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 Codes Official, staff liaisons to the Planning & Zoning Commission and Adjustment & Appeals Boards, and Flood Plain Administrator. 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 any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE:

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

2.    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;

3.    Inspects existing buildings and new 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;

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

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

6.    Issues building, mechanical, and other permits and collects fees;

7.    Reviews and issues contractor licenses;

8.    Prepares reports of inspections made and construction work completed;

9.    Drafts amendments to codes; 

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

11.  Schedules Board of Adjustment & Appeals and 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, excavations, 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 five (5) years of related 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 Residential Inspector and Commercial Inspector certifications or successfully earn both required certifications within six months of 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.