Commercial Inspector

General Statement of Job

Under general direction, performs technical and skilled inspections of buildings and related systems to ensure compliance with applicable building codes and to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Work involves conducting inspections of residential and commercial structures, identifying hazardous conditions or structural failures, and discussing deficiencies with property owners, contractors or other individuals. Work involves enforcement of compliance with established codes governing one or more of the following areas of the building trades: building (construction and energy), mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Work also involves reviewing plans for completeness and conformance to State codes. Employee must check plans and specifications for proposed installation to ensure the codes and ordinances have been followed, but must exercise independent judgment in applying these standards to a variety of work situations. Employee is also responsible for interpreting and explaining applicable building codes and providing technical expertise and information. Employee must exercise considerable tact, courtesy and firmness in dealing with contractors, property owners and the general public.

Special Duties & Responsibilities

• Interprets, explains, and enforces provisions of standard building codes, plumbing/mechanical codes, life/safety codes, and other applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deficiencies, variations, or violations.

• Conducts site inspections of residential and commercial buildings, including remodeling/construction work, premises, and building systems, for compliance with applicable codes, established specifications, and approved construction plans; inspects construction alteration, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and premises to verify structural strength, stability, sanitation, adequate lighting, ventilation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards; inspects mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and related building systems; inspects footing and framing; inspects construction methods and materials; ensures quality of workmanship and materials.

• Identifies hazardous conditions, structural failures, code deficiencies, or improper uses and determines whether properties/systems pass or fail inspections; recommends corrective actions; reports violations and variations from codes/plans as appropriate.

• Discusses code requirements, deficiencies, necessary corrective actions, resolution of problems, and related issues with property owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and other individuals; recommends solutions to code related problems; performs follow-up inspections to ensure code compliance.

• Provides information and technical assistance concerning code-related issues; responds to questions or complaints; provides information and technical expertise to other staff members.

• Appears in court as needed to testify regarding code requirements, code violations, or related issues.

• Logs inspection results into computer; maintains files and records of inspections and other department activities.

• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, inspection reports, or other documents.

• Reviews various forms, reports, correspondence, sealed/approved construction plans, engineering specifications, soil laboratory reports, concrete laboratory reports, backflow prevention test reports, third party inspection reports, publications, product data, manufacturer specifications, codes, regulations, maps, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, or other programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner.

• Coordinates inspection activities with other departments, property owners, contractors, other inspectors, engineers, architects, or other individuals.

• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, fire marshal, inspectors, contractors, architects, engineers, manufacturer representatives, property owners, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

• Attends various meetings as needed.

• Maintains a current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new materials, devices, products, techniques, and construction methods; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

• Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, entering information into computer, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.

• Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Training & Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent; supplemented by college level course work or vocational training in general building construction, construction trades, and a variety of building inspection specialties; supplemented by three (3) years of previous experience and/or training that includes general building construction, construction trades, code enforcement/interpretation, and a variety of building inspection specialties, including plumbing inspection, mechanical inspection, framing inspection, electrical inspection; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia driver's license.

Must possess and maintain valid Virginia Combination One & Two-Family Dwelling Building Inspector certification, Plumbing Inspector certification, Electrical Inspector certification, and Mechanical Inspector certification. Must possess and maintain valid Residential Combination Inspector certification, or the ability to obtain within 18 months of employment

Must possess and maintain one of the following valid certifications: General Building Inspector, General Electrical, General Mechanical, or General Plumbing, or the ability to obtain within 2 years of employment.

Obtain educational hours for state required inspection certifications.