Building Inspector

City of Albert Lea; Minnesota; On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled inspector to enforce building codes and regulations. This role involves conducting inspections for compliance, reviewing plans, and educating the public on building codes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in building construction or inspection, excellent communication skills, and the ability to interpret complex regulations. Join a dedicated team committed to ensuring safety and compliance in the community, while enjoying opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

Benefits

Professional Development Seminars

Continuing Education Opportunities

Flexible Work Schedule

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Qualifications

• Three years of work experience in building construction or as an inspector.
• Two-year degree in Building Inspection Technology or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Enforce building, mechanical, and plumbing codes through inspections.
• Review site and building plans for compliance with zoning codes.
• Conduct inspections of water and sewer utility connections.

Skills

Building Codes Knowledge

Zoning Codes Knowledge

Inspection Skills

Communication Skills

Record Keeping

Technical Knowledge

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Building Inspection Technology Degree

Work Experience in Building Construction

Tools

Standard Office Equipment

Inspection Tools

GIS Applications

Job description

General Statement of Duties: Performs skilled commercial and residential inspection and plan review work enforcing building, mechanical and plumbing codes; inspects and enforces zoning codes, fire code and fire safety regulations, shoreline management ordinances and land-use regulations; performs related duties as required.

Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the Building Official/Zoning Administrator.

Supervision Exercised: None.The listed examples may not include all duties performed by all positions in this class. Duties may vary somewhat from position to position within a class.

*Enforces the City's Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Accessibility, Energy, and Fire Code enforcement program, including review of site and building plans, permit issuance, inspection of new and remodeled construction, conducting final inspections and related responsibilities.
*Reviews site plans and building plans for conformance to zoning codes including property line, setbacks, fences, signs, etc.
*Reviews development plans for local zoning requirements with other staff members.
*Reviews and approves sign permit applications
*Explains building codes, zoning ordinances, and other city ordinances to contractors, property owners, and general public upon request.
*Attends pre-construction meetings to answer code questions.
*Inspects structures for compliance with zoning ordinances and fire safety regulations.
*Performs on-site inspections for all building construction work and land use permits to ensure code compliance.
*Conducts inspections of water and sewer utility connections.
*Inspects damaged or deteriorated structures for compliance with building codes; boards up condemned buildings to ensure safety and inspects buildings being demolished.
*Monitors, sends notices, and enforces the Public Nuisance Ordinance.
*Develops and distributes educational material to the public on acceptable construction materials, code requirements, etc.
*Inspects rental property upon request or by warrant requiring inspection; may prepare a list of items needing repair or other resolution; re-inspects to ensure all issues have been corrected
*Assists in instructing contractors during the Annual Residential Contractor Seminar and recertifies those who complete the requirements.
*Assists the public in preparation and presentation of materials to Board of Appeals.
*Prepares public hearing notices for local newspaper.
*Reviews applications for variances; may present findings to the Board of Appeals.
*Interprets and enforces the Shoreline Management ordinance in coordination with Park maintenance, DNR and the Environmental Engineer.
*Investigates complaints regarding materials and workmanship, quality, and violations of zoning ordinances.
*Issues citations when necessary to enforce compliance with building codes and zoning ordinances; may testify in court concerning results of inspections.
*Verifies building permits and licenses of persons engaged in building construction.
*Prepares records and reports of investigations and violations of building codes, City Contract specifications, zoning ordinances, and permits.
*Maintains all necessary records for day-to-day activity and permanent files.
*Attends professional development seminars and continuing education for license maintenance and to keep up on technical advances and code amendments.
May conduct cause and origin investigations or arson investigations.
Makes recommendations, jointly with other City personnel, to amend ordinances.
Conducts pre-inspections of property the City may buy; monitors the status of city-owned vacant buildings and provide tours to prospective buyers.
Provides staff support to the Heritage Preservation Commission.
May issue FEMA certificates; represents the City on the State Disaster Mitigation team.
Prepares and delivers presentations to schools, community and civic organizations on various topics.
Assists with housing code enforcement.
Performs other duties as needed or required.

Note: Asterisked (*) items are essential to the job.*Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal codes including building, fire, mechanical, heating, ventilation & air conditioning, plumbing and gas piping.
*Considerable knowledge of zoning codes, shoreline management requirements, water-runoff restrictions, land-use regulations and application requirements.
*Considerable knowledge of building materials and industry standards for workmanship.
*Considerable ability to inspect, advise and monitor construction for purposes of code and regulation compliance.
*Considerable ability to interpret plans and specifications involving architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and engineering designs.
*Considerable ability to see read and interpret complex codes, regulations and ordinances in a fair and consistent manner.
*Considerable ability to communicate tactfully and effectively face-to-face, by telephone and in writing, including making presentations, conducting training and providing testimony.
*Considerable ability to prepare and maintain accurate, detailed records and reports.
*Working ability to keep current on code amendments and technical advances in construction.
*Considerable ability to frequently walk, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, twist, turn, work in confined spaces and climb ladders while performing site inspections.
*Working ability to safely operate a motor vehicle while traveling to inspection sites.
*Considerable ability to operate standard office equipment and inspection tools, including a networked personal computer with standard office software and GIS applications.
*Considerable ability to see, including depth perception and the ability to distinguish color.
*Considerable ability to use both large and fine motor skills while performing the routine functions of this position.
*Ability to work at considerable heights and maintain balance on roofs and scaffolding while performing inspections.
*Ability to work in unfinished structures and in unsafe or uncomfortable surroundings.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Three years of work experience in a building construction trade or as an inspector enforcing the building code or a two-year Building Inspection Technology degree, (or equivalent training and experience in building technology).
One year of experience in residential building inspection can substitute for two years of construction experience.

Note: Asterisked (*) items are essential to the job.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must become certified as a Building Official-Limited within 18 months of hire and maintain thereafter. Must possess and maintain a valid State driver’s license.
May be asked or required to obtain additional certifications such as asbestos, accessibility specialist and daycare/foster care as needed.