Building Safety Inspector

Highly responsible technical work in the enforcement of the local, state and federal regulations. Under the general supervision of the Chief Building Inspector, performs assigned work and enforces Unsafe Structures cases. Provides technical advice and assistance and evaluates work associated with a permit. Interprets the Florida Building Code and various local municipal, state and federal standards, policies and regulations. Coordinates work scheduled with other City trade inspectors when applicable. Conducts BTR and Vacation Rental inspections for compliance with Life Safety and applicable regulations. Investigates complaints regarding alleged code violations by assigning job check inspections and taking remedial action to when necessary. Issues and executes Notice of Violations when warranted. Ensures the Building Safety Inspections Program is being administered in accordance with BORA Policy #05-05. Performs review of legal documents, proceedings and construction plans and specifications to determine if all violations are being addressed. Performs investigative research and field inspections for conformance with the Florida Building Code and advises if a building or structure may be considered as uninhabitable or unsafe. Performs on-call emergency inspections for CSFD and CSPD agencies. Assists with the development of routine administrative guidelines and maintains the progress of all existing cases within the Centralsquare Trakit Database. Pursues additional related certifications and maintains existing certifications through mandatory continuing education programs.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Works with general public in the renewal of expired permits and processes documentation/collection for work without permits.
• Collects data and conducts field studies, inspections and on-site audits regarding suspected violations.
• Evaluates, summarizes, and documents investigative findings, which may include preparing records, correspondence, and reports.
• Determines the status of complaints and follows up on complaints and violations. Issues citations to violators and coordinates prosecution of violators when necessary to ensure compliance with City ordinances.
• Possess sound judgment in the interpretation and application of state laws, court decisions, and other legal provisions to staff.
• Assists Code Compliance personnel and the City Attorney or other designated authority in the preparation of data for prosecution of violations. Attends court, special magistrate or administrative board hearings to present testimony and evidence.
• Confers or corresponds with architects, building owners and/or contractors concerning questions involved in the inspection process.
• Participates in special projects and research activities as assigned by the Building Official.
• Patrols assigned areas in the city to identify violations and nonconformities of the Code of Ordinances and other applicable codes; takes digital images of violations.
• Answers and screens incoming calls; answers routine questions; refers calls to appropriate department/staff members; responds to e-mails.
• Investigates complaints and follows through with re-inspections to ensure compliance.
• Provides written updates and reports pertaining to complaints and other assignments.
• Issues physical and/or electronic Notices of Violation to property/business owners that fail to correct violations, nonconformities, and code deficiencies.
• Prepares cases for presentation and testifies before the Special Magistrate and/or county court.
• Reads and interprets the Code of Ordinances; provides written and oral interpretations to the general public, other departments and outside agencies.
• Maintains a variety of logs and records related to inspection and enforcement activities; prepares recommendations for amendments and additions to codes or regulations which relate to the position.
• Coordinates efforts with other City staff, as needed; responds to requests for information and provides prompt reports of findings.
• May be required to participate in forums and presentations related to code compliance.
• Attends meetings as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

High school diploma: supplemented by five (5) years’ construction experience in a structural discipline, three (3) of which must have been a supervisory capacity; or be a Florida registered Architect or Structural Engineer having practiced for at least three (3) years; or certified as a Standard (Building/Structural) Inspector by the State of Florida Building Code and Inspectors Board; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.

Note: A Bachelor or Associate of Science Degree in Engineering, Architecture or Building Construction may be credited up to (3) years for a Bachelor or (1) year for an Associate Degree toward the required (5) years construction experience.

If An Applicant Is Not a Florida Registered Architect Or a Professional Engineer, The Applicant Must Possess a Current Certificate Of Competency As a Building Or General Contractor Issued By

• Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board.
• Must have National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification (level to be determined by job classification requirements) or obtain within one year of employment.
• Must obtain Level 1 F.A.C.E certification within one year of employment.
• Must have a valid Florida driver’s license with satisfactory driving record throughout employment.
  
  

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications listed above, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions in order to perform this job successfully.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as office or meeting and training rooms, e.g., use of safe workplace practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire and building safety regulations, and traffic signals when driving.