Description

DEFINITION

Under immediate or general supervision, performs skilled building and related health and safety inspection work in the interpretation and enforcement of structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and related codes and regulations related to new building construction, remodeling, repair, and use; performs professional work in checking plans, calculations, specifications, technical reports, and other submittal documents for compliance with federal, state, and local building codes, ordinances, and regulations; ensures conformance with approved plans, specifications, standards, permits, licensing, and safety standards; assists contractors, design professionals, and the public regarding construction code requirements; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate or general supervision from the Building Inspection Supervisor.  Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Building Inspector I: This is the entry-level classification in the Building Inspection class series.  Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform inspections in specialty craft areas, such as building and related mechanical, electrical, or plumbing areas.  As experience is gained, inspections expand to include varied craft areas and types of inspection; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently.  Positions at this level are not expected to function at the same skill level as the II-level, and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.  Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.  

Building Inspector II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Building Inspection class series.  Incumbents are fully competent and expected to perform specified inspections on residential, non-residential, and industrial structures and basic residential plan checks.  Incumbents exercise independent judgment and make sound recommendations based on inspection findings.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Building Inspector III: This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Building Inspection class series.  Incumbents work under general supervision and exercise a higher level of discretion and independent judgment in performing the full range of routine to complex inspections and/or plan review and approval.

This class is distinguished from the Sr. Building Inspector in that the latter provides day-to-day technical and functional direction to lower-level staff, as well as by the performance of the most complex, technical, and specialized duties assigned to the class series.

Positions in the Building Inspection class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the III-level are normally filled by advancement from the II-level, and positions at the II-level are normally filled by advancement from the I-level, after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class. 

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

• Conducts field inspections for residential permits, such as single-family dwellings, additions, and remodels for compliance with building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other related codes and regulations.
• Interprets codes and regulations.
• Intakes permit applications, calculates and collects fees, and issues permits.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of correspondence, reports, correction notices, and other written material related to permits and inspections.
• Records billable hours on time and material permits.

In addition to the above, duties performed by Building Inspector II:
 

• Conducts field inspections for non-residential and industrial permits, such as shell buildings, and tenant improvements for compliance with building, electrical, mechanical plumbing, and other related codes and regulations; inspects construction framing, foundations, grading, and for erosion control on new construction and alterations to verify code compliance.
• Inspects setbacks from property lines and boundary determinations to ensure compliance with approved plans, construction codes, and zoning ordinances.
• Conducts disaster inspections (fire, flood, accident, etc.) to ensure public safety.
• Conducts site inspections for compliance to accessibility requirements.
• Conducts site inspections and assessments for compliance to Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) land coverage requirements.
• Reviews and approves plans for basic residential and non-residential permit applications.
• Reviews and approves residential building plans for compliance with requirements of national, state, and local codes and ordinances relative to building structure, electrical systems, plumbing, mechanical, fire safety, and energy.
• Drafts plan review comments relative to code requirements in a manner that is technically sufficient for fundamental understandable of the owner or builder.
• Meets with design professional, owners, builders, and others to discuss problem areas with submitted projects.
• Works with state and County departments to ensure complete and accurate plan reviews.
• Writes “stop work” notices for work being performed without permits or in an unsafe manner.
• Advises property owners and contractors on matters relevant to construction.
• Investigates complaints regarding existing buildings or new construction to determine if code violations or problem conditions exist.
• Explains inspection programs, and gives advice relevant to construction and repair methods and materials and permit processes to owners, architects, engineers, contractors, etc.
• Testifies as an expert witness in court.

In addition to the above, duties performed by Building Inspector III include:

• Reviews and approves plans and conducts complex commercial grading inspections for compliance to the El Dorado County Grading Ordinance and other applicable regulations.
• Reviews and approves plans for requirements compliance related to erosion control, accessibility requirements, TRPA land coverage requirements, and complex residential and non-residential permit applications.
• Acts as a liaison between the County, property owners, contractors, and other agencies on code requirement matters relevant to construction and repair methods and materials; maintains communication among parties involved; investigates and resolves complaints and problems.
• Assists with preparation of annual reports for Regional Water Quality Control Boards.
• Represents the County in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Provides input into selection decisions, disciplinary matters, and other personnel decisions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Some knowledge and abilities may be gained by employees at the entry (I) level while in a learning capacity.

Building Inspector I, II, and III:

• Principles and practices in general construction, and electrical and mechanical systems.
• Building, electrical, plumbing, and Title 24 and Title 25 of the California State Codes.
• Principles and techniques of building inspection work.
• Principles of structural design and engineering mathematics.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures governing the construction of assigned projects.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of building inspection and construction.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and programs, projects, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Building Inspector II and III:

• Principles, practices, and methods of residential structural and building plan review.
• Practices for documenting plan checking procedures, correcting discrepancies, and implementing court procedures.
• Legal processes and considerations involved in prosecuting violations of the building codes and ordinances.
• Terminology and technical report writing requirements related to building and safety programs.
• Principles of structural design and engineering mathematics.
• Research methods and sources of information related to building code enforcement.

Building Inspector III:

• Advanced principles, practices, and methods of residential, structural, and building plan review.
• Advanced practices for documenting plan checking procedures, correcting discrepancies, and implementing court procedures.
• Advanced principles, practices, methods, materials, techniques, and safety standards of building construction, building inspection, and structural design for industrial and residential buildings.
• Advanced principles and practices in general construction, and electrical and mechanical systems.
• Advanced building, electrical, plumbing, and Title 24 and Title 25 of the California State Codes.
• Advanced principles and techniques of building inspection work.
• Laws and ordinances regulating site development. 
• Terminology and technical report writing requirements related to building and safety programs.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

A combination of the required experience, education, and training that would provide the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying; however, education may not solely substitute for the required experience.

Building Inspector I:

Equivalent to graduation from high school; AND Two (2) years of journey-level experience in craft work in the building trades, or processing permit applications and enforcing various building and/or planning codes, or reviewing plans for compliance with regulations and codes.  Accredited technical school or College-level coursework in building inspection, engineering, architecture, construction technology, or a closely related field is preferred.

Building Inspector II:

Equivalent to graduation from high school.  Completion of an accredited technical school or college-level program for building inspection, plan review, or a closely related field is desirable; AND Two (2) years of building inspection experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Building Inspector I.  

Building Inspector III:

Equivalent to graduation from high school.  Completion of an accredited technical school or college-level program for building inspection, plan review, or a closely related field is desirable; AND Two (2) years of journey-level building inspection experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Building Inspector II.

Licenses and Certifications:

Building Inspector I:
Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.
Possession of, or ability to obtain before completion of the probationary period, a valid California Residential Building Inspector (J1) or Residential Building Inspector (B1) certificate issued by the International Code Council (I.C.C.).

Building Inspector II/III:
Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.
Possession of a valid California Residential Building Inspector (J1) or Residential Building Inspector (B1) certificate issued by the International Code Council (I.C.C.).