Inspector , Ii, Or Iii

Overview

Job Title: Inspector I

Under general direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures and policies, performs inspections and plan reviews for building, plumbing, mechanical, and/or electrical trades on commercial and residential new construction and renovation projects to ensure building code compliance. Performs daily inspections of construction projects. Enters inspections and results into the Building Codes data management system, maintaining accurate records of permits and daily inspections.

Provides customer service by drafting inspection summaries, conducting code research, and working with customers to find reasonable solutions for code violations. Works with other City departments during the inspection process. Maintains licenses as required by the state licensing board and the International Code Council. Reviews construction plans for code compliance and field certification.

The role includes the following essential functions. (Percent of time is provided for context during evaluation.)

• Perform Field Inspections
  :
  Perform field inspections and plan review for one or more trades (building, plumbing, mechanical, and/or electrical) on commercial and residential projects to ensure code compliance. Inspect building projects to ensure construction proceeds in accordance with approved design. Interpret adopted codes, technical manuals, drawings, instructions, and specifications related to construction projects. Notify contractors of code violations with written reports at inspection time.
  
  Offer suggestions to contractors for resolving field problems. Enter inspections and results into the Building Codes Department data management system and maintain records of permits and daily inspections. Examine plans, specifications, and other materials to ensure code compliance prior to permitting and during construction. Provide written or verbal feedback to contractors and customers to communicate code violations, interpretations, or responses to inquiries.
  
  Maintain all trade-specific certifications and licenses required for the job classification.
• Provide Customer Service
  :
  Support the relationship between the City and the public by demonstrating courteous behavior when interacting with contractors, the public, and other City departments. Prevent customer complaints by using constructive communication and helping to resolve code violations. Respond to inquiries regarding building or occupancy issues at the office counter, by phone, email, and in the field. Enter inspection results into the data system promptly after each inspection using mobile devices.
  
  Coordinate with employees, other City departments, contractors, architects, engineers, and citizens as needed to apply, enforce, and resolve building code issues.
• Conduct Plan Reviews
  :
  Review plans, specifications, and related materials to determine project scope and compliance with adopted codes and standards. Identify deficiencies and input comments into the data management system. Review code deficiencies with design professionals to ensure understanding and to develop compliant solutions. Discuss complex or alternate designs with appropriate staff to determine jurisdictional acceptance or disapproval.

Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: Associate degree in architecture, building sciences, construction management, or related field and over one (1) year of inspections experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Licensure/

Certifications:

SC Department of Labor License and Regulation licensure as a specialty inspector for Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, or Building and International Code Council (ICC) certification for residential, commercial, and plan review in at least one trade. Alternatively, a SC Department of Labor License and Regulation provisional license and the above ICC certifications within one (1) year of hire.

Valid South Carolina Class D Driver's License.

Knowledge of:

• International Building Codes, state laws related to building codes, and local regulations that govern the use and enforcement of codes.
• Construction processes as they relate to required inspections.
• Building plans and specifications.

Ability to:

• Interpret relevant ordinances and laws; communicate laws, ordinances, and policies clearly in writing and verbally.
• Access construction sites to complete inspections in difficult environments.
• Analyze problems and identify alternative solutions.
• Collaborate with employees, City departments, contractors, design professionals, and citizens to enforce and resolve building code issues.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Read, understand, and relate construction codes to real-world situations.
• Make calculations and interpret measurements and data.
• Write reports, letters, summaries,…