Building Code Enforcement Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Local Building and Code Enforcement Inspector

Department: MunicipalServices

Reports to: Director of Municipal Services

GradeLevel:  Personnel Policies/Plan Grade 10

FLSAStatus: Non-exempt

Rate: Hiring range: $73,599 - $86,480

Schedule: 40 hours per week

1.Nature of Work:  The Local Building and Code Enforcement Inspector issues permits and performs inspections for food and beverage establishments for State inspections. In addition this Inspector performs, building inspections , provides advice to other Inspectors as required on code issues to ensure compliance with state and local laws and the enforcement of local zoning and other applicable State regulations or Town Bylaws; assists in the resolution of difficult inspection or code enforcement issues, observes conditions and issues notices for correction to persons responsible for conformance of state building and related codes; researches, obtains evidence and prepares informational reports concerning compliance or violations which have not been corrected, reviews architectural building plans and specifications involved for code requirements and approves plan for issuance of building permits as required by the Massachusetts State Building Code; reviews all plans and specifications for compliance with local zoning bylaws; inspects all work for compliance with approved plans. Explains  requirements, policies, procedures and ordinances;  recommends compliance procedures to contractors, craft workers and owners relative to the mode or manner of construction and materials to be used in construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, demolition, removal, installation of equipment and the location, use, occupancy and maintenance of all buildings and structures. Prepares and maintains inspection records and prepares reports for use by other Town officials, administrative or judicial authorities; confers with other code inspectors when necessary. Attends public meetings as necessary to discuss codes, building construction or renovation plan reviews and other related issues. Inspects new residential, commercial, industrial and other buildings during and after construction and upon completion and repair and alteration work, during process and upon completion for conformity with all code requirements and approved plans and with zoning restrictions to ensure that components such as footings, floor framing, completed framing, chimneys and stairways meet provisions of building, grading, zoning, and safety laws and approved plans, specifications and standards as needed; issues occupancy permits upon completion of requirements of all codes and statutes relating to public safety. Responds to natural disaster emergencies. Keeps abreast of all changes or revisions to the State Building Codes and local zoning bylaws. Works in conjunction with the Fire Chief to ensure the safety of public assembly buildings. May be required to respond off hours to emergency situations, such as but not limited to structural fires, building collapses, motor vehicles striking buildings, natural disasters, flooding, hurricane issues etc. 

Responsiblefor the enforcement and compliance with Federal, State and local codes, lawsand zoning and other bylaws and all applicable regulations; oversees theissuance of required permits applicable to building or structure constructionand/or renovation plans and zoning ordinance compliance. Employee conductsperiodic inspections, maintains records, and issues Certificates of Inspectionfor existing buildings as required by statute including; places of assemblysuch as night clubs, restaurants, meeting halls, churches and schools, and for institutionaluses, such as hospitals, nursing homes, jails and prisons, and residentialuses, such as hotels, lodging houses, limited group residences and allmultifamily structures.

Providesresponsive service on all complaints of property owners, tenants and others;investigates alleged violations and takes action, if necessary. Employee isrequired to perform all similar or related duties.

2.    Supervision Received: Under administrative direction of the Director of Municipal Services, inaccordance with applicable provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws, andlocal bylaws. Consults with the Director of Municipal Services whenclarification of operating policies are needed, or where clarification, interpretation,or exception to municipal policy may be required. The employee/official is alsoexpected to resolve all conflicts, which arise and coordinate with others asnecessary. 

Performs varied and responsible functions of atechnical nature regarding considerable independent judgment in the;application, interpretation and enforcement of building codes, zoning bylawsand other applicable regulations, as well as in formulating decisions regardingpolicies, procedures, operations and plans at the department level.

3.    Supervisory Responsibility:  Employee does not supervise other employees.

4.    Confidentiality: Employee has access to confidential information in accordance with theState Public Records law including official personnel files, department and clientrecords as well as law suits. Confidentiality must be maintained with regard tothis information in accordance with the Departmental Policy and Public RecordsAct.

5.    Accountability: Consequences of errors, missed deadlines orpoor judgment may include adverse public relations, personal injury, danger topublic safety, legal repercussions, jeopardize programs, lower standards ofservice, sub-standard construction, monetary losses, damage to buildings and equipment,personal injuries, delay in service delivery or adverse public relations.

6.    Judgment:  Thework requires examining, analyzing and evaluating facts and circumstancessurrounding individual problems, situations, or transactions, and determiningactions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices.Guidelines include a large body of policies, practices, and precedents, whichmay be complex or conflicting, at times. Judgment is used in analyzing specificsituations to determine appropriate actions. Employee is expected to weigh efficiencyand relative priorities in conjunction with procedural concerns in decisionmaking. Requires understanding, interpreting and enforcement of state laws andlocal ordinances.

7.    Complexity: The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts,practices and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technicalfield. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors,conditions or unusual circumstances; inspecting, testing or evaluatingcompliance with established standards or criteria; gathering, analyzing andevaluating facts or data using specialized fact finding techniques; ordetermining the methods to accomplish the work.

