Job Details

Building Inspector

Under general direction, performs building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections for residential and commercial construction to ensure compliance with adopted ICC codes, building, zoning and sign ordinances.

Essential Functions

The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate competence and satisfactory performance of these duties. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Reviews residential and commercial building plans and specifications and performs on-site inspections to verify compliance with code requirements including: quality of materials and methods of construction for footings, foundations, excavations, wood framing, concrete work, steel erection, lathing, plastering, tile work, masonry, plumbing, electrical installations, zoning requirements and other construction work.
• Requires notice of correction to be made when deficiencies exist and may assist builders and owners in determining how corrections are to be made to ensure conformance with regulations.
• Enter inspection results in the field when each inspection is complete.
• Answers technical code questions and furnishes information to the public (citizens, builders, developers, architects and engineers) regarding the requirements of building codes and zoning ordinances.
• Assists with the issuance of permits for construction and determination of applicable permit fees.
• Investigates complaints, issues court citations for violations, and attends court when violations are filed.
• Interacts with citizens, builders, developers, and design professionals regarding inquiries, complaints and recommendations.
• Suggests maintenance and upgrades of codes and ordinances to the Building Official as required.
• Adheres to departmental, personnel, and safety policies and procedures.
• Informs supervisor of necessary work activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Extensive working knowledge of residential building construction including structural framing, electrical, heating/air conditioning and plumbing systems.
• Working knowledge of pertinent construction codes and ordinances, proper inspection methods, and legal procedures involving enforcement of building codes and ordinances.
• Knowledge of safety codes, related laws and ordinances and building standards.
• Knowledge of the principals and practices of code compliance programs.
• Knowledge of blueprints, layouts, construction plans, parcel maps, and zoning maps.
• Skill in identifying technical and operational problems and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
• Knowledge of the City's and Department's operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.
• Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence, and Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Ability to perform word processing and/or data entry.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
• Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English with staff, administration, and the public in both written and verbal form.
• Ability to define problems, exercise sound judgment, and address a variety of situations.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provisions of open records laws and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma/equivalent.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver's license.
• One year of experience in a skilled trade (framing, electrical, plumbing or mechanical) OR any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job
• Shall pass the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners exam for a Texas State Plumbing Inspector's license within 12 months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• A State of Texas Plumbing Inspector License
• Two (2) years of experience in municipal inspections including plumbing and construction

Physical & Work Environment

Physical and Work Environment The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description 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 or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee's supervisor or Employee Services.

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and requires walking on uneven terrain, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing stairs and ladders, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work may involve mobility over rough or difficult terrain. Work may also be performed above or below ground, to include heights over 10 feet, as well as underground crawl spaces.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.

• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting and in the field with adverse environmental conditions including inclement weather and hazardous conditions including mechanical, electrical, fumes, odors, dust/mist, chemicals and exposure to insects.