Building Inspector I

City of Decatur; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

City of Decatur is seeking a Building Inspector to enforce building codes and ordinances. You will inspect both commercial and residential structures, discuss violations with stakeholders, and issue stop-orders as needed. Proactive follow-ups ensure corrections are made in a timely manner.

The role requires knowledge of codes, construction processes, and strong communication. You will maintain inspection records, assist the public, and work with various city departments to uphold safety

Qualifications

• Specialized training plus basic high school education.
• Apprenticeship or similar experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel and Adobe.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect commercial and residential structures for code compliance.
• Discuss violations and propose solutions with builders and owners.
• Issue stop-orders when needed and perform follow-up inspections.
• Prepare inspection records and enter data into computer.
• Assist the public in person and by phone about the inspection process.

Skills

Code knowledge

Blueprint reading

Computer skills

Oral & written communication

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma

Apprenticeship/internship

ICC certification training

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Excel

Adobe

Job description

Job Summary

This position is responsible for conducting building inspections to ensure compliance with codes and ordinances.

Major Duties

• Maintains knowledge of applicable codes, changes to codes and adopted city ordinances.
• Inspects commercial and residential structures to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards. Inspection classification type (commercial/residential) based on certifications and experience.
• Discusses code violations with builders and home owners; identifies solutions to code violations.
• Issues stop-orders as appropriate until building is in compliance.
• Conducts follow-up inspections to verify corrections of violations.
• Prepares and maintains records of inspections; enters inspection data into computer.
• Assists customer in person and by phone; provides information regarding the building inspection process.
• Responds to code related questions.
• Enforces sign and zoning ordinances.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Must be proficient with computers, including Microsoft office products such as Outlook, Word, Excel and Adobe and other applicable systems or software.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Alabama for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Additional training and certifications are required for conducting Floodplain development inspections.
• This position requires the earning of certifications from the International Code Council and other approved organizations. Certifications may be required from the State of Alabama regulatory agencies, based on the Inspection types conducted.
• Must complete seven (7) hours of Continuing Education Courses (CEC’s) per year and one CEC on Codes every three years.
• Knowledge of building codes and ordinances.
• Knowledge of construction processes and terminology.
• Knowledge of building inspection processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of city and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in reading blueprints and construction documents.
• Skill in conducting and documenting site, structural, energy, electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspections. Inspection types are based on building experience, certifications, and knowledge.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Guidelines

• City codes, regulations, and ordinances; relevant state and federal law; and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of varied construction inspection and code enforcement duties. Strict regulations, combined with the unique nature of each case in question, contribute to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to perform building inspections in the enforcement of building codes. Successful performance ensures compliance with all relevant building codes and ordinances.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, general and subcontractors, real estate personnel, business leaders, property owners, developers, surveyors, architects, engineers, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt and grease. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

• None.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.