Building Inspector

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, reviews both residential and commercial plans and applications for conformance to all applicable State and City building codes; including structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire/life safety, State of California Energy Regulations and the physically disabled access laws; inspects buildings and structures to ensure construction or alteration work is being done according to approved plans and in accordance with all applicable State and City buildings codes, and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Chief Building Official.

(Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Review building plans for conformity with various building codes, ordinances, and regulations for new construction and/or changes to existing structures.
• Advise building permit applicants on methods to bring plans into conformity with applicable building code requirements; issue building permits when necessary, to include plans meeting code requirements when plans are required.
• Perform on-site inspections of projects during various stages of construction; including, new construction, room additions, alterations, repairs, and code enforcement.
• Ensure that projects conform to approved plans and comply with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Investigate complaints of building violations or hazards; inspect existing structures under hazardous conditions; notify owners of code deficiencies, issue notices for corrections, stop-work orders, and citations.
• Issue stop-work orders in situations of deliberate or negligent non-compliance.
• Assist with code enforcement; including investigating code violation complaints and writing administrative citations.
• Conduct real property inspections.
• Issue certificates of occupancy.
• Respond to questions and supply information to contractors, design professionals, and property owners relative to restrictions, municipal ordinances, and building codes.
• Meet with architects, developers, contractors, builders, and the general public on building code enforcement issues; research, interpret, and explain codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
• Provide information to the public at the counter or over the telephone regarding building and code requirements.
• Perform various administrative support duties including, but not limited to: data entry, maintain inspection and permit records / files, and prepare reports, letters, memos, inspection logs, and other correspondence as required.
• Research new or amended codes or regulations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Experience:
Three (3) years of responsible experience in a variety of building construction work or related inspection work, including one (1) year experience in building inspection.

Education:
Sixty (60) semester units of college-level coursework in building inspection, building codes, or closely related field.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
• The possession of an International Code Council (ICC) certificate as "Combination Building Inspector" and/or "Residential Building Inspector" and/or "Building Plans Examiner" prior to employment is highly desirable.

If the selected candidate does not possess one of the desirable certificates at the time of hire, they will be required to obtain one of the following ICC certificates within the first six (6) months of hire:

• Commercial Building Inspector
• Electrical Inspector
• Mechanical Inspector
• Plumbing Inspector
• Residential and/or Commercial Electrical Inspector
• Residential and/or Commercial Mechanical Inspector
• Residential and/or Commercial Plumbing Inspector
• Residential and/or Commercial Plans Examiner

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a municipal building inspection and code enforcement program.
• Laws, ordinances, and codes regulating building construction and zoning.
• Methods and techniques of conducting building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural inspections.
• Applicable building codes and ordinances related to building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical system requirements.
• Industry standards of building, construction materials, craftsmanship, and general building construction methods involving wood, concrete, and steel.
• Principles and procedures of accurate recordkeeping and maintenance.
• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
• Basic mathematical principles applicable to building construction and basic English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Perform building inspection duties in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and other building systems.
• Read, understand, interpret, and apply Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and Housing Codes, Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code, Fire and Safety Standards, Municipal Ordinances, Zoning requirements and other applicable codes, regulations, and pertinent procedures.
• Read and understand building plans, drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Exercise professional judgment in detecting deviations from approved construction plans and specifications.
• Prepare final inspection reports, technical reports, maintain files and records.
• Attend workshops and meetings.
• Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public, architects, developers, contractors, and builders.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Use City equipment including the ability to safely operate a vehicle, observing legal and defensive driving practices.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends and/or evenings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The City welcomes candidates and employees with any physical capabilities and will consider all reasonable accommodations.

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various construction, City, and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This position works partially in the office and partially in the field, and standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Medium work-lifting, carrying, and/or pushing 50 pounds and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds, and the ability to climb ladders and traverse narrow walkways above ground level is required.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees partially work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to potentially hazardous physical substances. Employees partially work in the field and may be exposed to hot and cold temperatures, inclement weather conditions, loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures and City codes.

APPLICATION PROCESS: A completed City application form and supplemental questionnaire are required for this position. Applications must be complete and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, or discharge from employment. The standards as stated on the front of this job announcement represent only the minimum required to file an application. Meeting the listed standards does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited for an examination as the Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to the most qualified for the position as determined by the Human Resources Department.

TESTING PROCESS: The testing process for this position may include a written examination, interview panel, and a selection interview.

LOYALTY OATH OR AFFIRMATION: All City employees are required to sign a loyalty oath and affirmation prior to actual employment.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: All City employees are required to serve a one year probationary period.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The City of Seaside does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, covered medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran's status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment actions, decisions, policies or practices. Reasonable accommodation in the application, testing and selection process will be made upon request of disabled applicants.

IMMIGRATION REFORM & CONTROL ACT 1986: In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act 1986, all new employees must verify identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required documentation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be in satisfactory health and free from disabling defect which would preclude satisfactory performance in the job for which applied.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA) and Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990. To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Seaside City Employees' Association):

The City of Seaside offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.

Special Pay:

1. Longevity Pay Program: A 2.5% salary increase will be provided after 8 years of service and 15 or more shall receive an additional 2.5% (total of 5%) with the City of Seaside.

2. Spanish Bilingual Pay Program: Designated employees can earn up to a 5% salary adjustment for using Spanish in the course of their work (written and/or oral communication).

Health and Welfare Benefits:

1. Blue Shield PPO Medical Insurance Plans:

4. Long Term Disability Plan: After 90 day elimination period, plan pays 67% of salary to a maximum of $9,000 per month. City and employee split premium 50/50.

5. Life Insurance: $50,000 term life insurance policy (City paid).

Retirement Benefits:

California Public Employees' Retirement System: The plan you are enrolled in is based on the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA).

1. "Classic" PERS Members:

3. Deferred Compensation Matching Program (IRS 457 Plan): The City of Seaside will match employee's contribution up to $50 per month.

Paid Time Off:

1. Vacation Time: Employees earn between 10 and 22 days of vacation annually depending on years of service.

2. Sick Leave: Employees accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.

3. Holidays: The City recognizes 13 paid holidays annually. In addition, members shall receive 2 floating holidays (16 hours). Initial floating holiday accrual for newly hired employees shall be prorated in accodance to the MOU schedule.

Continuing Education:

1. Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for qualifying course work.

2. Educational Incentive Pay: Up to 6% for qualifying degree programs and continuing education.

For more information, visit the City's website.