Building Inspector

JOB SUMMARY

Under general administrative direction, performs plan reviews, building inspection activities; enforces zoning regulations; enforces building and fire codes, and health and safety codes related to the maintenance of buildings and property in the city; performs related work as required.

• Responsible for the enforcement of city building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas, and Land Use codes; makes field inspections of buildings and building construction to ensure code compliance.
• Inspects commercial and institutional buildings, as necessary, for compliance with applicable codes.
• Assists with administering zoning ordinance regulations, such as verification of proper zone prior to issuance of a permit; assists with maintenance of the comprehensive land use plan and zoning map; assists in reviewing and processing zone change requests and development proposals.
• Reviews building plans; interprets code and advises citizens, builders, contractors, etc. on related inquiries; coordinates with City Permit Clerk, Building Official, and Fire Marshal to assure timely issuance of permits, including Certificates of Occupancy.
• Provides considerable interaction with the public, including timely and effective response to citizen complaints; works with Code Enforcement to investigate complaints and inspect properties for violations of ordinances; initiates action in municipal court when necessary; attends court cases where violations have been filed.
• Collaborates with the Building Standards Commission, the Galveston County Health Department, and citizens to ensure compliance when violations are found.
• Reads, writes, and converses in English;
  Spanish as a second language is desirable; prepares correspondence, forms, and notices; writes reports and keeps records relating to departmental activities; displays good decision‑making abilities; communicates effectively, courteously, and clearly with other employees, contractors, and the public; presents information on departmental matters at public meetings when necessary; assists with preparation of departmental budget.
• Attends training, seminars, and city‑related events that may require travel, occasionally overnight; stands, walks, kneels, crouches, crawls, bends, twists, and climbs for brief periods while performing on‑site inspections; safely operates a motor vehicle; works indoors and outdoors, sometimes in extreme temperatures and inclement weather; and handles exposure to dust, odor, electrical, mechanical, and toxic hazards using proper safety precautions.

• Operates personal computer, mobile phone, scanner/copier, and various other office equipment.
• Demonstrates professional telephone skills; lifts and carries up to 50 pounds; pulls, pushes, or drags up to 100 pounds; performs routine and minor maintenance chores.
• Position is considered “Essential Personnel” and is subject to after‑hours and weekend call‑out for emergency and critical situations.

• High school graduate or equivalent; associate degree desired.
• Texas Driver’s License and good driving record.
• State certification as a Code Enforcement Officer or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• Licensed plumbing inspector by the State of Texas and hold at least two or more state licenses in mechanical, electrical, building, gas, or energy codes.

• Three years’ experience as a combination (building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, gas, and fire) inspector.
• Extensive knowledge of the International Building Codes, FEMA Flood and Texas Windstorm requirements.
• Knowledge and experience in reading and interpreting building plans and drawings; knowledge of legal procedures involving enforcement of codes and ordinances.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy; strong team player with ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, other city employees, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to work without constant supervision.

Equal Opportunity Employer