Building Inspection: Building Inspector

Building Inspector

Salary: $47,065.20 yearly

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits: Vigo County offers to full-time employees competitive benefit plans. These include medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid holidays, flexible spending account plans, 457 plans, life insurance and others.

Description

Incumbent serves as Building Inspector for Vigo County Building Inspection Department, responsible for enforcing local, state, and federal building and occupancy codes.

Examples Of Duties

Reviews construction blueprints/plans, conducts on-site inspections before, during and after construction to determine compliance with applicable codes and standards, and issues building and occupancy permits as appropriate.

Receives and investigates complaints of alleged violations of codes, conducting on-site inspections, issuing violation notices and discussing/negotiating resolutions. Reviews inspection violations with Building Commissioner and discusses possible legal action or halting of construction for unresolved violations. Reports unregistered contractors and issues "stop work orders" as appropriate.

Patrols areas, and inspects structures for safety and habitability and condemns unsafe structures. Inspects demolition sites of condemned buildings to ensure completion of destruction.

Maintains accurate records, enters data in computer, and prepares and submits various reports as required. Interprets building codes and disseminates information orally and in writing to construction contractors and the public as requested.

Maintains current knowledge of applicable federal, state, and county codes by regularly reviewing codes, standards and related revisions, reading professional publications, and periodically attending classes and seminars.

Supervises assigned staff in absence of Building Commissioner.

Receives telephone calls and responds to inquiries regarding permits and code requirements.

Attends state and local meetings, and attends, hosts, and provides code information at seminars, including contributing various information at Advisory Board meetings.

Responds to emergencies on 24-hour basis.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Associates degree in related field, with current knowledge of Indiana Building codes and plumbing codes.

Must be at least 21 years of age.

Ability to meet all Department hiring requirements, including passage of a drug test and medical exam.

Thorough knowledge of construction principles, practices and techniques gained through extensive experience and ability to determine code compliance while reviewing plans and conducting inspections.

Thorough knowledge of and ability to explain, interpret and apply federal, state and local building codes, including Uniform Building Code, One-and Two-Family Dwelling Code and related codes regarding energy, swimming pools, handicapped accessibility, and mechanical, plumbing, HVAC and electrical trades.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare correspondence and written reports as required.

Knowledge of basic filing systems and ability to create and maintain accurate and complete Department files and records.

Ability to supervise assigned staff in absence of Building Commissioner.

Ability to properly operate standard office equipment, such as computer, calculator, and vehicle.

Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out oral and written instructions, and present findings in written or oral form.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information and records according to state requirements.

Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment. Ability to occasionally work on several tasks at the same time, often under time pressure.

Ability to apply knowledge of people and/or locations, and read and interpret detailed prints, sketches, layouts, specifications and maps.

Ability to perform complex mathematical equations and calculations. Ability to occasionally work extended hours.

Ability to occasionally respond to emergencies on 24-hour basis. Possession of a valid driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.

Supplemental Information

Incumbent's duties are broad in scope and impact, involving many variables and considerations. Incumbent uses a wide variety of state and local codes, ordinances, legal procedures and professional expertise to ensure properties are in compliance with building requirements, exercising independent judgment in interpreting precedents and applying codes to varying situations. Incumbent refers to supervisor for unusual matters, such as policy interpretations of codes.

Incumbent makes decisions regarding status of building structures, discussing unusual situations with supervisor at incumbent's discretion. Work is periodically reviewed for adherence to instructions, and guidelines, compliance with legal requirements, and compliance with department policy. Incumbent's decisions have considerable impact on builders and property owners and errors in decision could result in possible litigation against the County.

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co-workers, other County departments, and the general public for purposes of exchanging information, interpreting and explaining policies and procedures, and negotiating/resolving problems.

Incumbent reports directly to Building Commissioner. Incumbent performs majority of duties in a standard office environment and/or outdoors, involving sitting for long periods, sitting/walking at will, lifting/carrying objects weighing less than 25 pounds, crouching/kneeling, bending, reaching, driving, close/far vision, color perception, speaking clearly, handling/grasping objects, and hearing sounds/communication, exposure to inclement weather, walking on uneven terrain and slippery surfaces, working near fumes, odors, dust and dirt, and normal hazards associated with construction sites and collapsed structures. Safety precautions must be followed at all times to avoid injury to self or others. Incumbent occasionally works extended hours and responds to emergencies on 24-hour basis.