Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

To inspect routine and more complex structures and building systems at various stages of construction, alteration and repair; to assist in the review of building plans and specifications and issuance of construction permits; 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 the journey level class in the Building Inspector series. Positions in this class are normally filled by advancement from the lower class of Building Inspector I. Appointment to the higher class requires that the employee be performing substantially the full range of duties for the class requiring a complete knowledge of department policies and procedures and meet the qualification standards for the class. A Building Inspector II is expected to perform the entire range of moderately difficult inspections (building, electrical, fire, plumbing and mechanical) for a variety of residential, commercial and industrial construction and be able to plan check most routine (non-structural) building systems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Direction is provided by the Chief Building Official or designee.

The Building Inspector II may lead and train lower level building division staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Perform 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.
• Perform complex inspection duties in several trade specialties such as plumbing, electrical and mechanical, structural and finish trade areas.
• Checks building plans for sufficiency and code compliance; route plans to other affected departments, and distribute plan check submittal to builders/contractors for correction.
• Issue permits for work to be performed.
• Inspect foundation, cement, framing, plastering, plumbing, heating and electrical installations, and a large variety of other complex and routine building system elements.
• Assist in the checking of building plans and perform field review of plans and specifications.
• Check stud, joist, rafter spacing and other structural member factors.
• Examine grade, quality and treatment of lumber, cement, lath, wire and composition including conducting research of new and/or alternative material reports from ICBO and other testing labs.
• Assure proper and safe installations of routine and complex building systems.
• Coordinate inspection activities with other City departments and public agencies.
• 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 the general public in the field and office to resolve complaints and answer questions regarding plan check correction lists, conditions of permit approval, and use of alternative methods or materials.
• Maintain records and prepare 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 including the California Building, Mechanical, Plumbing and Housing Codes, the California Electric Code, and the municipal zoning and sign ordinances.
• Principles and techniques of building inspection work.
• Complex building, electrical, fire, plumbing and mechanical code enforcement.

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.
• Perform journey level inspection skills in a variety of specialty trade areas and to perform competent and efficient work as a Building Inspector.
• Enforce a variety of zoning, general land use and related City codes.
• Read and interpret building plans, specifications and building codes and determine that construction systems conform to City Code requirements.
• 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.
• Apply City codes and policies regarding zoning, environmental matters and other regulations to field situations.
• Perform entire range of inspections, including building, electrical, fire, plumbing and mechanical for residential, commercial and industrial construction.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work independently without supervision.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

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

Experience:

Four (4) years of inspection experience with a jurisdiction similar to Building Inspector I with the City of Turlock, and possession of at least 2 ICC Certificates in the building trades or a related field.

OR

Six (6) years of responsible construction experience equivalent to journey level construction work in more than one trade or as a Job/Project superintendent, involving work done in conformance with standard building, electrical, mechanical systems, and plumbing codes.

AND

Possession of at least one (1) ICC Certification in building trades or related field and obtain a second (2nd) certification within a year.

Education:

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

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;