Certified Building Inspector/Plans Reviewer

Primary Function

An employee in this position is a Certified Building Inspector/Plans Reviewer who assists the Building Official by inspecting residential plans and structures for code compliance and performing clerical support. The work is performed under the supervision of the Building Official, but considerable latitude is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment and in construction sites with exposure to inclement weather and uneven surfaces.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (will vary by assignment)

• Inspects residential structures for code compliance
• Reviews residential plans for code compliance and issues correction reports;
• Inspects potential code violations and documents conditions of violations;
• Assists the Building Official in the management of code violations;
• Explains code requirements and assists bringing people to a position of code compliance through patience, education, tact and empathy;
• Communicates and coordinates with other staff to maximize effectiveness and efficiency of department activities;
• Assists customers and employees with department procedures and explains policies/programs;
• Maintains accurate, complete and timely files and records;
• Answers incoming phone calls and greets the public, providing information and directing and providing referrals to other departments or staff as needed;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County and department policies, procedures and safety practices.
• Performs other related duties as requested and/or required.

Competency Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Building codes, particularly relating to residential construction;
• Operation of standard and specialized office equipment including a personal computer and job-related software;
• Effective customer service principles and techniques;
• General methods of conflict resolution and stress management;
• Record keeping and filing practices and procedures;

Ability to:

• Read and interpret residential construction plans;
• Detect code violations and other correction pathways for residential construction;
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and positive energy in person and on the telephone;
• Respond to citizen requests in a courteous and effective manner;
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, supervisory personnel, state and local elected and appointed officials and the public;
• Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks;
• Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Operate a motor vehicle.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or GED equivalency is required and additional coursework or degree in construction management or a related field is preferred; and
• One year's experience in construction inspection and residential plan and site inspection; and
• ICC Plan Reviewer certification and ICC Residential Inspector certification (both obtained within 12 months of hire) and maintenance thereof; and
• Two to three (2-3) years of experience in building construction or construction trades; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Special Qualifications

• ICC (International Code Council) Building Inspector certification and ICC Plans Examiner certification is required;
• Idaho driver's license is required.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate with others;
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a motor vehicle and to operate a personal computer and standard office equipment;
• Sufficient personal mobility, agility, strength, and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to withstand outdoor weather and construction site hazards, maneuver around construction including climbing concrete wall forms, unfinished decks, excavated sites, etc. and work in an office environment.