POSITION DESCRIPTION

CLASS TITLE:  Building Inspector

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Community Development Director

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION:  Completes activities and operations in the Building Department in coordination with the peer Building Inspector position. Performs a wide variety of complex and technical duties requiring critical thinking skills in support of the City’s Community Development Department. Building Department personnel share responsibilities as Code Official, ADA Coordinator and Flood Plain Administrator, and staff liaisons to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Work varies, requiring judgment within established standards and procedures and determination of sequence of operations, scheduling, and layout.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following representative duties. This description is not exhaustive, and the City of Lamar may assign additional duties as required. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with applicable law. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE:

1.    Enforces the provisions of the International Code Council and Lamar Municipal codes. An inspector also has the authority to render interpretations of these codes and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of their provisions;

2.    Reviews construction documents for code and zoning compliance; works with consultants on more complex plans and problems encountered;

3.    Issues permits for the erection and alteration, demolition and moving of buildings and structures and assesses fees;

4.    Provides information to owners, builders, and contractors regarding requirements of building codes and specifications and plans; informs residents, property owners, contractors, and others on code questions;

5.    Inspects projects to confirm that construction, alterations, maintenance, structural work, plumbing, and mechanical work is being done in compliance with provisions of codes and ordinances, following approved plans and specifications, and using sufficient quality materials and methods;

6.    Inspects existing buildings to determine hazardous conditions and unsafe living conditions and advises on the need for maintenance or repair; may testify regarding property conditions in court proceedings;

7.    Works with other departments, confirming infrastructure requirements for private projects and/or leading selected city building projects;

8.    Reviews and issues contractor licenses;

9.    Prepares inspection reports and drafts amendments to ordinances; 

10.  Shares responsibilities as the City’s ADA Coordinator and Flood Plain Administrator;

11.  Schedules Planning & Zoning Commission meetings and acts as staff liaison;

12.  Supports the relationship between the City of Lamar and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff;

13.  Maintains equipment inventory and supply lists;

14.  Completes other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Position requires moderate physical involvement; the position includes walking or standing, climbing stairs and ladders, and crouching for brief periods of time, but also involves sitting in an office environment; primary responsibilities for this position will take place either at assigned construction/development sites or in a standard office environment.  Work involves exposure to noise, dust, undesirable weather conditions and potentially unsafe conditions.  Proper safety equipment should be used where undesirable physical conditions and hazards exists, to prevent injury.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to occasionally lift and carry 50 pounds and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Must be able to maneuver within unimproved construction and development sites in the following manner: climbing up and down ladders, climbing into trenches, residential crawl spaces, and attics.
• Work involves occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, bending, crawling, climbing, including reaching overhead.
• Must be able to see in low or bright lights and distinguish between colors.
• Must be able to hear clearly, speak clearly and write clearly.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret technical written material, plans, diagrams, blueprints, and specifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Constant usage of fingers and both hands.
• Work involves sitting or standing 60% of the time and walking and performing various tasks 40% of the time.

SUPERVISION – RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS:   N/A

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience in construction, code enforcement and plan review; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  This position must possess International Code Council Commercial Inspector certification or earn the credential within six months of employment. Position must also possess or earn ICC Residential Inspector the first year of beginning employment as a building inspector. Possession of a valid Colorado Driver’s License. 

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Core Competencies:  Every City staff member must possess or work to attain the following five core competencies:  Communication, Interpersonal Relations, Customer Service, Accountability and Dependability, Job Knowledge and Supervision and Performance Management (only if applicable to the position)

This position demonstrates identified core competencies in the following ways:

1.    Performs the activities of the inspection division effectively and efficiently.

2.    Uses time wisely and productively.

3.    Conducts inspections promptly and properly.

4.    Prepares reports and records accurately, concisely, and on time.

5.    Deals tactfully with contractors and the public when supplying information.

6.    Maintains discretion at all times when managing confidential information and projects.

7.    Maintains and applies accumulated knowledge of current building, plumbing, mechanical, and zoning codes and ordinances as well as current and proper methods and materials of building construction/inspection and zoning inspection. Seeks continued education in related topics.

8.    Interprets plans and specifications accurately and effectively.

9.    Effectively communicates oral and written instructions.

10.  Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with fellow employees, contractors, property owners, superiors, and the public.

 

Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use:  Because the possession and use of marijuana whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City of Lamar is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting the use of marijuana.  The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change the policy.

THE CITY OF LAMAR PROVIDES EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL EMPLOYEES AND APPLICANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT AND PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT OF ANY TYPE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY STATUS, GENETICS, PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC PROTECTED BY FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAWS.

THIS POLICY APPLIES TO ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING RECRUITING, HIRING, PLACEMENT, PROMOTION, TERMINATION, LAYOFF, RECALL, TRANSFER, LEAVES OF ABSENCE, COMPENSATION AND TRAINING.