HomeMy WebLinkAboutBuilding Inspector IIUpdated: February 2025
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Building Inspector II
Department: Neighborhood & Development Services
Division: Development Services
Supervisor: Senior Building Inspector
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 14
Job Number: 1417
Job Summary
Under general direction, performs field inspections of all commercial, industrial, institutional,
and residential structures for compliance with related codes and regulations. Prescribes action
for conformance to codes and standards. Provides technical expertise in assigned functional
areas and assists in the training of Building Inspectors. Incumbents are fully competent and
expected to perform combination inspections involving all of the specialty areas outlined under
Building Inspector I. Incumbents exercise independent judgment and make sound
recommendations based on inspection findings.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Schedules, conducts and performs field inspections related to commercial, industrial,
institutional and residential structures for compliance with codes and regulations.
• Assists other building inspectors with inspection of complex commercial and residential
structures.
• Reviews construction plans for code compliance.
• Provides plan review for more complex projects and proposed commercial and industrial
buildings of all types to ascertain their compliance with building code, fire safety and
structural design.
• Notifies project designers and permit applicants of defects or omissions in building
construction plans and follows up to ensure that plans are corrected prior to permit
issuance and construction.
• Issues verbal and written orders for correction of code violations shown on submitted
plans.
• Reviews applications for compliance; issues building, electrical, plumbing, and
mechanical permits and collects fees.
• Issues and tracks licenses for plumbers, electricians, mechanical, fire alarm and fire
sprinkler contractors.
• Meets with building owners, tenants, contractors, developers, architects, the general
public and homeowners to answer questions concerning code requirements, including
pre-design meetings.
Updated: February 2025
• Identifies non-compliance issues associated with specifications and the inspected
buildings and informs appropriate parties of lack of compliance with City standards;
works with other inspectors and City staff regarding compliance issues and
interpretation.
• Schedules and meets with design professionals, contractors and owners to help facilitate
projects through the submittal and approval process.
• Troubleshoots issues with inspection software and assists applicants in navigating the
online permitting process.
• Meets with Housing Inspectors, Legal, Planning and Engineering departments to answer
questions or resolve problems with different properties.
• Assists Senior Building Inspector in scheduling and monitoring quality of inspections.
• Works closely with the Senior Inspector to provide training of Building Inspectors in a
classroom setting and in the field.
• Consults with other local, state and federal agencies as necessary for accurate
interpretation and application of relevant codes and regulations governing building
construction.
• Prepares staff analysis write-ups and makes presentations on code interpretations and
alternate methods and applicability of the code.
• Assists with the evaluation of alternative materials and methods of construction.
• Develops summary of code interpretations and maintains Code Interpretation Manual.
• May represent the City during legal proceedings dealing with building safety codes i.e.,
litigation, depositions, municipal court, etc.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related
experience; or five years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Experience as a building inspector in a governmental
jurisdiction.
• International Code Council Combination Plans Examiner (C3) certification, or Residential
Combination Inspector (R5), or Commercial Combination Inspector (C5). Valid State of
Iowa driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass
criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and two years of related
experience; or six years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Experience in construction/building trades.
• International Code Council Combination Inspector (C8) certification, or within 12
months.
Updated: February 2025
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions,
proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to deal with upset customers and to explain code interpretation in a calm and
understandable manner to the public.
• Ability to detect defective materials and workmanship and work well in a team
environment.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of
managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or
schedule form.
• Ability to perform mathematical functions in order to review contractor compliance with
standards.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications, blueprints, easement documents,
design manuals and textbooks, general business periodicals, professional journals,
technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to record concise field notes and report progress.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in
situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations and codes related to building
construction.
• Knowledge of materials, methods and practices used in building construction.
• Skill in the use of a variety of machines, including copiers, scanners and facsimile
machines.
• Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
Updated: February 2025
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving
mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic
chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, confined space, and traffic hazards. The employee
is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen,
insect stings, and animals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Involves
some exposure to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director (2/2025)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
________________________________ __________________