HomeMy WebLinkAboutBuilding Inspector IICITY OF IOWA CITY – Job Description
Job Class #14-17 FLSA Non-Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Building Inspector II
Department: Neighborhood & Development Services
Division: Development Services
Supervisor: Senior Building Inspector
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. Assists in the planning and implementation of
owner-occupied and rental housing rehabilitation programs. 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
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 project 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, sign and mechanical
permits and collects fees.
Issues and tracks licenses for plumbers, electricians, mechanical, fire alarm and fire sprinkler
contractors and sign erectors.
Meets with building owners, tenants, contractors, developers, architects general public and
homeowners to answer questions concerning code requirements, including pre-design meetings.
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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.
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.
May be assigned to coordinate permit counter activities or building inspection activities.
Performs field inspections of buildings under construction to monitor inspector effectiveness in
executing specific code requirements applicable to specific projects.
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.
Answers complex code questions and provides technical information to design professionals,
contractors and citizens and imparts code knowledge and information to the inspection team.
Consults with Senior Building Inspector on complex building code interpretations and may
prepare initial drafts of formal opinions.
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.
Prepares recommendations of approval or denial to the Senior Building Inspector.
Develops summary of code interpretations and maintains Code Interpretation Manual.
Represents the Senior Building Inspector and Inspections Staff at Development Review
Committee meetings as required.
Oversees emergency repair, exterior repair, accessibility and energy conservation programs
and some comprehensive and rental rehabilitation projects.
Maintains detailed files for projects.
Assists in writing detailed construction specifications for rehabilitation projects.
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Updates and edits building inspection services brochures and guidelines.
Interacts with all City departments and divisions concerning development and administration of
City ordinances and policies.
Enters information into computer and prepares reports, recommendations and correspondence.
Establishes, submits and maintains records and reports on all inspections.
Compiles statistical data for inclusion in annual reports
Represents the City in appeals of code requirements.
Researches plans, standards, specifications and codes, and development of proposed changes
Investigates complaints.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and are
encountered while performing those essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The
employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is
occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or
balance; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision,
peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather
conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places;
fumes or airborne particles; confined spaces, and risk of electrical shock. The employee is
occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold;
extreme heat; explosives; risk of radiation; and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
Associate’s degree from an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized
accreditation body or equivalent experience in a related field and three years experience as a
building inspector for a governmental jurisdiction required. Individuals are required to hold
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International Code Council Combination Plans Examiner (C3) certification, or Residential
Combination Inspector( R5), or Commercial Combination Inspector (C5) Valid driver’s license
with satisfactory driving record required. Must be 18 years of age per Iowa Code 92.8. Must
pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an educational institution accredited by a DOE
recognized accreditation body or three years experience in construction/building trades and
experience as building inspector for a governmental jurisdiction preferred. Additional
certifications above what is required in position announcement is preferred including
International Code Council Combination Inspector (C8) certification, or the ability to obtain such
certification within 12 months of appointment is highly desirable.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of materials, methods and practices used in building construction. Knowledge of
federal, state and local regulations and codes related to building construction. Skills in
interpersonal and public relations. Skills in the use of a variety of machines, including personal
computers, copiers, scanners and facsimile machines. Ability to detect defective materials and
workmanship and work well in a team environment. 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. Ability to record
concise field notes and report progress. Ability to deal with upset customers and to explain code
interpretation in a calm and understandable manner to the public.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities,
duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.