Under limited supervision from the Building Official, reviews permit plans, issues building permits, and performs inspections related to building and rental codes. Must possess necessary knowledgeable of principles and techniques of residential building construction. Maintains a cooperative working relationship with the public (property owners, contractors, design professionals, etc.) and City staff both within and outside of the department. Maintains composure with potentially confrontational situations. Possesses and uses good analytical skills when researching code questions.
The position holder must have a commitment to excellent customer service, possess excellent communication skills, be self-motivated, organized and socially adept. A shared City vehicle is provided for use by this position.
- Reviews and inspects residential construction to verify compliance with approved construction plans and building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and zoning codes and other applicable city, state and federal codes and ordinances.
- Reviews and inspects residential rental properties to verify compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code, Zoning Code and other applicable city, state and federal codes and ordinances.
- Maintain records by keeping daily reports on inspections.
- Ability to perform proper inspection techniques to examine the quality of work and materials, and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.
- General understanding of zoning, and other municipal codes.
- Performs complaint investigations regarding code violations and public nuisances.
- Ability to learn and operate permit tracking software and other common computer programs.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
- High School diploma or GED is required.
- Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in building construction or related field is required. Previous experience as a building inspector within a governmental agency is preferred.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge and abilities may be considered.
- Comprehensive knowledge of international, state, and local building codes, zoning ordinances, and construction regulations.
- Strong ability to interpret, apply, and enforce complex codes with consistency and accuracy.
- Solid understanding of modern construction methods, materials, and techniques.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to manage conflict and interact professionally in potentially adversarial situations.
- Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues, contractors, developers, and the public.
- Proficient in computer systems, including permitting and plan review software.
Required Licenses and Certifications - Valid State of Iowa Driver’s License required.
- Ability to obtain ICC Property Maintenance and Housing (64), Residential Building Inspector(B1) and Residential Electrical Inspector(E1) Certification within one year of hire and keep it current throughout employment.
Recruiting for Building Inspector; based on experience and certifications Building Inspector II may be considered. If the candidate possesses Building inspector(B5) and Electrical Inspector(E5) Certifications. Wage information can be found at the job Descriptions located below:Physical, Mental, & Environmental RequirementsPosition requires sitting, standing, walking on level, rough and slippery surfaces; reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crawling, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. Fine coordination is used when the incumbent is measuring designated areas for proper conformance. The position also requires dexterity and balance in the use of ladders and climbing up to roofs, walking on roofs, scaffolding, ceiling and floor joists and crawling under houses along with the necessity of near and far vision when comparing onsite construction conformance with the approved plans. The need to lift, push or move barriers weighing greater than 25 pounds when doing field inspection is required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works in all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb unusual heights on ladders, have close proximity to unguarded electrical power, noise and vibration producing tools/equipment as well as close proximity to moving vehicles and heavy equipment which may subject the employee to falling mechanical, electrical, traffic and other hazards.