Building Inspector I

City of Decatur, AL; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Decatur, AL is seeking a Building Inspector to enforce building codes and ordinances for commercial and residential structures. The role conducts inspections, identifies violations, and approves necessary corrections to ensure safe, compliant buildings.

Candidates should have specialized training in building inspection, knowledge of codes, and strong computer skills. ICC certifications are required or pursued as part of professional development; the position involves interaction with

Qualifications

• Completion of specialized training in building inspection and related fields.
• Knowledge of applicable codes, changes to codes, and city ordinances.
• Experience or apprenticeship in building inspection.
• Must be proficient with computers and office software.

Responsibilities

• Conducts building inspections for code compliance (commercial and residential).
• Issues stop-orders as needed until compliance is achieved.
• Prepares and maintains inspection records and enters data into computer systems.
• Discusses code violations with builders and homeowners; suggests solutions.
• Responds to code-related questions and enforces sign and zoning ordinances.
• Assists customers in person and by phone with the inspection process.

Skills

Building code knowledge

Blueprint reading

Computer skills

Oral and written communication

Driver's license

Customer service

CEC compliance

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Job description

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

• 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.

• 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.