Description

Under the general supervision of the Chief Building Official, the Building Inspector / Code Enforcement position performs professional and technical work related to building inspections, plan review, and code enforcement to ensure compliance with the Minnesota State Building Code and applicable local ordinances. The position exercises independent judgment in the application and interpretation of codes and ordinances and provides technical assistance to contractors, property owners, and the public.

Examples of Duties

Building Inspection Duties

Review building permit applications and construction plans for compliance with the Minnesota State Building Code and applicable local ordinances.
Conduct inspections of residential projects to verify compliance with approved plans, codes, and regulations.
Identify code deficiencies, issue correction notices, and conduct follow-up inspections to verify compliance.
Interpret and apply state and local codes, ordinances, and policies; provide guidance and clarification to contractors and property owners.
Investigate building code complaints and take appropriate enforcement actions in accordance with established procedures.
Flag construction projects that have been started without a required permit and coordinate the issuance of “stop work” orders with the Chief Building Official.
Maintain accurate and complete records of inspections, permits, and enforcement actions using the City’s electronic permitting and recordkeeping system.
Provide coverage at the service counter and by phone with assisting with intake and/or issuing of permits, scheduling inspections, and responding to inquiries from residents, contractors, and developers as needed.

Code Enforcement Support:

Assist the Code Enforcement Officer in investigating complaints related to nuisance buildings that require exterior and/or interior inspections by a trained building inspector.
Support the City’s proactive code enforcement program while out in the field. Drop off door hangars at properties that violate certain ordinances related to safety and curb appeal. Monitor these properties to confirm that the code violation is resolved and notify the Code Enforcement Officer if a violation cannot be resolved via the door hangar program.
Assist the City Clerk in investigating code enforcement complaints related to the structural integrity and habitability of rental properties.
Assist the City Clerk in interpreting rental inspection reports submitted by third-party licensed housing evaluators if there are code issues that require guidance.
Provide occasional backup to the Code Enforcement Officer and Planning Manager by investigating miscellaneous code violation complaints and assisting with office tasks related to the administrative citation and nuisance abatement programs.

Communication and Coordination:

Meet with property owners, tenants, contractors, and complainants to discuss code requirements, compliance options, and timelines.
Prepare written notices, reports, and correspondence related to inspections and enforcement activities.
Collaborate with other City departments and outside agencies to coordinate inspections and resolve compliance issues.
Be an active participant on the Problem Property Team to address nuisance properties.

Other Duties:

Assist in the development and revision of departmental forms, procedures, and informational materials.
Attend required training and continuing education to maintain required professional licensure and/or certifications.
Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the scope and level of the position.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent.
Three to five years of experience in building construction, inspection, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of, or eligibility for, licensure as Building Official-Limited License from the State of Minnesota, with ability to obtain required licensure within twelve months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Building Official-Limited (BO-L) license.
International Code Council (ICC) certification.
Experience working in a municipal or governmental setting.
Experience with municipal zoning and land use regulations.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the Minnesota State Building Code and related plumbing, and mechanical, and property maintenance codes.
Knowledge of construction methods, materials, and structural principles.
Ability to interpret and apply codes, ordinances, and regulations with consistency and sound judgment.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city personnel, contractors, property owners, and the public.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear reports and correspondence.

Conditions of Employment

Possession of a valid Driver’s License or ability to obtain one by hire date.
Possession of BO-L license or ability to obtain within 12-months of hire.
Employment is contingent upon a conditional offer and successful completion of a background check and pre-employment work physical.
Compliance with City policies, procedures, and work rules.
Employment with the City of South St. Paul is at-will, unless otherwise governed by collective bargaining agreement or applicable law.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position requires the employee to work independently, collaboratively, and in public settings. The work typically involves standing, walking, speaking, or hearing, with minimal physical exertion. The position frequently requires sitting, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching with hands and arms, as well as the use of a computer and associated equipment involving repetitive use of fingers, hands, and wrists. Occasionally, the position may require pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, climbing, and crawling. Standard vision requirements apply. Vocal communication is necessary for expressing and exchanging ideas verbally, and hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor settings and may expose the employee to environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, humidity, noise, and hazardous materials.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of South St. Paul is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Notice

The duties listed herein are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment of the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of South St. Paul provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes:

Health Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Dental Insurance
Group Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)
Paid Holidays
Vacation Leave
Personal Leave
Sick/Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) Leave

Additionally, employees have access to a variety of voluntary benefit options, including:

Deferred Compensation Plans
Vision Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance
Accident Insurance
Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Short-Term Disability Insurance

This benefits package is designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees.

City of South St. Paul

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Building Inspector/Code Enforcement