Under general supervision, performs technical work enforcing State and local building codes in the areas of building, electrical systems, mechanical systems, or plumbing systems. Work involves interpreting and reviewing construction plans and specifications, electrical installation projects, mechanical installation projects, or plumbing systems. Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgment in performing inspections. Employee must also exercise considerable tact, courtesy and firmness in frequent contact with property owners, developers, contractors and the general public. Building Inspector I must possess a certification or ability to obtain a certification in one of the four areas with 3 years of employment. This classification is differentiated from Building Inspectors II and III by the number of certifications an employee possesses. Reports to the Building Official.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
Operates City equipment including vehicles, trucks, phones, and computers.

Confers with contractors, architects, engineers and others regarding inspection requests, building codes, installation plans, inspection results, etc.

Enters inspection data into hand-held computer terminal; prepares required reports.

Plans daily inspection route; coordinates inspection schedule with other inspectors.

Reads and refers to various code manuals.

Maintains on-call status for emergencies as designated by his/her supervisor.

Investigates complaints of reported existing hazardous conditions; interviews complainants, owners, and operators of allegedly polluting equipment and facilities; and, when necessary, requests or orders corrections.

Maintains and files all necessary forms, records and reports on inspections.

Attends training classes and seminars to gain a better understanding of code related issues and knowledge; studies for tests for certifications.

Interprets and reviews construction plans and specifications to ensure compliance with building codes; writes violation notices for noncompliance with codes.

Confers with other inspectors on questions of departmental policies and other inspection problems.

Answers telephone and greets visitors; receives inquiries and provides information pertaining to inspections and construction permits, or refers caller to proper person.

Maintains training and certifications issued by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Training and Certification Office; attends training classes and seminars as needed and required.

Makes copies of documents; maintains City vehicle as needed.

May conduct inspections of the installation of electrical systems and related equipment to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code; conducts other building inspections as needed.

May call local electric utility company as needed.

May conduct field inspections for structural construction of buildings. Conducts fire damage inspections; checks fire systems to ensure code compliance. Conducts other inspections as needed.

May review data on new construction materials.

May assist the Department of Planning and Community Development service technicians concerning scheduling inspections, greeting visitors, issuing permits, and answering telephones.

May conduct C.O. inspections with the Fire Marshall. Inspects mobile homes and industrial units to ensure compliance with USBC.

May review construction plans and specifications, and inspects new installations, alterations and repairs of mechanical (H.V.A.C.) equipment, ordering changes as necessary, so as to enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code governing minimum standards and requirements of new installations, alterations, repairs and materials used.

May inspect plumbing installation projects so as to enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code governing minimum standards and requirements of new installations, alterations, repairs and materials used.

May inspect plumbing projects to ensure compliance with approved plans and construction and safety practices; examines facilities for quality of design, materials and workmanship.

May review plumbing installation plans and instructs or advises contractors, property owners, developers, etc., as necessary.

Performs other related duties as required.

Graduation from high school or equivalent and 3 years of experience in trade; Virginia Tradesman License preferred or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid driver's license.

An inspector shall be certified in one of the appropriate Residential or Commercial certifications within 18 months of hiring date. Inspector will be required to be fully Certified as a Residential and Commercial Inspector within 3 years from the date of hire as determined by the Virginia Construction Code Chapter 105, Section 105.2.2.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of the methods and practices involved in inspecting building systems and related equipment.
Knowledge of State and local ordinances and codes relating to the installation, maintenance and repair of structures and their associated equipment systems, including the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
Knowledge of possible defects and faults in the installation of building equipment and effective corrective measures.
Knowledge of City geography.
Ability to detect and locate defects in structures and their associated equipment systems, and to recommend or order remedial measures.
Ability to interpret blueprints, diagrams, specifications, codes and building regulations.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in the application of standards to a variety of work standards.
Ability to deal tactfully and firmly with contractors, property owners and the general public.
Ability to physically maneuver on scaffolds, structural members and in cramped quarters to accomplish thorough inspections. Is able to effectively express ideas orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain 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 of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments and/or directions from supervisors.
Ability to read a variety of correspondence and reports, permits, architectural drawings, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, construction, and engineering schematics and drawings, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence and reports, forms, permits, activity logs, etc., using prescribed format.
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form.
Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to use and interpret building codes, mechanical and electrical terminology and language used within the department.
Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract totals; to multiply and divide; to determine percentages and decimals; and to utilize basic systems of algebra and geometry. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, and ratio and proportion.
Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape.

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including an automobile, computer, calculator, telephone, two-way radio, etc. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of 50 to 100 pounds. Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using machinery and equipment; to operate motor vehicles. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color. Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal levels of stress when confronted with an emergency. Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

City of Suffolk

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Building Inspector I - Building