JOB SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Building Official, the Building Inspector is responsible for application of the City’s adopted building codes through field inspection and plan review. This is accomplished by carrying out all responsibilities in accordance with clearly established departmental policies and procedures, City codes and ordinances, and state and federal regulations. The Building Inspector interfaces extensively with residents, builders, engineers, architects, developers, sub-contractors, and external customers. Positive, customer service-oriented interaction with City staff, residents, and external customers is required.Â
SUPERVISION
RECEIVES direct supervision from the Building Official
EXERCISES no supervision
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSÂ
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Building Inspections
- Assist in routine inspections of 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.
- Assist in the inspection of foundation, concrete, framing, insulation, plumbing, heating, and electrical installation and a large variety of other complex and routine building inspections.
- Ensure conformance and compliance to International Building Code, Plumbing Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Energy Code, Swimming Pool Code, Existing Building Code, Minimum Housing Standards, and pertinent provisions of State and County health and environmental ordinances.
- Issue permits for work to be performed ensure compliance with applicable Council adopted building codes.
- Review building permits and confirm all required setbacks and easements are identified on the site plan.
- Assure proper and safe installations of routine and complex building systems.
- Make field reviews of plans and specifications.
- Resolve disputes between building inspection staff and developers, contractors, architects, engineers and the general public.
- Interpret building codes and work with builders, property owners and craftsmen in making changes necessary to conform with Codes.
- Coordinate building inspection activities with other City departments, divisions and sections and with outside agencies.
- Confer with architects, contractors, builders, engineers, and the general public in the field and office.
- Perform plan review as assigned.
Code Enforcement
- Respond to complaints received concerning code enforcement issues.
- Inspect the property complained about to determine if the complaint is legitimate.
- Send letters to property owners notifying them of the violations and the penalties for noncompliance.
- If there is no response to the letters, file with the Building Standards Commission or the Municipal Court for action against the parties.
- Take pictures, document correspondence, and gather any other evidence to be used in Building Standard Commission hearings or Court; if needed, attend Building Standards Commission or Court session to prosecute violations.
Give Information
- Respond to questions and concerns of assigned staff or the public.
Building Codes
- Research, review and interpret applicable building trade codes and ordinances.
- Monitor and enforce building codes and ordinances related to life safety issues of the public.
- Review and provide recommendations for building code adoption.Â
Other Duties
- Conduct surveys and studies for various departments when requested.
- Substitute for Administrative Office staff during absences to answer telephones and write permits.
- Travel to construction sites, meetings, conferences and training.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
A High School diploma or equivalent; and minimum of two (2) years of work-related experience. Â Â
Knowledge of:
- Commercial and residential building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and inspection health and safety rules, regulations, codes and ordinances.
- Building construction material specifications and tolerances.
- Building code enforcement practices and procedures.
- Customer service practices and techniques.
- Computers and related equipment, as well as software applicable to assigned job.
- City policies and procedures.
- Federal, state and county laws, ordinances, rules and regulations relating to building inspections.
- Proper inspection methods and procedures.
- Safety precautions on construction sites.
Skills and Abilities:
- Commitment to providing excellent customer service as defined by the City of Belton.
- Effective oral and written communications.
- Providing technical code enforcement and building inspection assistance to builders, contractors, developers, and homeowners.
- Recognizing substandard, faulty or hazardous building conditions and materials.
- Recommending alternative construction materials to meet building code compliance.
- Interpreting and enforcing building codes and ordinances with firmness and tact.
- Resolving customer complaints and concerns.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Work independently without supervision.
- Deal with the public in a courteous and pleasant manner under varied, demanding and stressful situations.
LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
- Possession of a valid Texas Class C driver’s license.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Code Enforcement Officer license within two (2) years of employment.
- Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners Plumbing Inspector license within one (1) year of employment.
- May be required to obtain certification or licensure specific to area of assignment after date of employment at the City’s expense.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS
- Work is performed in office and construction site environments.
- May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry and vision to monitor.
- May be subject to walking on uneven or unstable terrain, occasional standing, bending, reaching, carrying, kneeling, pulling, crouching, climbing, crawling, confined spaces, or lifting such as when reviewing plans, specifications, and conducting inspections.
- May be subject to extended working hours, and respond to emergencies on an on call basis.
- May be subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions, loud noises, hazardous chemicals and fumes, infectious diseases, air and water borne pathogens, and poisonous insects, spiders, and snakes or wild animals common to water, wastewater and underground utilities.
- Must be able to work in stressful situations.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Benefits include 100% employer paid employee only medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums. Paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave available. Participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System is required, as well as Social Security deductions. Â
The City of Belton is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation/At Will employer and does not discriminate on basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.