Building Inspector III

Stafford County, VA; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 46,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Stafford County is seeking a senior Building Inspector III to perform multidisciplinary inspections ensuring compliance with residential and commercial mechanical, electrical, gas, plumbing, and building codes. The role involves mentoring Building Inspector I and II and providing expert input on complex inspections.

Responsibilities include field inspections, code interpretation, and coordination with other county agencies.

Qualifications

• High School diploma with 4 years of residential/commercial inspection experience or equivalent.
• Certifications in building inspection (VDHCD) and fire protection per Virginia requirements.
• Broad knowledge of building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing codes and ADA compliance.

Responsibilities

• Perform field inspections for residential and commercial construction to ensure compliance with codes and approved plans.
• Train and assist Building Inspector I & II in inspections.
• Inspect water supply connections for backflow prevention and test electrical wiring methods.
• Prepare documentation and notices of violations; coordinate corrective actions with contractors.
• Testify in court proceedings and appeals as required.
• Coordinate final approvals with other agencies before occupancy; engage with homeowners and developers.

Skills

Building codes knowledge

Inspection experience

Communication skills

Training others

Emergency inspections

Computer proficiency

Education

High School diploma

VDHCD Building Inspector certifications (Residential & Commercial)

VDHCD Fire Protection Inspector certification

Job description

The Building Inspector III is the senior level classification in the Building Inspector job series. The position performs multidisciplinary inspections involving the application of residential and commercial mechanical, electrical, gas, plumbing, and building construction codes, ordinances, and regulations, exercising considerable judgment and initiative. The position assists and trains the Building Inspector I and II in the residential and/or commercial combination inspection of buildings. Does related work as required. Work is performed under general supervision.

The hiring range for this position is $33.12/hour to $45.56/hour based on experience.
The full salary range for this position is $33.12/hour to 57.98/hour to provide opportunity for growth and development.

• Conducts field inspections for commercial and residential building construction to ensure that building construction and the installation of mechanical heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, electrical systems, and plumbing are performed in compliance with applicable state, national, and local codes and ordinances, and approved plans and permits;
• Trains and assists the Building Inspector I and II in the combination residential and commercial building inspections;
• Inspects water supply connections in residential and commercial buildings for unprotected cross connections to ensure the proper backflow prevention devices are installed to prevent contamination of the domestic water supply;
• Performs emergency inspections as required; investigates damaged structures to determine extent of damage, if structure is safe to occupy, and what plans/permits are required for reconstruction; performs FEMA damage assessments;
• Prepares documentation related to the outcome of inspections and records inspectionresults in County database;
• Prepares and issues Notice of Violations, Stop Work Orders, Corrective Work Orders,Unsafe structures reports, memoranda and other correspondence; initiates correctiveprocedures to obtain voluntary compliance;
• Issues written Notices of Violations to the contractor and/or owner, identifies the sections of the regulations being violated, and takes necessary action to ensure violations are corrected;
• Testifies in civil and criminal court proceedings and in appeals hearings;
• Responds to complaints regarding new construction, unpermitted construction andexisting structures; investigates, researches and analyzes the code complaint to determineits merits, reports the findings, and requires corrective action when necessary;
• Coordinates all enforcement efforts with other County agencies and branches, asappropriate;
• Advertises unsafe structures which are dangerous to life, health, and safety of occupantsand the general public;
• Serves as a technical assistant to the Building Official.
• Examines and interprets plans for the proper installation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building equipment, and approves minor changes to plans in the field or requires plans to be revised and resubmitted for approval as appropriate;
• Examines and interprets plans for compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA);
• Investigates citizen complaints relating to construction; evaluates their validity, reports investigative findings, and recommends corrective action when necessary;
• Coordinates final approvals before occupancy with other agencies to ensure that all applicable requirements are met;
• Meets and coordinates with other developmental departments and divisions for preliminary building construction meetings prior to start of building construction;
• Meets with homeowners, developers, engineers, contractors, and interested citizens to provide information and answer questions about County development regulations applicable to residential and/or commercial construction;
• Appears at civic association meetings to present material on permit, plan, and inspection requirements to help educate citizens on the Building Code and emphasize life safety matters;
• Researches and investigates the applicability of new products and applications to be used in field situations and communicates results to co-workers and manager;
• Assists in training the Building Inspector I and II for combination residential and/or commercial inspection requirements;
• May work after hours on emergency call inspections;
• Performs related tasks as required.

• Considerable knowledge of the theories and practices of the National and State mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, and building codes, local ordinances, and regulations;
• Considerable knowledge of the equipment, materials, and methods used in the repair and/or construction of residential and commercial buildings and structures;
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to test electrical wiring with testing equipment;
• Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used in the installation of electrical distribution systems and receptacles, grounding equipment and services, and in the sizing and protection of conductors;
• Knowledge of the American National Standard for Handicap Accessibility (ADA);
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow wiring diagrams, building plans, blueprints, maps, drawings, regulations, legal documents, and engineering specifications for building, mechanical, electrical, gas, and plumbing installation;
• Ability to interpret a variety of codes and keep abreast of code modifications, code updates, new technology, materials, and installations;
• Ability to review and inspect approved plans based on ICC A117.1 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities Accessibility;
• Ability to effectively use computer systems and software applications to perform a variety of work tasks;
• Ability to establish and maintain a courteous and effective work relationship with builders, contractors, the general public, associates, and to communicate effectively with a diverse community;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both vocally and in writing, and to properly articulate the necessary action to clear a violation;
• Ability to serve as an expert witness;
• Ability to analyze and resolve field problems;
• Ability to use sound judgment in making independent decisions;
• Ability to provide training and assistance to technical personnel;
• Ability to work after hours for emergency on-call inspection duty;
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to High School and 4 years of residential and commercial construction and inspection experience. For internal applicants, must have 4 years of service as a Building Inspector II.

Possession of a Combination Residential and Commercial Building Inspector certifications by Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD).

Possession of Fire Protection Inspector certification by the VDHCD or ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.