Building Inspector I - IV

Graduation from high school or equivalent and five years of experience in general construction or related fields; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Must obtain "provisional" certification as a Building Inspector by the State of Florida within three months of employment. Must obtain "Standard" certification as a Building Inspector by the State of Florida within two years of date of issuance of provisional certification. A valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy # 6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If in the past 24-month period, the record shows more than 3 moving traffic violations, and/or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position. Successful completion of a criminal history background investigation is required prior to employment.

 Position Summary: This position performs a variety of routine and complex technical work in building inspection work to insure that standard building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy conservation and other related codes and standards are being met.

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.

 

An employee assigned to this classification inspects new and existing buildings and structures to enforce conformance to County building and zoning laws and approved plans, specifications, and standards.

 

Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through reports, conferences and observation of results obtained.

 Examples of Duties: ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Exudes a positive customer service focus.

 

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including: integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.

Enforces building codes, including Standard Building Code, Standard Housing Code, Standard Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code, and local codes such as sprinkling, nuisance, clearing, grading, and filling. Issues correction notices and citations.

Performs on-site inspections of footings, foundations, framing, electrical hookups, plumbing and mechanical systems.

Examines general framing and structure of buildings to insure that corners are tied in place, that trusses are tied down and set at proper distances, that floor joists are set at right distances and proper spans, and that bridging is put up and in place, and that the general quality and grade of lumber used in construction is standard.

Performs electrical inspections examining for right size of panels, correct uses and sizes of wire, for correct number of circuits, and for correct numbers and location of switches to insure that standard codes are adhered to.

 

Performs plumbing inspections of all plumbing fixtures examining for vent size, grade and size of pipe, and examines all joints for proper sealing to insure that there are no leaks.

Observes water tests on all completed plumbing, examining for sealing and leakage.

Maintains records of building and inspection activity and completes related reports. Issues certificates and permits as appropriate.

Assists in researching problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings, building construction and code compliance. Responds to complex and sensitive building issues.

Assists in resolving complex and sensitive customer service issues, either personally, by telephone or in writing. Maintains records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions.

Assists in administering the permitting function, including application processing, fee assessment and collection, and permit issuance.

Explains, interprets and provides guidance regarding all applicable codes within area of responsibility to architects, engineers, contractors, developers and other interested parties.

Assists the Code Enforcement Board as needed, and providing required information.

Performs the duties of a Plans Examiner as needed and qualified.

Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

 

NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of standard building and general construction codes and carpentry.

Considerable knowledge in carpentry work and cement work.

Skill in applying knowledge of standard building codes, zoning and land use applications.

 

Skill in the operation of the following equipment: personal computer, including word processing and permitting software; motor vehicle; 10-key calculator; portable radio; phone; ladder or scaffolding; and tape measure.

Ability to work well with the public and with local contractors.

Ability to read and understand complicated plans and blueprints.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; talk or hear; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles; outdoor weather conditions; risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of radiation. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet, humid conditions (non-weather); extreme cold (non-weather), and extreme heat (non-weather).

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.