Commercial Building Inspector; Trades

This position inspects new construction and alterations of commercial structures within the City for compliance with building codes and related regulations, and performs related work as assigned. Explains, interprets and provides guidance regarding applicable codes and compliance requirements to contractors, engineers, architects, developers, property owners and others. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is considered light and involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, fumes and/or noxious odors, toxic/caustic chemicals, traffic, electrical shock, heights, disease/pathogens; and spends time working in an environment where errors can lead to significant physical or mental consequences for one’s self and others.

• Schedules and inspects new construction, alterations and repairs of commercial and other structures to ensure structural safety and compliance with building codes;
• Inspects heating, air conditioning and other mechanical installation work in progress and at completion to determine compliance with local and state codes and regulations; advises mechanical contractors and others in designing or relocating mechanical installations in proposed new construction or existing buildings; responds to complaints regarding defective installations; coordinates work with City departments/divisions, engineers, architects and the general public;
• Inspects plumbing installation work in progress and at completion to determine compliance with local and state codes and regulations; responds to complaints regarding defective installations; coordinates work with public health sanitarians, City water and sewer engineering staff, and other engineers, architects and the general public;
• Prepares inspection reports; prepares and issues notices of correction and stop work orders as necessary;
• Reports unsafe buildings because of structural weakness or potential fire hazard;
• Inspects fire-damaged buildings to mechanical or plumbing systems in buildings;
• Explains, interprets and provides guidance regarding applicable codes and compliance requirements to contractors, engineers, architects, developers, property owners and others;
• Follows up on each case to verify corrections have been made to comply with codes; issues uniform ordinance summonses and prepares cases for prosecution in the event of non-compliance; testifies in court as necessary;
• Participates in community services team efforts;
• Maintains a variety of logs and records related to inspection and enforcement activities;
• Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility;
• Meets with the public and staff to coordinate essential tasks, related expected requirements and discuss relevant issues;
• Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, attending meetings, etc.;
• Provides training of other inspectors as assigned;
• Attends training, conferences, meetings, etc., to enhance job knowledge and skills and maintain certifications; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED;
• Four (4) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License;
• Certified or be able to be certified within one (1) year…