Chief Inspector
Mainstreet Daily News
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Job summary
The City of Gainesville is seeking a Community Builder in the Building Inspection department to supervise a team of trade inspectors, ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code and related city ordinances, and guide plan reviews and enforcement actions. This role reports to the Building Official and requires strong leadership and code expertise.
Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, 10 years of trades experience with at least 2 years in supervision, and Florida
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; ten years of trades-related construction experience with at least two years in a supervisory role.
- Current Florida driver license required within 30 days; valid in all times.
- Florida Standard Inspector License in Building, Electrical, Mechanical or Plumbing is required.
- Municipal Fire Inspector certification is required.
Responsibilities
- Supervises and coordinates a team of inspectors to meet daily inspection requirements.
- Directs personnel actions including hiring, promotions and discipline.
- Trains staff in Fire Prevention (FS 633) and Building Code (FS 468) licensure.
- Interprets codes and enforces regulations with contractors and owners.
- Maintains inspection scheduling and coordinates fleet vehicle use.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.
GG_Sustainable Development: Building Inspection
$36.73
$61.42
09/22/2026
This is supervisory and advanced technical work directing and coordinating a team of trade inspectors performing field inspections, certifying compliance with the Florida Building Code (FBC), the Florida Fire Prevention Code and associated City ordinances per the Florida Statute, Chapter 468 (FS 468) and Section 633.216 (FS 633) in all or trade specific categories of construction inspection. Positions allocated to this classification report directly to the Building Official and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classifications by its supervisory duties, compliance inspecting, specialized knowledge of construction, Florida Building Codes and Florida Fire Prevention Codes; and enforcement of these code requirements with contractors and owners, as well as, the exercise of individual discretion in the interpretation, decision making and enforcement of the code(s).
This is supervisory and advanced technical work directing and coordinating a team of trade inspectors performing field inspections, certifying compliance with the Florida Building Code (FBC), the Florida Fire Prevention Code and associated City ordinances per the Florida Statute, Chapter 468 (FS 468) and Section 633.216 (FS 633) in all or trade specific categories of construction inspection. Positions allocated to this classification report directly to the Building Official and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classifications by its supervisory duties, compliance inspecting, specialized knowledge of construction, Florida Building Codes and Florida Fire Prevention Codes; and enforcement of these code requirements with contractors and owners, as well as, the exercise of individual discretion in the interpretation, decision making and enforcement of the code(s).
- Supervises, plans and coordinates work of subordinates that includes maintaining the staffing levels necessary to meet the daily inspection requirements of the construction industry.
- Recommends selection, promotion, discharge and other appropriate personnel actions.
- Initiates or recommends discipline of employees in accordance with applicable bargaining agreements and City policies.
- Monitors and coordinates training and continuing education required for both Fire Prevention (FS 633) and Building Code (FS 468) licensure for employees.
- Serves as a resource for the City regarding code interpretations and structural assessments (e.g., determining dangerous buildings and assessing fire, wind and tree damage for Codes Enforcement and Gainesville Fire Rescue).
- Investigates citizen and contractor complaints regarding code compliance, permitting and construction license violations.
- Responds and resolves citizen concerns regarding problems with inspections and inspectors.
- Confers with and provides guidance to Inspectors and consults with the Building Official on difficult enforcement problems or specific code interpretation.
- Tracks and coordinates vehicle assignments and maintenance for fleet vehicles.
- Writes administrative procedures for the Building and Fire Inspectors.
- Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
- May be assigned to conduct inspections in all areas for which he/she is certified according to workload demands.
- May assist plans examiners with initial plan review.
- May assist department at First Step meetings.
- May organize and purchase uniforms for the department.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.
Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma and must have ten (10) years of progressively responsible trades related work experience in construction for multiple trades (e.g., building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing), to include at least two (2) years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Valid driver license required upon start date. Valid Florida driver license required within thirty (30) days of start date and at all times while employed in this position.
Current Florida Standard Inspector License in one of the following four trade categories: Building, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing.
Current Florida Standard Plans Examiner License in one of the following four associated trade categories: Building, Electrical, Mechanical or Plumbing.
Current Certification as a Municipal Fire Inspector from the Florida State Fire College.
- Knowledgeable of State of Florida building codes and fire prevention codes; and the laws and rules associated with the codes.
- Supervisory skills to train and evaluate personnel responsible for conducting field inspections.
- Ability to analyze problems and to plan/develop alternatives and solutions.
- Ability to mediate disputes and complaints of the public and departmental staff.
- Ability to direct, supervise and review inspection activities in all of the respective licensing categories.
- Ability to efficiently schedule employees to ensure inspections are conducted within 24 hours of request.
- Ability to identify construction that does not comply with the applicable Florida Building Code/Florida Fire Prevention Code or plans and specifications.
- Ability to communicate effectively with building owners, contractors, coworkers and the general public and to effect and maintain positive working relationships on inspection and regulatory matters.
- Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications accurately and to compare them with the actual site construction/installation in process.
- Ability to make independent decisions in the field on interpretation and enforcement of the Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code.
- Familiarity and competence in the operation of personal computers, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office, and internet-based reporting systems.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions, including standing, kneeling, and stooping.
While performing on-site inspections, work may require the physical strength and agility to climb ladders and scaffolding as well as walk on the rough terrain of construction sites.
Work will require working at heights of over six (6) feet on open grating, scaffolding, and temporary platforms or from aerial devices requires, including the ability to climb and descend stairs and ladders.
Must communicate orally, see physical surroundings, listen, hear others, respond to oral commands, and demonstrate good communication skills.
Work requires normal color vision to distinguish the suitability of materials in the field for intended use.
Work requires continuous situational awareness while on construction sites.
Work may require exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.
Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.
Work may require exposure to prolonged high noise levels.
Work will require the use of personal protection equipment.
Must follow the safety rules and clothing requirements of each jobsite.
- May Require Assessment(s).
- May fill multiple positions.
- May establish an eligibility list.
Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
- All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy.
- Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.
The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.
Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.
If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.
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