Chief Building Inspector

SUMMARY Reviews plans and performs inspections to assure that all new residential and commercial construction and facilities conform to zoning, subdivision and building codes; and that existing structures, properties and facilities, and their uses, conform to zoning, housing, health, safety, and property laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change in order to meet City needs or operational requirements.

Attendance at work and the ability to get along with the public, supervisors, and co-workers are essential elements of this position. Other duties may be assigned.

Receives and reviews building and development plans submitted to the inspector's office; reviews drawings to insure conformance to building, electrical, plumbing, and zoning ordinances. Receives and acts upon complaints from citizens and others concerning possible code violations.

Issues permits and/or informs parties of deficiencies in plans; assures contractors, etc. are aware of needs. Inspects properties, structures, and facilities of the community for code compliance.

Issues citations to owners in violation of codes, and prepares reports needed for legal action.

Consults with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, property owners, residents, and other staff members regarding permit requests; coordinates needing corrections and changes, code violations and their resolutions.

Performs all field inspections as required by the codes including footings, slabs, frames, electrical, and HVAC inspections; inspects utility lines; inspects preliminary and final plats for completeness and accuracy to code specifications.

Logs all building and utility permits issued; completes monthly reports for various state agencies. Maintains records of all contacts, correspondence and actions, and prepares monthly reports concerning code violations.

Reviews plumbers and electricians state licenses and insures licenses are renewed according to related regulations and ordinances.

Prioritizes own work and review of plans, to complete work within specified time frames, with results clearly recorded for both the applicant and the record.

Researches code questions for proper interpretation.

Learns job-related material through on-the-job training and attending code classes regarding property development requirements and code or plan interpretation.

Explain technical problems in everyday terms.

Read and interpret residential and commercial architectural and construction drawings, diagrams and site plans.

Prepare clear and concise written plan review comments in order to specify information, requirements, and calculations that are necessary to prepare an approval plan.

Review residential and commercial plans for compliance with accepted regulations, standards and procedures.

Maintain and establish effective working relationships with coworkers, engineers, architects, property owners and contractors in order to confer with them on plans to exchange information and resolve issues.

Apply zoning, design review and Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission decisions concerning variances, waivers, etc. to residential plans.

Perform technical and complex tasks of the department including providing permit services to customers.

Provide assistance to the Fire Marshals and Chief Building Inspector.

Coordinate building permit activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations.

Process and maintain commercial and residential permitting process and attend pre-construction meetings as required.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Provide effective and efficient customer service.

Work in a team based environment to achieve common goals.

Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.

It is the discretion of management to waive any promotion requirement(s) that are deemed unnecessary based on the individual's specific skill set.

Performs other related duties as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Manages all employees assigned to them in the Building & Fire Safety Division of the Bentonville Fire Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE High school diploma or general education degree (GED). Master license in plumbing or electrical preferred, and Five (5) years of experience in building and/or utility inspections field.

Knowledge of all national, state and city codes relating to building and utility construction and installation and zoning codes. Knowledge of building, housing, and zoning code inspection practices and procedures.

Knowledge of basic computer applications, including the ability to work on a network. Knowledge of City geography.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to read and comprehend; construction plans, technical codes and specifications; legal descriptions, and maps.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information, respond to questions and confer with developers contractors, owners and residents, to provide accurate information on codes in a courteous and diplomatic manner.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess and maintain Arkansas State Electrical or Plumbing, and HVAC Inspectors Licenses.

• Must possess and maintain ICC (International Code Council) Commercial Building Inspector and Residential Building Inspector Certifications within (1) year of obtaining position.

• Must possess and maintain an ICC (International Code Council) designation of Certified Building Official within one (1) year of obtaining position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and depth perception.

HEALTH BENEFITS

The City of Bentonville is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time employees who work 30 hours per week. This year's benefits package can be viewed here:

https://www.bentonvillear.com/DocumentCenter/View/15032/City-of-Bentonville-2024-Benefits-Guide

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job.

The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description but which are commensurate with similar levels of responsibility. Performs other related duties as required.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.