Local Building Inspector

Andover Public Schools; Andover (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Andover seeks a Building Inspector to enforce state and local building and zoning codes, review permits, and inspect construction sites for compliance. The role requires interpreting complex regulations, issuing permits, and coordinating with departments to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications include MA Bldg Code knowledge, an Associate's degree in a related field, and certification as a Local Building Inspector.

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge of the Massachusetts State Building Code and local bylaws.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents and drawings.
• Certification as a Local Building Inspector by the Commonwealth of MA is required.
• Experience supervising building construction or design is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review permit applications and site plans for compliance with codes and bylaws.
• Inspect sites to ensure conformance with building and zoning regulations.
• Issue permits and stop-work orders as needed and enforce codes.
• Respond to inquiries and provide guidance to contractors and the public.

Skills

Building codes knowledge

Reading construction documents

Report writing

Customer service

Communication

Driver's license

Education

Associate's degree in building construction or design

Tools

Word processing

Data entry

General IT skills

Job description

Under the general direction of the Inspector of Buildings, perform skilled inspectional work of a technical nature which requires the compliance with state and local building codes, zoning codes, bylaws and related regulations.

• Review applications for permits to construct, improve, move or demolish buildings and structures within the Town; review plans to assure conformance to all building, zoning regulations, statutes and bylaws; issue permits and, by means of on-site inspections, review work in progress to assure construction conformance to building codes.
• Enforce provisions of the Massachusetts State Building Code.
• Enforce zoning bylaws, initiating inspection and enforcement actions as prescribed by state statute and Town bylaw, and as such, provide interpretation of zoning bylaw; if warranted, initiate legal action to enforce zoning bylaw.
• Review and inspect site plans and applications, special permits and, on request of the Zoning Board of Appeals, make on-site inspections to review work in progress following issuance of special permits.
• At the request of the Inspector of Buildings, perform specific inspections to investigate complaints concerning building or zoning code violations.
• Upon determination, issue stop work orders when building code or zoning violations are found.
• Receive and answer inquiries from contractors, other officials and the general public concerning building and zoning codes, rules and regulations.
• Attend night meetings if so requested, such as a Board of Appeals, Planning Board or Design Advisory Board meeting.
• Respond to off hour emergencies at the request of the public safety and other municipal officials.
• Perform related duties as required.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the Massachusetts State Building Code, Town zoning bylaws and other applicable bylaws and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of building construction materials and methods, including technical knowledge of electrical, HVAC and plumbing materials and methods.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret construction documents, specifications and special construction documents and drawings.
• Ability to interpret and enforce the code impartially, maintain accurate inspection reports and records.
• Ability to resolve or refer disputes over code interpretation to the appropriate authority.
• Basic computer literacy, such as the ability to perform word processing and data entry.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to write reports, permits and citations that are technically and legally correct.
• Knowledge of Continuous Quality Improvement practices; implement techniques to improve division and/or department services.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work cooperatively and professionally with the planning, health and conservation divisions, as well as the police and fire departments.
• Valid Driver's License and personal vehicle.

Education and Experience

Duties require minimum of five years experience in the supervision of building construction or design or an Associate's degree in a field related to building construction or design, or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have general knowledge of the accepted requirements for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation, heating and air conditioning, safe egress, as well as general knowledge of other equipment and materials essential for safety, comfort and convenience of the occupants of a building or structure. Must be certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Bureau of Building Regulations and Standards as a Local Building Inspector.

Physical Elements

• Frequent periods spent in non-office environments, including commercial, industrial, institutional and residential properties, Town property and facilities.
• Regular periods spent working outside, requiring exposure to sometimes extreme and adverse weather conditions.
• Frequent periods spent standing and walking; occasionally required to climb ladders and scaffolding or crawl under low structures.
• Working conditions may involve danger, depending on type of structure to be inspected.
• May spend sustained periods at computer terminal or on telephone.
• Subject to occasional interruptions to respond to emergency situations.

Grade: IE-22

FLSA Status: Exempt

Standard Work Week: 36.25 hours

The Town of Andover is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Town is committed to advancing its workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.