Building Inspector

Building Inspector

The purpose of this classification is to perform specialized work functions associated with inspection of buildings and related systems to ensure compliance with applicable building codes.

Essential functions include administering and enforcing the provisions of applicable federal, state and local building codes; performing site inspections of construction work, buildings, and related systems for conformance with applicable codes; inspecting electrical systems, heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing systems, foundations, and framing of all new construction and remodeling projects; approving/rejecting construction work during progressive stages of construction through final inspection;

providing information concerning requirements of building codes and construction standards; conducting scheduled and random inspections; preparing inspection reports and maintaining accurate records of inspection activities; coordinating inspection activities with owners, contractors, other inspectors, or other individuals; reviewing/interpreting blueprints, architectural drawings, construction plans and specifications; preparing or completing various forms, reports, correspondence, inspection reports, dilapidated housing reports, or other documents; receiving various forms, reports, correspondence, inspection requests, permit issuance reports, architectural drawings, blueprints, construction plans, ordinances, code books, maps, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation;

reviewing, completing, processing, forwarding or retaining as appropriate; operating a motor vehicle, personal computer, measuring devices, circuit tester, general office equipment, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, Internet, or other computer applications; communicating with supervisor, employees, other departments, city officials, building officials, contractors, architects, engineers, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems;

maintaining a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations; maintaining an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reading professional literature; maintaining professional affiliations; attending workshops and training sessions as appropriate; conducting hurricane damage estimates to submit to FEMA; assisting with incoming phone calls; directing calls to correct personnel; and performing other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities include knowledge of basic arithmetic operations; skill in operating, maneuvering and/or controlling the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions; ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data; ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations; ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information;

ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives; and ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

Minimum qualifications include education and experience: high school diploma (or equivalent); supplemented by vocational/technical training or certification(s) in building mechanical systems, building construction, or building inspection; supplemented by six (6) years previous experience and/or training that includes building inspection, building mechanical systems, or building construction; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Licenses or certifications: valid State of Alabama driver's license. Possess or maintain residential or commercial inspector certification with six (6) months of hire.

Physical demands include exerting up to 20 pounds of force. Work requires ability to exert very moderate physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing stairs, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight. Work includes exposure to extreme heat in areas such as attics, crawl spaces, and basements.

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Work environment includes performance of essential…