Building Inspector Plan Reviewer

City of Kalamazoo; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in municipal services is seeking a skilled inspector to oversee building projects and ensure compliance with local codes and regulations. In this pivotal role, you will collaborate with property owners, contractors, and various city departments to facilitate rehabilitation efforts and address blight conditions. Your expertise will be crucial in preparing specifications, conducting inspections, and enforcing compliance with safety and building standards. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on community development while working in a dynamic environment that values teamwork and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in building construction or inspection.
• Possession of a Residential Builder's License is required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and review construction plans for compliance.
• Coordinate with property owners and contractors throughout projects.
• Monitor contract compliance for City funded projects.

Skills

Interpreting federal guidelines

Coordinating contractors' work

Establishing effective relationships

Knowledge of City purchasing/bid process

Knowledge of City Housing Code

Ability to document deficiencies

Physical ability to inspect sites

Education

Coursework in engineering

Coursework in architecture

Coursework in construction technology

Tools

Handheld computer

Job description

Under direction, performs work of considerable difficulty in project planning and coordination in the City blight abatement, residential and commercial rehabilitation programs; performs skilled inspection work and plan review in enforcing compliance with local, State and Federal codes, regulations and ordinances pertaining to site work, building construction, alteration, and repair; performs related work as required.

The employee in this class inspects permitted work and reviews construction plans; prepares written specifications for all types of residential, commercial and industrial rehabilitation, construction, alterations and repairs to address blight abatement and dangerous conditions, assures compliance with lead based paint and asbestos requirements, fire and life safety, federal and state regulations, local codes, and ordinances; prepares written specifications to bring all houses/units into compliance. The employee in this class must regularly exercise considerable technical judgment and discretion based on his/her familiarity with a wide variety of rehabilitation/construction problems, codes and zoning regulations.

Responsibilities:

• Works with property owners, contractors, department staff and staff from various City departments from initial determination of eligible program areas through work completion;
• Works with rehabilitation staff involved in cost estimating and screening of participants;
• Prepares work specifications prior to preparation of bids, and processes same;
• Monitors contract compliance for City funded blight abatement and residential rehabilitation;
• Performs field work inspecting and reporting on all types of structures;
• Issues permits, reviews plans and assures compliance with permit requirements for existing and new residential, commercial and industrial building projects;
• Coordinates plan reviews with zoning and other trade inspectors;
• Issues grading, and soil erosion and sedimentation control permits;
• Makes regular field inspections to verify compliance with submitted plans and code requirements;
• Answers technical code questions from project developers and design professionals;
• Coordinates negotiations with contractors and homeowners;
• Investigates and resolves complaints; prepares reports;
• Reviews inspection process to assure compliance with contracts; and
• Responds to complaints or violations related to ordinances, codes or regulations enforced, and provides staff assistance to Rehabilitation Appeal Board for dispute resolution.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Michigan Building Code
• Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings
• Fire suppression system standards
• Flood plain regulations
• Soil erosion and sedimentation control regulations
• Practices, procedures and materials used in the construction trades and related ordinances, including the ability to read and interpret site and building plans and specifications;
• Considerable knowledge of other City building regulations covering electrical, mechanical and plumbing work;

Skills in:

• Interpreting and applying federal guideline language;
• Coordinating contractors' work;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, building owners, contractors and the general public;
• Knowledge of City purchasing/bid process and code enforcement procedures;
• Knowledge of the City Housing Code, Zoning Ordinances, and the Historic District Ordinances;
• Ability to carry a handheld computer and document deficiencies while performing inspections;
• Ability to walk through, as well as climb up and down, stoop and crawl in construction sites;
• Ability to move up to 60 pounds.

Minimum Requirements:

• Coursework in engineering, architecture or construction technology
• Extensive experience in building construction, design, or building inspection.
• Two years' experience as a Rehabilitation Specialist.
• Possession of a Residential Builder's License.
• Registration with the State of Michigan as a Plan Reviewer and Building Inspector; or, any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials for provisional registration under Act No. 407 of the Public Acts of 2016, being 339.600-339.6023 of the Michigan compiled laws.
• Possession of a valid vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Michigan.