Building Code Inspector I or II

Performs entry level technical work in the inspection of all phases of residential building plans and construction; performs plan reviews of buildings and related systems to ensure compliance; does related work as required. Work is performed under the immediate direction of the Senior Building Code Inspector. Performs residential electrical, mechanical or plumbing inspections; reviewing residential building plans; maintaining appropriate records and files; preparing inspection reports.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs field inspections and re-inspections of residential buildings for compliance with building, plumbing, electrical or mechanical codes.
• Performs plan reviews of residential buildings and related systems to ensure compliance with applicable building codes.
• Receives and investigates complaints in regard to defective construction and handles enforcement problems when necessary.
• Inspects existing buildings for hazardous conditions, structural failures or improper uses.
• Where construction is not performed in compliance with regulations as to methods and/or materials, issues warnings and stop-work orders if necessary.
• Answers questions from private citizens, contractors, designers and builders ; in regard to building plans and code issues.
• Confers with contractors and owners on code compliance matters.
• Testifies in court on code violation cases.
• Makes reports and keeps records regarding inspections and plan reviews.
• Performs setback inspections for the Division of Planning related to building inspections and notifies Division of Natural Resources of non-compliance with Agreement in Lieu permits.
• Participates in employee meetings and training as needed.
• Must be able to perform inspections through County permitting system software and devices.
• Meets attendance requirements and maintains the highest level of dependability.
• Consistently demonstrates ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, and reprioritizes work as necessary.

Qualifications:

Education / Experience

Any combination of education equivalent to a high school diploma or general education degree (GED) and experience in one or more of the building construction trades for a minimum of three (3) years or equivalent educational programs related to construction.

For Building Code Inspector II:

Must be certified as a combination residential inspector  through Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (“DHCD”). Additional certifications that are not considered mandatory per DHCD may be acquired and eligible for a 1%-3% raise for the next fiscal year. All additional certifications must be approved by the Building Official and Director of Community Development to be eligible for the 1%-3% raise.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of all types of building construction materials and methods, and of stages of construction when possible violations and defects may be most easily observed and corrected; thorough knowledge of state building and related codes; laws and ordinances; ability to detect poor workmanship, inferior materials, and hazards of fire and collapse; ability to read , interpret and review plans, specifications and blueprints for code compliance and compare them with construction in process; ability to contact building owners, contractors and the public and effect satisfactory working relationships, firmness and tact in enforcing building codes.

Certifications / Licenses

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (“DHCD”) residential building inspector certification must be obtained within eighteen months, and remainder of residential combination inspector certifications, consisting of residential electrical, plumbing and mechanical, within the requirements of DHCD. Upon obtaining combination residential building inspector certification, the inspector shall receive a promotion to Building Code Inspector II and entitled to a 5% raise or the minimum salary of the Building Code Inspector II, whichever is greater, in the next fiscal year. Certifications must be maintained through state mandated training.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. 

This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds if force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, walking, fingering, feeling, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging idea by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken work level; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data; visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Environmental Factors

The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, noise, hazards, and atmospheric conditions.