Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

To inspect routine and complex structure and building systems at various stages of construction, alteration and repair; to assist in the review of building plans and specifications; and to investigate and secure compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, codes, standards, plans and specifications.

This classification is assigned to the miscellaneous bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime, evening and weekend assignments.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is considered the entry level in the professional Building Inspector series. Positions assigned to this class perform the more routine and standardized tasks which may include other specialized duties as identified in a specific job title (i.e.: Inspector I/Minor Permits). Incumbents in this class are expected to perform most routine tasks in the Building & Safety Division within the framework established by higher level employees fully utilizing existing skills required for the position. It is expected that the knowledge and skills of the incumbent will be enhanced through a comprehensive orientation program, which leads to performing increasingly responsible building inspection staff work with minimal direct supervision.

Incumbents are eligible to promote to Building Inspector II classification after completing two years of experience with satisfactory or above performance in the Inspector I classification and possession of an ICBO certificate.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by the Chief Building Official or designee. Technical or functional supervision may be provided by higher level building inspections personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Accept, review and process a wide variety of permit applications relating to construction and development-related activities regulated by the City Planning and Building & Safety Divisions.
• Review site plans, architectural drawings, and structural calculations submitted with development permit applications to insure completeness and conformance with the department's submittal requirements.
• Calculate and collect required mitigation and development fees for construction permit applications.
• Provide information at the public counter regarding the City's General Plan and development regulations including occupancies, structures, fire life safety issues, accessibility, energy conservation and public improvements.
• Perform over-the-counter plan check of fences, walls, small room additions, patios, decks, garages, and other small construction projects.
• Make field inspections of industrial, commercial and residential buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to assure compliance with applicable codes and regulations of the City, County, State and federal agencies.
• Checks building plans for sufficiency and code compliance; route plans to other affected departments, and distribute plan check submittals to builders/contractors for corrections.
• Inspect foundation, cement, framing, plastering, plumbing, mechanical and electrical installations and a large variety of other complex and routine building system elements.
• Check stud, joist, rafter spacing and other structural member factors.
• Examine grade, quality and treatment of lumber, cement, lath, wire and composition.
• Coordinate inspection activities with other city departments and public agencies as needed.
• Assist in conducting investigations of zoning, land use and construction code enforcement and abatement issues.
• Determine compliance to California Building, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, California Electric Code, and pertinent provisions of state and County health and environmental ordinances.
• Confer with architects, contractors, builders and general public in the field and office to resolve complaints and answer questions regarding plan check correction lists, conditions of permit approvals, and use of alternative methods or materials.
• Maintain permit records and field notes as applicable and prepares reports.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction.
• Building related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City, specifically, the California Building Code.
• Principles and techniques of building inspection work.

Ability to:

• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials, and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices.
• Learn to perform journey level inspection skills in a variety of specialty trade areas and to perform competent and efficient work as a Building Inspector.
• Learn to enforce a variety of zoning, general land use and related City codes.
• Determine that construction systems conform to City Code requirements.
• Read and interpret building plans, specifications and building codes.
• Advise on standard construction methods and requirements.

• Make arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately.

• Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with those contacted during the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Any combination of education, training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Completion of 30 college units with major course work in Building Inspection Technology, Construction Management or a related field.

OR

Four (4) years of responsible construction experience equivalent to journey level construction work in the building trades involving work done in conformance with standard building, electrical, mechanical systems and plumbing codes

OR

One year of inspection experience with a jurisdiction, similar to Building Inspector Trainee with the City of Turlock

Education:

High school diploma, GED or equivalent.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of a Building Inspector Certification issued by the International Code Council at the time of appointment and possess a second Building Inspector Certification by the International Code Council within one (1) year appointment for a total of two (2) certifications.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment and must be maintained thereafter as a condition of continued employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the following physical abilities: see well enough to read, write, make observations, view computer screen, read gauges and other instrumentation as well as operate a motor vehicle; hear well enough to converse on the radio, telephone, and in person; use hands and fingers well enough to use computer keyboard, write, file and answer telephones; bodily mobility to walk on uneven surfaces or sloped surfaces such as construction sites and roofs, bend, stand, climb on scaffolding and ladders, and be able to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperatures while performing inspections or other duties;