DEFINITION

Supervises and inspects all aspects of construction including residential dwellings, commercial and industrial buildings for compliance with model codes and approved plans; performs plan reviews; issues building permits and supervises Building Division support staff; answers model code questions from the public and carries out code enforcement duties; performs other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a non-management, advanced journey-level position distinguished by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of the duties assigned. Employees in this position perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to the Building Inspector classification series. Incumbents exercise independent judgment and make sound recommendations based on building plan examination results and site inspections.

The Deputy Chief Building Official maintains a cooperative working relationship with property owners, contractors, design professionals, fellow employees and the public; provides excellent customer service; demonstrates thorough knowledge of state and local codes; is an effective communicator, displaying proficient written and oral skills; expresses professional opinions based on knowledge and experience; maintains composure and self-control when confronting potentially volatile situations; maintains accurate records and files for legal compliance, and possesses and uses good analytical skills when researching model code questions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The Senior Planner provides direct supervision. The incumbent will also receive direction from the City Manager or his/her designee. This position may supervise work performed by Building Inspectors and support staff assigned to the Building Division. This position is not directly responsible for hiring new employees, discipline of employees or performance evaluations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Provides up-to-date interpretations of building codes and regulations to City staff, decision makers, and the public; performs field inspections of residential, commercial & light industrial construction and verifies conformance to applicable state and local codes as well as approved plans; performs elementary plan reviews; issues correction notices and stop work orders when necessary; trains assigned employees in their areas of work in building inspection/plan examination methods and office procedures; issues Certificates of Occupancy and Temporary Certificates of Occupancy; resolves disputes concerning code requirements and effects compliance; provides state and local code information to the public; initiates and coordinates internal processing of permit applications with other City departments; investigates citizen complaints, including code enforcement; recommends changes or improvements in existing codes and regulations; maintains records and prepares written reports and correspondence when necessary; stays current of trends in career field and makes recommendations to policy makers on same; keeps certifications current.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

In addition to the essential job duties listed above, the employee in this classification may perform the following duties. An incumbent in this position may not be assigned to all duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties which may be assigned.

Prepares and submits a variety of reports, memorandums and correspondence on code compliance; performs complex plan reviews; oversees building permit application and plan checking processes; calculates development fees; reviews special inspection reports and disabled access hardships; evaluates requests for use of alternative materials and design methods; develops systems, procedures, handouts, and other aids necessary to maintain and improve customer service; represents the Building Division at various boards, commissions, and professional groups; performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Education

Possession of the equivalent of a high school diploma and any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a journey-level municipal building inspector would be qualifying. Associate of Arts Degree in a related field is preferred. Five years of increasingly responsible experience in building inspection including commercial or journey-level work in the construction trades. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be sufficient years of progressively responsible experience as a certified building inspector in a public agency and certification as a Building Inspector or Combination Inspector.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

General knowledge of Federal, State, County and City codes relating to building construction; types of building materials and variations in their quality; modern construction methods; principals and techniques of building inspection; sufficient mathematical skills so as to be able to calculate square footage from building plans and other similar basic mathematical calculations relating to the interpretation of construction plans, specifications and other documents; knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), safety standards and issues; skilled at communicating effectively in person and in writing; skilled at problem-solving; ability to understand and explain provisions of applicable Federal, State, County and City construction related codes and regulations; basic use and understanding of computers and computer software programs; ability to learn and utilize new technology; analytical and research skills sufficiently developed so as to independently pursue solutions to complex code or construction related questions; possess strong organizational and time-management skills to prioritize projects and meet deadlines; the ability to work independently.

Working Conditions

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level, rough and slippery surfaces; reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crawling, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. Fine coordination is used when the incumbent is measuring designated areas for proper conformance to codes. The position also requires dexterity and balance in the use of ladders and climbing up to roofs, walking on roofs, scaffolding, ceiling and floor joists and crawling under houses along with the necessity of near and far vision when comparing onsite construction conformance with the approved plans, using a computer at a desk, and hearing is required to safely enter a construction site and to interact with customers over the counter or on the phone. The need to lift, push or move barriers weighing up to 25 pounds when doing field inspection is required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works in all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb unusual heights on ladders, have close proximity to unguarded electrical power, noise and vibration producing tools/equipment as well as close proximity to moving vehicles and heavy equipment which may subject the employee to falling mechanical, electrical, traffic and other hazards.

License/Certificate

Possession of a Class C California driver's license and an International Conference of Building Officials (or equivalent) Combination Building Inspector Certification, or International Conference of Building Officials (or equivalent) Building Inspector Certification.