Building Inspector Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

POSITION DESCRIPTION Basic Function: Under the direction of the Director of Development Services, directs, plans, organizes, manages, supervises, reviews, and coordinates the activities and operations of professional, technical and administrative staff performing difficult and complex support duties related to all programs and activities of the Building Safety Division; administers Building Code activities; manages the effective use of the City's permit processing, plans examination, building inspection, and code compliance resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Development Services Director; and performs other duties as assigned. Distinguishing Characteristics: This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating all Building Division activities, including building inspection, plans examination, permit processing, and code compliance. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs, budget administration reporting, and program evaluation.

Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Director of Development Services in that the latter has overall responsibility for all functions of the department and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Essential Duties: Acts as the Division Manager for the services and activities of the Building Safety Division of Development Services.

Plans, manages, and oversees all daily functions, operations, and activities of the Building Safety Division, including building inspection, plans examination, and permit processing. Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures. Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of building inspection, plans examination, and permit processing services and activities; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; and identifies opportunities for improvement.

Manages and participates in the development and administration of and oversees the division budget. Participates in the selection, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.

Serves as source of information for developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors regarding Building Code and City construction regulations; reviews complex code applications for requested code modifications and alternate materials and methods; represents the division, department, and City in Building Code disputes and litigations. Performs preliminary review of projects submitted to the City Council and Planning Commission; performs site inspections of construction projects to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local construction codes works closely with other departments in addressing City construction projects and code interpretations. Negotiates, administers, and manages contracts for services.

Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate. Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval. Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.

Serves as a liaison for the Development Services Department with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; meets with developers, engineers, architects, and other project proponents to explain City policies, design issues, and City standards relating to new project development; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues. Provides responsible staff assistance to the Director of Development Services; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate. Develops and maintains records, statistics, and reports on development related activities.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and innovations in building inspection, building safety, plans examination, permit processing, and code compliance; incorporates new policies, processes, and programs as appropriate. Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. Performs related duties as required.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program and project development, implementation, management, and evaluation. Principles and practices of budget development and administration. Principles and practices of employee supervision, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.

Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. Principles and practices of contract administration and evaluation. Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned division.

Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the division. Principles, practices, methods, materials, techniques, and safety standards of building construction, building inspection, and structural design for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. Comprehensive knowledge of building construction and safety codes including building, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, green and energy codes, as well as zoning and housing regulations.

Principles and practices of plan checking and plan review processes; basic principles and practices of civil and structural engineering. Business letter writing and report preparation techniques. Records management principles and practices.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.

Modern software systems used in building permitting, inspection management, and productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, permitting systems such as Accela or similar). Ability to: Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services. Manage and monitor complex projects, on-time and within budget

Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff, train staff in work procedures. Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures. Analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives and reach sound conclusions.

Exercise sound independent judgment. Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods. Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.

Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials. Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner. Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.

Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems. Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.

Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities. Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in architecture, engineering, public administration, or related field. Experience: Four (4) years of increasingly responsible administrative experience leading or overseeing a comprehensive building safety program in a public agency setting which includes one (1) year of management or supervisory experience.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license upon appointment. Possession of a valid International Code Council (I.C.C.) Building Official Certificate within twelve (12) months of appointment. Completion of the Building Officials Leadership Academy through California Building Officials (CALBO) within 2 years of appointment or within a timeframe determined by the Director

May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training. WORKING CONDITIONS Environment: Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to potentially hazardous physical substances. Employees partially work in the field and may be exposed to hot and cold temperatures, inclement weather conditions, loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.

Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures and City codes. Physical Demands: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various construction, City, and meeting sites. Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.

Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office, partially a field classification, and standing and walking between work areas may be required. 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 50 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff.