Inspector II (Building)

City of Dubuque, IA; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Dubuque, IA is seeking a Building Inspector to perform field inspections, review plans, issue permits, and conduct enforcement actions to ensure compliance with adopted building codes and regulations. Collaboration with contractors, designers, and city staff is essential to provide accurate guidance and uphold safety standards.

Ideal candidates will have multiple pathways to qualification, including education or prior inspection experience, and ICC certifications.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED and one of: five years journeyperson-level experience in building/mechanical/electrical/plumbing; or two years as a municipal inspector; or associate degree or higher in Construction Management/Building Technology; or equivalent education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections of residential and commercial construction to ensure code compliance.
• Review and interpret plans and permit applications.

Skills

Building Codes

Plan Review

Customer Service

Reading Plans

Engineering

Technology

Education

Associate Degree in Construction

Building Technology

Construction Management

High School Diploma

Tools

Permit Tracking System

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under general supervision of the Deputy Code Official, Inspectors conduct field inspections, review plans, prepare reports, issue permits, perform investigations, and initiate enforcement actions. Inspectors consult and collaborate with contractors, designers, other city departments and staff, the public, and other organizations to achieve and verify compliance with the City’s adopted codes, as well as applicable state, local, and federal regulations. The ideal candidate desires to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASSES:

Performs field inspections of residential and commercial construction to ensure compliance with adopted building and related codes, exercising independent judgment within an assigned discipline. Work is reviewed through reports, results achieved, and adherence to established standards.

JOB DUTIES:

• Conduct field inspections.
• Investigate and enforce city, state and federal construction regulations and violations.
• Review and interpret plans and permit applications.
• Maintain records of current inspection activities in permit tracking system.
• Advise contractors and citizens on ordinances, codes and necessary corrections.
• Interpret and apply applicable codes and ordinances.
• Issue notices.
• Initiate code enforcement actions.
• Prepare correspondence and construction estimates.
• Participate in code compliance enforcement actions, including coordination with legal counsel, case preparation, and providing testimony in administrative or court proceedings. Testify in court on violation cases.
• Provide staff support for meetings of the Building Code Advisory and Appeals Board.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Building and Construction - Knowledge of construction means, methods and materials, both residential and commercial. Ability to read construction plans and documents. Knowledge of zoning regulations, codes, policies and ordinances.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and practices for delivering high-quality customer service, including assessing customer needs, communicating technical information clearly, responding to inquiries in a professional and respectful manner, resolving concerns effectively, and maintaining positive working relationships with coworkers, contractors, property owners, design professionals, and the public. Ability to provide consistent, solution-oriented service while balancing customer needs with applicable codes, policies, and regulations.
• Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology which includes applying principles, techniques and procedures to evaluate construction requirements.
• Design – General knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, and drawings.
• Technology- Knowledge of personal computers, word-processing, and spreadsheet software.
• Critical Thinking and Complex Problem Solving – Ability to notice a problem, think about the pros and cons of possible solutions and deciding on the best solution.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and one of the following:
  • Five (5) years of documented journeyperson-level experience in a building, mechanical, electrical or plumbing trade; or
  • Two (2) years of documented experience as a municipal building, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing inspector; or
  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree or higher in Construction Management, Construction Technology, or Building Technology; or
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the requirements as defined above.
• Possession of a valid Iowa Driver’s License
• Must possess, or be able to obtain within one (1) year of appointment, the following International Code Council (ICC) certifications:
  • Residential Building Inspector (B1); and
  • Commercial (B2) Building Inspector

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Science, Construction Administration, engineering, architecture or related field; and
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in building inspection, code enforcement, plan review and/or construction experience.

PHYSICAL:

• Operates office equipment.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Subject to recall at various times including holidays and after hours.
• May remain in a stationary position for an hour or more.
• The ability to identify and avoid unsafe working conditions to maintain personal safety at all times.
• Ability to utilize appropriate safety equipment including eye protection, hearing protection, and respirators.
• Ability to test to the necessary fit testing standards for the appropriate level of respiratory protection for the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• General work is conducted in the field, some office work.
• Ability to work outdoors.
• May work in areas that are somewhat uncomfortable due to dirt, dust, fumes, noise, lighting, or temperature variation.
• Travels to various locations, ability to operate a variety of department vehicles.
• Ability to navigate various terrain including construction sites and function in a variety of weather conditions common in Iowa.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of their place of employment as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of appointment.

FLSA (OVERTIME) STATUS:

Non-exempt