GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:
The Building Inspector works under the general supervision of the Assistant Building Official performing skilled inspection work to ensure compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and related New Kent County ordinances pertaining to residential and commercial building construction, alteration and repair. Problems encountered are routine in nature and require some discretion in executing tasks. Interpersonal contacts are within and outside the organization to obtain and furnish information and explain policies. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors where uncomfortable conditions may exist. The work environment includes exposure to extremes in temperature, adverse weather conditions and pollutants. The worker should be able to endure moderate physical strain to include walking and standing for extended periods of time, climbing and working from ladders and driving a motor vehicle. The incumbent is expected to perform other job-related tasks as assigned or required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Regularly exercises technical judgment and discretion based on familiarity with a wide variety of construction and repair problems;
- Conducts residential and commercial building inspections;
- Reviews building plans submitted for approval and comment;
- Prepares detailed reports of professional activities;
- Provides information to the public regarding building code requirements;
- Inspects and issues corrective notifications concerning unsafe buildings and structures;
- Issues stop-work orders on projects determined to be in non-compliance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code;
- Operates a motor vehicle to assist in carrying out the business of the department and the County;
- Organizes, prepares and maintains accurate reports and records of inspection activities; writes letters regarding compliance on specific issues, and completes/files other written reports and records as needed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
The Building Inspector should possess a thorough knowledge of modern construction practices, methods, materials and equipment in order to detect violations and defects and recommend their correction; a considerable knowledge of State building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, housing and zoning codes, laws and local ordinances. The worker should be able to read and interpret building plans and specifications and enforce the building codes as required; be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with building owners and contractors. The Building Inspector must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing; be able to prepare detailed and concise reports and possess a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
The Building Inspector is required to possess any combination of education equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by additional course work and at least three (3) years related experience reading blue prints, structure design, civil, electrical and/or mechanical engineering, OR any acceptable combination determined to be sufficient to perform the essential functions listed above. Certification by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development as a residential building inspector is preferred. If not certified a commitment to obtain this certification within eighteen (18) months of employment is required. The incumbent shall maintain this certification and participate in additional/ongoing training as mandated by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Additional certifications in residential plumbing, mechanical and electrical must be obtained within three (3) years from the date of hire.
PYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS:
The work is performed both indoors and outdoors. The worker must have sufficient mobility to inspect construction projects in the field. The worker may be exposed to adverse weather conditions including extremes in temperature and pollutants; may be exposed to dirt, toxic materials, and air contaminants; must have physical capability for sustained walking, standing and climbing; required to climb and work from ladders and various heights; negotiate trenches and ditches and avoid hazards typically related to construction; requires extensive operation of a motor vehicle. Employee frequently is required to sit, stand, talk and hear, walk, crawl, use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crawl, or crouch. The work requires moderate physical strain, strength and endurance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
EVALUATION:
Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness with which the incumbent accomplishes the above responsibilities.