Combination Building Inspector
Definition of the Position
JOIN THE CITY OF ORANGE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AS A
COMBINATION BUILDING INSPECTOR!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.
APPLY TODAY!
DEFINITION OF THE POSITION:
Under general supervision, the Combination Building Inspector performs routine to complex combination inspections at various stages of construction, alterations, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial building sites to enforce building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and environmental codes, and other governing laws and ordinances, including basic zoning, grading, fire, and safety regulations; ensures conformance with approved plans, specifications, standards, permits, licensing, and safety standards; provides a variety of information to property owners, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors; and performs related work as required.
Examples of Duties
Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Performs field inspections of new and existing commercial, industrial, and residential properties at various stages of construction, alterations, and repair for conformance to codes, regulations, plans, specifications, standards, and architect and engineering drawings related to foundations, framing, electrical, mechanical, heating, plumbing, structure, finish, and a wide variety of other routine to complex building system elements; inspects a variety of structural member factors; examines grade, quality, and treatment of a variety of materials; performs final inspections.
- Confers with legal, fire, public works, and other City staff regarding building, fire, life safety, zoning, and other code interpretations and applications.
- Performs non-structural plan checking for completeness, accuracy, and code compliance for new construction, alterations, or remodeling of existing structures; ensures compliance with applicable codes and accepted engineering practices.
- Reviews energy calculations to ensure compliance with State codes.
- Performs grading inspections with an emphasis on drainable systems, compaction, sub-drainage, and environmental protection.
- Initiates minor field changes on contract projects not involving structural or architectural features.
- Writes "stop work" notices for work being done without permits or in an unsafe manner.
- Reviews plans and applications for building permits; issues building permits; makes final inspections and issues certificates of occupancy.
- Investigates complaints regarding existing buildings or new construction to determine if code violations or problem conditions exist.
- Reviews damaged buildings for safe occupancy after fires or other disasters and occurrences.
- Consults with the Building Inspection Supervisor, Chief Building Official, and City legal staff regarding legal aspects of building inspection and other matters; attends code interpretation meetings.
- Confers with and provides information to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, contractors, and others regarding code requirements and alternatives; attends pre-construction meetings; resolves complaints and problems.
- Conducts follow-up inspections to ensure compliance; establishes and maintains accurate and complete case files; prepares documents and evidence for court proceedings and testifies in hearings and court proceedings, as necessary.
- Prepares and maintains a variety of correspondence, reports, correction notices, and other written materials.
- Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
- Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices, methods, materials, techniques, and safety standards of building construction, building inspection, and structural design for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
- Building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, life safety, energy, and related codes.
- Concepts and practices of non-structural plan review.
- Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and departmental policies governing the construction of assigned projects.
- Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of building inspection and construction.
- Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including safe driving rules and practices.
- Mathematical principles including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Record keeping principles and procedures.
- Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and computer applications.
- English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.
Ability to:
- Analyze, interpret, apply, and enforce applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies governing the construction and inspection of buildings.
- Review, understand, interpret, and analyze construction blueprints, plans, specifications, architect and engineering drawings, and maps for conformance with City standards and policies.
- Detect faulty materials and workmanship and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied.
- Coordinate and deal with contractors, engineers, and property owners, as well as investigate building code violations and respond to inquiries and complaints in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
- Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, change orders, specifications, and other written materials; maintain accurate and precise records.
- Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with other departments, public and private organizations, and individuals.
- Make accurate mathematic computations.
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
- Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
- Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
- Completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, or equivalent; and
- College-level coursework or technical training in construction technology, building inspection, or a related field; and
- Three (3) years of responsible experience inspecting residential, commercial, or industrial buildings, OR, two (2) years of experience as a Building Inspector at the City of Orange.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Valid California class C driver license with a satisfactory driving record and automobile insurance; and
- Certification as a Building or Combination Inspector by the International Conference of Building Officials or the International Code Council.
Supplemental Information
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect various commercial and residential development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to attend meetings and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and make inspections; color vision to identify materials, structures, wires, and pipes; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds.