RESIDENTIAL BUILDING INSPECTOR

Description

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This position inspects new construction and alterations of residential and other structures within the City for compliance with building codes and related regulations, and to perform related work as assigned. 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, feeling, crouching, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, 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, traffic, electrical shock, heights, disease/pathogens; and is an environment where errors on my part can lead to significant physical or mental consequences for me or others.

Essential Job Functions

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• Schedules and inspects new construction, alterations and repairs of residential and other structures to ensure structural safety and compliance with building codes;
• Inspects existing structures for compliance with life safety, mechanical, electrical and plumbing codes;
• Tracks all inspections and permits as to work being completed and inspected;
• Reviews drawings and specifications for code compliance;
• Schedules inspections by other inspectors to ensure final and rough inspections are performed for each of the trades;
• 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;
• 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;
• 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.

Qualifications

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma or GED;
• Three (3\) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License;
• Certified or be able to be certified within one (1\) year of hire or promotion by the S.C. Building Codes Council as a Residential Inspector in two of four areas (Building, Plumbing, Mechanical or Electrical) and must be able to obtain the remaining two required certifications within two (2\) years from the date of hire or promotion;
• Must be registered with State LLR and/or International Codes Council (ICC) within one (1\) year from date of hire or promotion.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May be required to work overtime;
• Will be required to attend meetings after normal work hours.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;
• Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office 2000 preferred, utilizing Outlook, word processing, spreadsheet and database software programs;
• Skill in the use of spreadsheet and database software programs preferred;
• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
• Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;
• Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem\-solving;
• Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
• Ability to perform specialized technical or entry\-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure; and
• Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co\-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full\-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long\-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part\-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:

https://hr.columbiasc.gov/benefits/