coordinates meter approvals with utility companies.
Prepares monthly construction reports and nuisance report updates for administrative and/or judicial authorities access.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Methods, materials, and progressive steps used in the construction of buildings and related structures.
Pertinent building related codes, ordinances, and regulations enforced by the City including the Uniform Building Code, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes, zoning ordinances, general land use codes, and related City codes and state mandated regulations.
Principles and techniques used in building inspection work including those used to examine the quality of work and materials and to detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.
Accepted building construction safety standards and methods.
Operational characteristics and use of standard equipment used in building inspections and the building trades.
Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.
Permit processing procedures.
Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft Office.

Ability to:

Understand, interpret, explain, and enforce provisions of applicable building, safety, and zoning codes and ordinance requirements to contractors, developers, and the general public.
Perform the full range of building inspections.
Read and interpret complex plans and specifications.
Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and to detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction methods, practices, and requirements.
Determine that construction systems conform to City code requirements.
Advise on standard construction methods and requirements.
Exercise sound and independent judgment.
Plan and organize daily work schedules and prioritize inspections.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
Maintain complete and accurate records.
Write routine reports and correspondence.
Make arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately.
Safely and effectively operate tools and equipment used in building inspection and the building trades.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications

Combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job qualifies.

High school diploma or GED equivalency.
Three years experience in construction work, inspections, and code compliances, including attainment of journeyman level experience working in a building trade.
Possession of International Code Council (ICC) Residential Combination Inspector Certification.
Minimum of one International Code Council (ICC) Certification is required in at least one of the four disciplines (plumbing, electrical, mechanical or building inspection).
Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver's license.

Physical Demands

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office and field environment. Continuous sitting, reaching below shoulder level, downward flexion of neck. Frequent walking, stationary standing, side-to-side turning of neck; transporting objects weighing up to 10 lbs. distances up to one mile; light grasp and finger press and pinch to manipulate office equipment, writing materials, and computer keyboard. Occasional bending, stooping, squatting, climbing, reaching above and at shoulder level, kneeling, pushing/pulling, twisting at waist, upward flexion of neck; lifting objects weighing up to 10 lbs. from below waist to above shoulder level; moderate handling and fine finger dexterity to manipulate equipment; power grasp to handle equipment and materials; twisting wrist to manipulate tools. Infrequent crawling, balancing above ground; lifting objects weighing 11-25 lbs. from below waist to above shoulder level and transporting distances up to one mile; lifting objects weighing 26-50 lbs. from below waist to chest level; lifting objects weighing 51-75 lbs. from below waist to waist level; transporting objects weighing 26-75 lbs. distances up to two feet; upper body strength to lift/pull own body weight up into an attic or over a fence.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to observe conditions in performing inspections and investigations, read computer screens and printed documents and operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Alpharetta and employee and is subject to modifications as the needs and requirements of the position change.

The City of Alpharetta is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Employee Manual & Benefits Handbook or bona fide occupational qualifications).

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of Alpharetta is committed to providing a safe, quality-oriented, and productive work environment consistent with the standards of the community in which it serves. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of City’s employees and to the security of the City’s equipment and facilities. For these reasons, the City is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace.

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Alpharetta will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

City of Alpharetta, GA

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