Building Inspector

Job Summary

Employees in this classification work under the general supervision of the Chief Building Official. Work involves assisting with the inspection of residential and commercial construction and the enforcement of applicable City‑adopted and State‑adopted building, plumbing, mechanical, gas, electrical, fire, housing, and related codes and ordinances.

Examples of work performed include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inspect residential and commercial construction for compliance with adopted building, plumbing, mechanical, gas, housing, and related codes and ordinances.
• Reviews construction activity for compliance with approved plans, permits, and applicable code requirements.
• Enforces the City’s housing codes for conformance with minimum standards, including structural safety, sanitation, fire and life safety, deterioration, demolition, occupancy, and the use of buildings and grounds.
• Investigates complaints related to building, construction, housing, and code violations.
• Interprets and explains applicable codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures to contractors, property owners, tenants, design professionals, and the public.
• Contacts property owners, contractors, and/or tenants regarding code violations, required corrections, and compliance procedures.
• Inspects applicable fire‑and‑life‑safety components related to building code compliance, including buildings and structures protected by fire sprinkler systems, as applicable.
• Coordinates with the appropriate inspector or official regarding electrical code issues, as needed.
• Uses building permitting software, inspection software, GIS, and related technology to schedule inspections, review property and permit information, document inspection results, upload photographs, maintain records, and communicate inspection status.
• Assists in the preparation and review of proposed code changes, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains inspection records, prepares reports, documents violations, and tracks compliance activity.
• Operates a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties.
• Performs related work as required.

• Knowledge of state and local building codes, plumbing codes, mechanical codes, housing codes, zoning ordinances, and related regulations governing the construction, alteration, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings.
• Knowledge of basic building construction methods, materials, and practices, including plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems.
• Knowledge of the geographic area of the City of Cookeville.
• Knowledge of business English, basic mathematics, recordkeeping, and report preparation.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret construction plans, specifications, and blueprints.
• Ability to determine facts through personal contact, observation, inspection, investigation, and review of records.
• Ability to explain and interpret applicable laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, and procedures clearly and accurately.
• Ability to enforce rules and regulations firmly, tactfully, consistently, and impartially.
• Ability to use computers, tablets, building permitting software, inspection software, GIS, and related technology to research property information, document and manage inspections, maintain records, and prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare operational reports.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, property owners, tenants, the public, supervisors, and other employees.

High school diploma or equivalent and a valid Tennessee driver’s license are required. A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in building construction, building inspections, code enforcement, or a closely related field is required. Must possess a Residential Building Inspector Certification from the International Code Council within six months of employment. Must obtain Residential Plumbing Inspector Certification and Residential Mechanical Inspector Certification…