BUILDING & SITE INSPECTOR (AFSCME LOCAL 1607) PAY GRADE 21

New-Castle-County-Government; Christiana Acres (DE); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

New Castle County Government seeks a skilled Building Inspector to ensure compliance with county codes on residential and commercial construction.

You will inspect permit activity, consult with architects and builders, maintain records, and may testify in court. Candidates should have at least three years of trade experience and a high school diploma or GED. This entry-level role offers growth through certifications and on-the-job training.

Qualifications

• At least three years of experience in construction work in a skilled trade at an apprentice level and a high school diploma or GED.
• Equivalent combination of experience, education or training related to required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Inspect building permit activity to assure compliance with county codes.
• Consult with architects, builders, job superintendents, tradespeople and others on construction practices.
• Maintain a daily log of all work inspected.
• May be required to appear in court to testify on violations.
• Promote excellent public service and provide high quality service to customers.
• Inspect grading of building lots, erosion/sediment control, and report unpermitted activity.

Skills

Construction principles

Code knowledge

Blueprint reading

Written communication

Record keeping

Public relations

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations, an eligible list, which will be valid for a one-year period and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period, is being established for this classification. Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination process for this posting may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written examination, a computerized exam, an oral board interview examination, a performance examination or any combination of the above in order to qualify applicants for placement on the eligible list. The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies that occur within the next year. The appropriate number of names on the eligible list as prescribed by Merit System Section 26.03.505 will be certified to the hiring department for consideration to fill the vacant position(s).

CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

This position serves as the entry point in a defined career ladder, offering opportunities for advancement upon successful completion of required certifications and demonstrated satisfactory performance. The career ladder includes the following levels:

• Building and Site Inspector Paygrade 21
• Certified Building and Site Inspector Paygrade 23
• Senior Building and Site Inspector Paygrade 25

New Castle County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Inspects all building permit activity to assure compliance with all New Castle County Codes relating to construction; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for inspecting permitted construction projects to assure conformance with a variety of codes such as the building code, plumbing code, mechanical code, safety code, State of Delaware drainage code, and other related codes. This employee is also responsible for inspections of on-site grading and drainage, erosion/sediment controls, storm water management, and reporting unpermitted activity. This employee exercises independent judgement, initiative, and discretion in problem situations, particularly in the field. This employee must keep abreast of new technical developments and engineered systems in the construction field. Depending on the needs of the department, this employee may be required to work extended hours such as early mornings, nights, and weekends. This classification is intended as training until such time as the required ICC certifications are obtained. General supervision is received from a designated supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Refers to building plans and performs field inspections on all categories of permitted activities to assure compliance with provisions of all appropriate New Castle County Codes;
• Consults with architects, builders, job superintendents, tradespeople, and others on construction practices and code applications and refers difficult interpretive questions to the supervisor;
• Inspects area of responsibility for evidence of unpermitted building activity, initiates action to achieve conformance with applicable County Codes, and reports non-conformance to the appropriate supervisor for further action;
• Makes final inspections of permitted construction and lines and grades to ensure that all necessary inspections have been completed satisfactorily to allow the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy;
• Maintains current knowledge of technical developments and engineered systems in the construction field;
• Inspects grading of building lots in developments, private lots and commercial sites to assure compliance with approved plans and specifications and erosion/sediment control;
• Maintains a daily log of all work inspected;
• Posts "stop work" orders in accordance with departmental policies;
• Investigates complaints and violations alleging code infractions and/or safety issues relating to the occupancy or use of a structure and makes necessary reports;
• Maintains records and makes reports as required;
• May be required to appear in court to testify on violations;
• Reviews plans on the job site;
• Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that external and internal customers are provided with the highest quality of service;
• Operates a personal computer and other related equipment in the course of the work;
• Examines property and measures the structures to verify information contained in plans and specifications, and files the required reports concerning finished areas and the dimensions of the structure for assessment purposes;

• Follows up on code violations to ensure correction and compliance;
• Performs emergency response activities resulting from natural disasters and vehicle damage.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of construction principles, techniques, and practices; good knowledge of codes and ordinances related to construction; ability to perform inspections of permitted activities to assure conformance with appropriate codes; ability to check and interpret plans, specifications, and blueprints; ability to maintain current knowledge of technical developments in the construction field; ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to maintain effective and courteous relations with builders, contractors, and the public; ability to maintain accurate records; excellent ethical standards; integrity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

At least three (3) years of experience in construction work in a skilled trade at an apprentice level and possession of a high school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of experience, education or training directly related to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of a valid Delaware Class D driver's license or its equivalent. Successful completion of the following ICC required disciplines within timeframes specified below, with maintenance of current status in all required areas. All costs associated with ICC examinations, verification, and subsequent maintenance of current status in such examination areas shall be borne by the employee or applicant, unless specifically outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

ICC: B1 (Residential Building Inspector) within six months of date of hire or promotion; and

ICC: B2 (Commercial Building Inspector) within one year of date of hire or promotion; and

ICC: M2 (Mechanical Inspector) OR P2 (Plumbing Inspector) within 18 months of date of hire or

promotion; and

ICC: Remaining M2 (Mechanical Inspector) OR P2 (Plumbing Inspector) within 24 months of date

of hire or promotion.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must pass a Class III County physical examination and a background check.

NOTE

Any employee who is in this position as of April 1, 2003, shall be exempt from the additional qualifications with the exception of the driver’s license.

Laura McDermott

Office of Human Resources

[e-mail]