Building Inspector Apprentice

The primary objective of this position is to perform professional and technical work in the review, evaluation and approval of building plans. This position provides customer service to residential property owners and construction contractors applying for building permits. This position will also conduct inspections on new and existing buildings to ensure construction meets existing building codes, laws, and city ordinances. This position will evaluate alternate methods and materials.

This is a temporary 12-month position and will be eligible for City benefits

• Provides consultation on new construction and remodeling building plans for residential properties to ensure compliance with current Minnesota State Building Code, fire codes, zoning and related codes or standards; interprets and explains code provisions and restrictions in a fair manner.
• Evaluates construction alternatives for equivalency to the requirements of the building codes and standards, and performs research of new technology, materials, methods, and products.
• Performs construction related inspections including, but not limited to, areas of plumbing, mechanical systems, structural elements, fire rated assemblies, handicap accessibility, radon and energy conservation.
• Evaluates permit applications and conducts plan reviews to ensure all necessary materials are submitted, that they comply with codes and ordinances, and that they are processed in an organized and timely fashion.
• Interfaces with other City Departments (e.g., Fire Marshal, Engineering, Planning), outside contractors and State officials throughout the construction process.
• Responds to residential property owners’ inquiries on building permit process; creates and updates information made available to the public.
• Coordinates with the Engineering department to ensure that site grading issues are planned and developed in a code-consistent manner.
• Responds to citizen calls and complaints and makes inspections to protect the health and safety of occupants.
• Interprets codes and ordinances upon request by interested parties to ensure a clear understanding and compliance with regulations
• Assists the Fire Marshal in assuring housing code compliance of all residential dwellings.
• Documents plan reviews and inspections in the permitting software
• Maintain a current knowledge of new codes and changes to existing codes to ensure a thorough understanding of the building industry and effective administration of codes.
• Performs all other related duties as requested or assigned.

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• 1-3 years construction-related work experience
• Valid Minnesota driver’s license
• Minnesota State Building Official Limited certification or ability to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.

• Professional and appropriate responsiveness when interacting with the public preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Excel spreadsheets) preferred.

• Computer
• Handheld testing devices or measurement tools (e.g., gauges)
• Systems such as Blue Beam and other permitting software

• Significant attention to detail
• Verbal and written communications interpreting building code language and effectively addressing customer concerns

• Sitting/standing at computer for extended periods of time
• Varying and some prolonged periods of riding, standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, climbing while at construction sites

• Office environment
• Visits to various residential and business sites, exposure to confines of buildings
• Driving to and from field sites and office
• Outside exposure to various weather elements