Chief Building Inspector

Cityofmarion; Marion (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Marion seeks a Chief Building Inspector to lead the Building Inspection Division at City Hall. You will enforce Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, review plans, and inspect construction while coordinating with contractors and the public.

Under the Building Manager, you will supervise staff, ensure compliance with zoning and nuisance regulations, and participate in appeals boards. ICC certifications and a valid Iowa license are required.

Qualifications

• Six years of experience in commercial building construction, construction trade, or code inspection.
• Must obtain multiple ICC certifications within specified timeframes.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license.
• Strong communication and record-keeping for inspections.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Building Inspection Division inspections for code compliance.
• Review building plans for code compliance and approve permits.
• Inspect construction and enforce Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes.
• Coordinate with Fire Code, Zoning, Sign Ordinances, and other development-related codes.
• Provide after-hours inspections as needed.
• Maintain inspection records and prepare reports.
• Attend meetings of appeal boards and training sessions.

Skills

Code enforcement

Construction knowledge

Reading blueprints

Communication skills

Plan review

Supervisory skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ICC Certifications (B2/B1, E1/E2, P1/P2, M1/M2, B3)

Tools

Inspection software

Job description

Chief Building Inspector

Position Open Until Filled

Job Information

Job Title: Chief Building Inspector

Department: Community Development

Bargaining Unit: Non-Bargaining

Reports to Position: Building Manager

Location: City Hall

Overtime Status: Salary

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Summary

Work involves supervision within the Building Inspection Division including enforcement of Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, Zoning Ordinance, and review of building plans and specifications, inspection of building construction, communication with contractors and the general public, and participation with Appeals Boards. General direction and review are received from the Building Manager. Exercise discretion and independent judgment in the day-to-day activities of the Building Inspection Department. Conduct inspections and enforcement of Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Zoning, Nuisance, Property Maintenance, Dangerous Building, and other related codes and ordinances.

Essential Job Duties / Work Performed

• Assist in supervising, planning, directing, and coordinating Building Inspection Division inspections with regard to code compliance under the general supervision of the Building Official.
• Assist in assigning and directing the work of subordinates within the Building Inspection Department.
• Conduct inspections and enforcement of Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, Dangerous and Abandoned Building Code, and other development-related codes and ordinances.
• Check building plans to assure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
• Coordinate with and support other city departments regarding enforcement of Fire Code, Zoning, Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, sidewalk/driveway regulations, and other development-related codes.
• Investigate complaints and inquiries regarding inspection policies and activities and other related matters.
• Provide after-hours inspections as needed.
• Assist in maintaining records of all inspections, conditions noted and corrected, and prepare additional records and reports as required.
• Participate in training of Department employees related to development code enforcement methods and administration.
• Provide technical assistance and attend meetings of appeal boards and other meetings as required.
• Perform other duties and related work as assigned and required.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of modern building code enforcement.
• Considerable knowledge of construction principles and practices related to building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades.
• Six years of experience in building construction, construction trade, or code inspection. Candidates with a code inspection degree from an accredited university or trade school may qualify with three years of experience.
• Must have or be able to obtain Commercial and Residential Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, and a Plan Review Certification.
• Ability to read and understand construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances and other local codes.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise oral and written communications.
• Knowledge of the city’s geography, including general soil and hydrological information as it affects building construction.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, the general public, and fellow employees.
• Ability to keep and maintain department records in an organized and orderly way.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Ability to use computers, including word processing, spreadsheet, and specialized building permit / inspection software applications.

Essential Functions / Physical Requirements

• Physical ability to traverse variable terrain conditions not accessible by vehicle for visual construction inspection.
• Ability to bend, stoop, climb, and move about a construction site for inspections to assure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
• Ability to bend, reach, climb, stoop and lift up to 40 pounds for filing and records retrieval.
• Ability to read, speak, write and understand English to communicate effectively with staff, contractors, Boards, and the general public.
• Ability to observe construction work and conduct testing procedures to determine compliance with standards and ordinance requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret regulations and ordinances governing construction of buildings and public works.
• Ability to operate a telephone, calculator, and measuring devices.
• Ability to work long hours outdoors occasionally under adverse weather conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of modern building code enforcement.
• Considerable knowledge of construction principles and practices related to building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing trades.
• Six years of experience in commercial building construction, construction trade, or code inspection.
• At time of hire, must have a minimum ICC Commercial certification or ICC B3 Plans Examiner certification. May be substituted with a Construction Management degree or a Code Enforcement degree.
• Must obtain the following ICC Certifications within one year of hire: Building Inspector Commercial (B2); Building Inspector Residential (B1); Residential Electrical Inspector (E1); Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2).
• Must obtain the following ICC Certifications within two years of hire: Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P2); Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1); Mechanical Commercial Inspector (M2); Mechanical Residential Inspector (M1); Building Plans Examiner (B3).
• Must obtain the Certified Building Official (CBO) certification within three years of hire date.
• Supervisory experience preferred but not required.
• Must have a valid Iowa driver’s license.

Working Conditions

• Works in an office environment.
• Works a standard 40-hour work week.
• May be required to work some overtime based on workload.

Required Background Checks

• Sex Offender Registry Check
• Criminal Record Check
• Drug Screening
• Driving Record
• Pre-Employment Physical