Structural and New Construction Examiner (Electrical)

City of Syracuse; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

The City of Syracuse is seeking a Housing Inspector I to perform field inspections of residential and non-residential structures to enforce codes and safety regulations. The role focuses on routine electrical inspections and providing technical input on rehabilitation feasibility, with independent work under supervision.

Responsibilities include inspecting structures, recording violations, issuing stop-work orders when needed, and testifying in housing court.

Qualifications

• Promotion requires 2 years of permanent competitive status as Housing Inspector I.
• Open Competitive requires an Associate's Degree and 4 years of related work experience with 2 years electrical exposure; or 6 years total experience with 2 years electrical.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience may satisfy the requirements.

Responsibilities

• Inspect existing and construction structures for compliance with NYS and City codes.
• Conduct routine electrical inspections in residential occupancies.
• Record violations using departmental forms and follow up on progress.
• Appear in housing court to provide technical testimony when required.
• Prepare reports and issue stop-work orders as needed.
• Coordinate with other departments and specialists as necessary.

Skills

Structure inspection

Electrical inspection

Report writing

Interpersonal skills

Blueprint reading

Education

Associate's Degree in Architectural Technology or Building Construction Technology

Job description

Job Description

The work involves responsibility for performing field inspections of all types of existing or newly constructed residential and non-residential structures. The purpose of the inspections is to enforce residential and non-residential codes, laws and ordinances, especially those pertaining to safety. Inspections of structures constructed with structural steel and/or reinforced concrete receive special attention. Assignments are generated by the issuance of building permits, certificate of compliance applications, complaints, and referrals. An employee in this class deals extensively with the public and must use tact and judgment in such relationships. This class differs from that of Structural and New Construction Examiner because of the additional responsibility to perform routine electrical inspections that are not of a complex nature and do not require the expertise of an Electrical Inspector 1. Also, incumbents advise the Property Rehabilitation staff, as requested regarding rehabilitation project feasibility, preferable construction methods, materials, etc. An employee in this class is expected to carry out assignments independently while relying on the supervisor for training and guidance. An employee in this class typically does not exercise supervision, but does assist in on-site field training for new employees. An employee in this class performs inspections on all types of structures with no limitations as to a specific type of residential or non-residential structures. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Inspects existing residential and nonresidential structures as well as structures under construction or alteration for purposes of determining compliance with all applicable codes, laws and regulations which include the New York State Multiple Residence Law, New York State Building Code, City of Syracuse Housing Code, City of Syracuse Building Code, City of Syracuse Zoning Rules and Regulations and the City of Syracuse Electrical Code.
• Conducts routine electrical inspections of residential mixed occupancy dwellings as defined by the Multiple Residence Law & the New York State Uniformed Prevention & Building Code, including outlets fixtures and main electrical service to determine compliance with approved plans and specifications, ordinances and codes.
• Records violations of aforementioned codes, laws and regulations by applying departmental report forms.
• Follows up on all violations recorded in previous inspections by performing another inspection to record the degree of correction.
• Performs inspections pursuant to specific complaints.
• Prepares necessary paperwork, certificates, and issues "stop work" orders when inspection indicates such orders are necessary, typically upon consultation with superiors.
• Appears in housing court to provide technical testimony regarding prosecution of violators.
• Composes a variety of reports pertaining to inspections.
• Requests inspections by specialized electrical inspectors when routine electrical inspection results in suspicion of non-compliance with electrical codes or possible faulty or dangerous conditions.
• Follows up immediately on all violations recorded that Jeopardize the health and safety of the public.
• Makes appropriate referrals or contact with other city, county or state departments or agencies to assist in problem cases.
• Advises superiors as to potential problems or hazards that may exist in their areas of responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good knowledge of the principles and practices applied in the inspection of residential and nonresidential structures.
• Good knowledge of materials used in the alteration and construction of residential and nonresidential structures, inclusive of construction principles and practices applied therein.
• Good knowledge of the principles of electricity and the practices of electrical installation in residential buildings.
• Working knowledge of all laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to inspections of residential and non-residential structures applicable in New York State and the City of Syracuse.
• Ability to inspect residential and non-residential structures for purposes of determining faulty structural conditions or basic electrical problems.
• Ability to relate well with others during inspections.
• Ability to compose clear and concise reports.
• Ability to read and interpret building construction plans and specifications and blueprints and to recognize deviations from such plans in the construction process.

Minimum Qualifications

Promotion:

Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status as a Housing Inspector I.

Open Competitive:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate's Degree in Architectural Technology, Building Construction Technology, or a closely related field and four (4) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the construction, revitalization, repair or inspection of residential, commercial, mixed use or industrial structures or their mechanical/ structural support systems (e.g. heating, ventilation, A/C, structural framework, etc.), two (2) years of which must have included electrical installation, repair or inspection; or,

B. Six (6) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in the construction, revitalization, repair or inspection of residential, commercial, mixed use or industrial structures or their mechanical/structural support systems (e.g. heating, ventilation, A/C, structural framework, etc.), two (2) years of which must have included electrical installation, repair or inspection; or,

C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of A and B.

Special Necessary Requirement

NOTE: New York State Public Officers Law requires United States Citizenship. Special Training and Certification Requirement required under Section 159-A of the New York State Executive Law.

434.5 Certification of code enforcement personnel. (A) The New York State Fire Administrator shall certify code enforcement personnel as having successfully completed one or more of the training programs set forth in this part as follows:

(B) Equivalent New York State Fire or Code Enforcement Training courses, federally sponsored courses, courses taught at an accredited college or university or courses taught by a professional society may be substituted, in whole or in part as the case may be, for the specific course requirements contained in this part. Adequate documentation regarding course content and attendance shall be submitted to the State Fire Administrator as a prerequisite to certification.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan

The Affinive Action Policy of the City of Syracuse is to provide equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age (18 and over), marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual or affectional preference or orientation, or any other classified group within the protected class. The City also complies with 31 CFR part 51. If you have a disability for which you wish special accommodation to be made, contact the Office of Human Resources at 315-448-8780 or [e-mail].

All offers of employment will be contingent on the successful completion of a background check and/or drug screen.