Building Inspector, (A262120-7), 206, Building Inspections

Conducts on-site inspections of residential buildings, commercial buildings, and other structures in the City to ensure that buildings/structures are in compliance with the City's ordinance and building codes. Reviews plans of construction, alteration, repairs or demolition to determine whether plans, workmanship, materials, and related subsystems conform with existing code requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Meets with clients and reviews plans to ensure they are in compliance with the City's ordinance and building code requirements; completes building and plumbing permit applications; performs follow-up field inspections, which includes: foundation inspections, framing inspection, and final inspection.
• Inspects designated areas to check for possible building code and City ordinance violations; conducts verbal warning of violators and performs follow-up inspections; issues citations and files with the court for noncompliance.
• Checks and reviews plans, specifications, and materials for conformance to existing codes and ordinances.
• Advises contractors, property owners, and other interested parties on matters concerning codes and ordinance compliance.
• Computes fees for buildings and plumbing permits.
• Performs site inspections to ensure that new, additions, repairs, alterations, remodelings, and demolitions on residential and commercial construction is in compliance with existing building and plumbing codes and ordinances.
• Prepares and maintains a log of all inspections and posts copy of inspection report on job site; maintains a copy for division records.
• Checks and investigates complaints concerning violations of codes and ordinances.
• Interprets and explains existing codes and ordinances enforced by the Building Development Services Department.
• Assists the Building Official in preparing for all Board of Adjustment meetings.
• Assumes additional responsibilities in the absence of the Building Official.
• Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors, and other business contacts.
• Must follow all rules of telephone courtesy in all telephone communications.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of existing ordinances, laws, and regulations governing building construction including new buildings, building additions, repairs, alterations, codes, remodeling, demolitions, and moving of structures.
• Knowledge of the materials, methods, and techniques of building construction.
• Knowledge of mathematics to compute permit fees and take measurements in the field.
• Knowledge of flood hazard and fire district areas.
• Knowledge of basic electrical and mechanical inspections.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of demolition work.
• Knowledge of building and plumbing inspections and swimming pool inspections.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read plans and specifications and to determine conformance to codes and ordinances enforced by the division.
• Ability to use computers and electronic devices necessary to complete reports and inspections.
• Ability to make decisions to determine permit compliance with established standards.
• Ability to make independent decisions in accordance with established polices and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
 Seldom

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Confined space 

Sometimes

• Office or similar indoor environment

Frequently

• Warehouse environment

Often

• Outdoor environment
• Construction site
• Vehicles

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Communicable diseases
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Seldom

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Loud noises (85 decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Sometimes

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

Often

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• National travel
• International travel

Seldom:

• Regional travel

Often

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• At least five (5) years of experience as a building inspector, engineer, architect, or superintendent/forman in charge of construction.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License.  If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

Desirable Licenses or Certifications

• International Code Council State Plumbing Inspector Certification is desirable.

Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire**

• International Code Council (ICC) Residential Building Inspector Certification must be obtained within twelve (12) months of employment**

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.