8.    Nature and Purpose of Relationships: Relationships areconstantly with co-workers, the public and with groups and/or individuals suchas civil leaders, peers from other organizations, representatives fromprofessional organizations, and news media. The employee serves as aspokesperson or recognized authority of the organization in matters ofsubstance or considerable importance. The employee deals with the public andother individuals on behalf of the department to communicate departmentalpractices, procedure, regulations or guidelines. May encounter individuals whohave conflicting opinions or objectives, diverse points of view or differenceswhere skillful negotiating and achieving compromise is required to securesupport, concurrence and acceptance or compliance; or one-on-one relationshipswith a person who may be under severe stress, where gaining a high degree ofpersuasion may be required to obtain the desired effect. The employeerepresents to the public a functional area of the municipality on matters ofprocedures or policy where perceptiveness is required to analyze circumstancesin order to act appropriately. Excellent communication and customer serviceskills are required involving courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in resolvingcomplaints and concerns of the public.

9.     EssentialFunctions: The essential functions orduties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type ofwork that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties doesnot exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logicalassignment to the position. 

1.      Issues permits and conducts inspections for buildings, provides advice to other Inspectors as required on code issues toensure compliance with state and local laws and the enforcement of local zoningand other applicable State regulations or Town Bylaws; assists in theresolution of difficult inspection or code enforcement issues.

2.      Observes conditions and issues notices for correctionto persons responsible for conformance of state building and related codes; research,obtains evidence and prepares informational reports concerning compliance orviolations which have not been corrected.

3.      Reviews architectural building plans and specificationsinvolved for code requirements and approves plan for issuance of buildingpermits as required by the Massachusetts State Building Code; reviews all plansand specifications for compliance with local zoning bylaws; inspects all workfor compliance with approved plans.

4.       Explains requirements, polices, procedures and ordinances; recommends compliance procedures tocontractors, craft workers and owners relative to the mode or manner ofconstruction and materials to be used in construction, reconstruction,alteration, repair, demolition, removal, installation of equipment and thelocation, use, occupancy and maintenance of all buildings and structures.

5.      Prepares and maintains inspection records and preparesreports for use by other Town officials, administrative or judicialauthorities; confers with other code inspectors when necessary.

6.      Attends public meetings as necessary to discuss codes,building construction or renovation plan reviews and other related issues.

7.      Inspects new residential, commercial, industrial andother buildings during and after construction and upon completion and repairand alteration work, during process and upon completion for conformity with allcode requirements and approved plans and with zoning restrictions to ensurethat components such as footings, floor framing, completed framing, chimneysand stairways meet provisions of building, grading, zoning, and safety laws andapproved plans, specifications and standards as needed; issues occupancypermits upon completion of requirements of all codes and statutes relating topublic safety.

8.      Responds to natural disaster emergencies; supervises damageteam members and volunteers.

9.      Keeps abreast of all changes or revisions to the StateBuilding Codes and local zoning bylaws.

10.   Works in conjunction with the Fire Chief to ensure thesafety of public assembly buildings.

11.  MonitorsChapter 40B projects and designated planned unit developments.

12.  Interactswith all Town Boards and Departments regarding policy and attitudes, as well asplanning and improving service-related functions. Participates as a member ofthe Zoning By-Law Committee and the Public Safety Team.

13.  Attendstrainings and classes required to maintain certification as Local BuildingInspector and meets the required continuing education credits as required. 

Recommended MinimumQualifications: 

Education and Experience: HS Diploma or equivalent. Five or more yearsof prior work experience in building construction or design, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

SpecialRequirements:

Valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator'sLicense

Massachusetts Construction Supervisors andLocal Building Inspector's License

(Title V) System Inspector License a plus

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill 

Knowledge: Thoroughknowledge of the state building code and related codes. as well as ADA rulesand guidelines and working knowledge of asbestos and environmental compliance regulations.Working knowledge of the principles and practices of building construction, inspection,and fire prevention, light, ventilation and safe egress; general knowledge ofbuilding construction equipment and materials, and the State building code,local bylaws; and other applicable state statutes, rules and regulations, knowledgeof the Town's geography and principles and policies of personnel management andsupervision. 

Abilities: Ability to readand interpret blueprints, drawings and plans, interpret and enforce in a firm,tactful and impartial manner state, local and federal laws including the StateBuilding Code and local zoning bylaws. Ability to deal appropriately with the general public and members of thebuilding community.  Ability tounderstand engineering terminology and mathematical concepts. Ability tounderstand court procedures related to building and zoning issues. Ability tocommunicate effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to manage multipletasks in a detailed and effective manner, deal tactfully with disgruntledmembers of the public; ability to establish effective working relationshipswith department staff, owners, designers, contractors, subcontractors and othercode enforcement or regulatory agencies. 

Skill: Skill in theoperation of all above mentioned tools and equipment. Proficient organizationaloral and written communication skills; effective negotiation skills; proficientdata processing skills.  Excellent customerservice and supervisory skills. 

WorkEnvironment:  Working conditionsinvolve exposure to intermittent machine or related noise and a combination ofunpleasant elements such as odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold,oil, dirt or grease. Work may involve occasional work at heights, or inconfined or cramped quarters, or work around machinery and its moving parts.Work may also involve occasional mental stress, such as completing severalunrelated tasks within a relatively short period of time. Employee may berequired to work beyond normal business hours to attend evening meetings,and/or in response to emergencies on a 24/7 basis. 

Occupational Risk:   Duties generally do not generally presentoccupational risk, with only occasional exposure to risk when conducting fieldinspections.  Personal injury couldoccur, however, through employee failure to properly follow safety precautionsor procedures when assessin...