Building Inspector - Building Commission - PAT III

Tippecanoe County Government; Indiana; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Tippecanoe County Government seeks a Building Inspector to inspect new and remodeled structures for compliance with state and county codes. The role involves verifying permits, interpreting codes, issuing stop work orders when needed, and preparing inspection reports.

The incumbent will assist public and county staff, travel to sites, and may testify in legal proceedings. A strong knowledge of codes and a valid driver's license are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; experience in building trades preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of state and local building codes and related standards.
• Ability to read prints, specifications and maps.
• Valid driver's license with good driving record.
• Strong oral and written communication with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Inspect new and remodeled structures for code compliance and verify permits.
• Receive and investigate complaints, prepare reports, and discuss/code resolutions.
• Assist other department staff with filing and permitting duties.
• May testify in legal proceedings regarding code violations as needed.
• Stay current with applicable codes through training and study.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Arithmetic/measurement

Interpreting codes

Driving license

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Trade-related education preferred

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Incumbent serves as Building Inspector for the Building Commission, responsible for inspecting and new and remodeled structures to ensure compliance with state and County building codes.

DUTIES:

• Inspects new and remodeled structures before, during and/or after construction to determine compliance with applicable state and local building codes and standards, including verifying valid building permits are on site, interpreting/explaining codes, issuing stop work orders as appropriate, preparing inspection reports, and entering on computer.
• Receives and investigates complaints of alleged violations of building and zoning codes, including inspecting sites, taking photographs as appropriate, preparing reports, interpreting/explaining codes, and discussing/negotiating resolution. Reinspects zoning violation sites and mails notices if not in compliance.
• Assists other department personnel as needed, such as filing, copying documents for the public, and issuing permits.
• Periodically assists federal, state and local officials with related issues as needed.
• May occasionally testify in legal proceedings regarding code violations as required.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable state and County codes by regularly reviewing/studying codes and standards, and periodically attending training sessions.
• Maintains and updates computer forms and files as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED. Education and/or experience in various building trades preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to make practical application of state and local building codes, including Uniform Mechanical and Building Codes, National Electrical Code, BOCA Plumbing Code, CABO One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code, Indiana Handicapped Accessibility Code, and Model Energy Code.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to make practical application of County Unified Zoning Ordinance.
• Working knowledge of county geography and ability to understand and interpret detailed prints, specifications and maps.
• Ability to make simple arithmetic calculations and properly operate circuit testing and standard office equipment, including computer, printer, typewriter, copier, calculator, fax machine, telephone.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, property owners/ developers, contractors, utility companies, state and federal officials, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities.
• Ability to plan and lay out assigned work projects and work alone and work with others in a team environment with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work on several tasks at the same time and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions, often under time pressure.
• Ability to occasionally provide expert testimony in legal proceedings as required.
• Ability to occasionally work extended, weekend and/or evening hours and occasionally travel out of town for training, but not overnight.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent's work is broad in scope with many variables or considerations. Incumbent uses independent judgement in interpreting and applying various state and local codes to specific situations.

III. RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent applies standardized department policies and procedures to individual cases for which desired results are clearly specified. Incumbent refers unprecedented situations to supervisor. Work is periodically reviewed for technical accuracy and adherence to guidelines.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co-workers, other County departments, property owners/ developers, contractors, utility companies, state and federal officials, and the public for purposes of exchanging information, interpreting and explaining policies, procedures and codes, and negotiating resolution of code violations.

Reports directly to Building Commissioner.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent frequently performs duties in an office environment involving sitting for long periods, sitting and walking at will, hearing sounds/communication, depth and color perception, and handling/grasping/fingering objects. Incumbent performs a majority of duties outdoors and in buildings under construction, which may involve standing/walking for long periods, walking on uneven terrain, pushing/pulling/lifting/carrying objects weighing less than 50 pounds, crouching/ kneeling, reaching, bending at waist, crawling in crawl spaces, climbing ladders, working in high places, and exposure to inclement weather, extreme temperatures, traffic, and normal hazards associated with construction sites. Safety precautions must be followed at all times to avoid injury to self or others. Incumbent occasionally works extended, weekend and/or evening hours and occasionally travels out of town for training, but not overnight.