Building Inspector

Job Description

PRIMARY

PURPOSE:

Responsible for the enforcement of the 780

CMR MA State Building Code, the City of Newton Zoning Code, and local government building, zoning, occupancy, safety, fire, maintenance codes, municipal ordinances and other regulations regarding public safety, health and welfare; for conducting assigned building and facility site inspections for conformance to and violations of accepted regulations. Working hours are 8:00am – 5:00pm – Monday through Friday.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

Conducts assigned structural, mechanical and other building and facility inspections for conformance to established 780

CMR MA State Building Code and local ordinances and codes. Ensures zoning, private, commercial, industrial property maintenance, occupancy and appearance codes are adhered to.

Makes periodic field site inspections at assigned commercial and industrial locations, new home construction or existing building alterations.

Assists in construction and alteration plan reviews and examinations; permit application reviews; field examinations and inspections for conformance to accepted plans. Interprets and enforces codes, statutes and ordinances. Notes variances, special permits, violations and follows up accordingly.

May evaluate soils, materials and other tests.

Assists in informing the public and contractors on code, permit and licensing requirements and compliance and in issuing approved permits, certificates of use and occupancy, inspections.

Respond to inquiries from engineers, architects, contractors, the public and staff; and follows up and documents received complaints and violations of regulations.

Attends and participates in staff, department or other meetings, hearings. Serves on assigned committees, task forces, commissions.

Maintains required contacts to keep abreast of developments within field or areas of interest, liaison with community and other groups.

Follows and adheres to department, City, State or other governmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Strong customer services skills and multi‑tasking are essential. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in the examination of plans associated with the construction and alteration of buildings and structures. Knowledge of clerical practices, office procedures and the operation of office equipment such as personal computers and computer software, data processing and/or word processing.

Must be Massachusetts State certified as Local Inspector, if not must be capable of acquiring such within twelve months of employment. Prefer licensed building inspector.

Must have a demonstrated ability to supervise and direct personnel under their management.

Must have an in-depth and working knowledge of all ICC and Massachusetts Building Codes and a working knowledge of plumbing, gas, mechanical and electrical codes.

Must have the ability to interpret and apply the Newton Zoning Ordinance.

Must have a working knowledge of Massachusetts State Law 40A the Zoning Act, as pertains to enforcement and legal/court matters.

Must show a personal commitment to educational advancement in the areas of policy, research, and negotiations.

Must have excellent interpersonal skills, communications skills, and negotiation skills. Must be able to effectively communicate in writing. Must be able to introduce, advocate, and implement changes to office procedure to effectuate necessary changes.

Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities under various levels of urgency. Adaptability and flexibility are essential. Excellent verbal communication skills. Tact and diplomacy are required at all times.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written or oral instructions. Ability and…