Under supervision, the Building Inspector I performs structural and life safety inspections of new construction and existing commercial and residential dwellings. The Building Inspector I also provides education and information to building/home owners, contractors, engineers, etc. on the national and local safety standards, codes and laws, including local application and enforcement of FEMA flood requirements. Incumbents are expected to have and apply a working knowledge of all applicable codes enforced within the City. This is the first level of a two level series. It is differentiated from the second level, Building Inspector II, by the level of complexity of inspection activities but the degree of discretion exercised in performing required activities is the same. At times a Building Inspector I will be called upon to perform the duties of a Building Inspector II, so a familiarity with such duties is required. The most significant purpose of this position is to protect the life safety of the intended occupants for the structure that is being inspected.The Building Inspector I is required to have a thorough working knowledge of, and ability to communicate, all relevant statutory and regulatory codes and require that all safety requirements are met. A variety of training and work direction will be provided by Inspector II's. The Building Inspector I performs the duties of a Building Inspector II about 10% of the time. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Using independent judgment performs structural and life safety inspections of new construction and existing commercial and residential dwellings. * Inspects residential construction projects, existing dwellings, and light commercial projects to require compliance with the standard, uniform codes and laws (i.e. building code) and City standards; * Reviews plans submitted for residential and light commercial construction/remodel projects to require compliance with all applicable codes; * Performs calculations to determine proper load standards are being followed in plan * designs; requests engineering certification when there is a structural design question that presents an uncertainty; * Issues permits including determining amount of fees and verifying that appropriate * information has been received; * Witnesses the installation and/or testing of equipment and systems such as tanks, alarm systems, gas tests, etc. to require proper and safe function and informs contractor of deficiencies as necessary; * Responds in a timely fashion to requests for inspections, especially when concrete is being poured, so as to have minimal delays for the contractor, subcontractor, or owner. * Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions. * Responds to informational inquiries regarding the interpretation of codes applicable to a case, including educating owners and contractors on the intricacies of such codes; * Frequently interacts with building owners, contractors and engineers to discuss deficiencies and to provide information and assistance regarding appropriate corrective * action to take to eliminate deficiency and to require compliance; * Communicates with others in the work unit to provide information relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work * related needs; * Communications include responsibility for maintaining relationships that are professional and reflect well on the department and the city; * Coordinates with other departments on matters relating to enforcement of codes. * Provides testimony in court cases. * Performs administrative duties related to job functions. * Records/logs all inspections conducted and any subsequent corrections noted; * Compiles data and prepares required documents and records and state and federal reports regarding inspection activities, individual compliance issues, etc.; * Participates in code committee work. * Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices. * Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss; * Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work; * When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner. * Performs other duties and activities as assigned. The job requires a minimum of two years of specialized/technical training in building inspections or a related field and one or more years of inspection experience or five or more years of previous experience in the field (electrician, plumber, etc.) or an equivalent combination of education and experience to provide sufficient evidence of the successful performance of the essential elements of the job such as those listed above. A journey level in a trade is preferred, with on-going work toward certification at a master's level. Applicant must be able to obtain the appropriate certification for their discipline within 1 year of employment. A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is also required. Knowledge, skills and ability include: * Knowledge of building construction techniques, methods and materials; * Knowledge of national and state codes and laws such as building code, fire code, energy code, floodproofing code, and other related codes to adequately interpret and apply it to inspection of buildings, etc; * Ability to perform inspections including using equipment, identifying deficiencies and interpreting and applying codes; * Skill in written English sufficient to read manuals, codebooks and other printed materials and to write reports, complete documents and issue permits; * Skill in mathematical computations sufficient to calculate load requirements, material spans, fees and payments, etc; * Skill in communications, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, property owners contractors, building managers and occupants sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction from supervisors; * Skill with computers and software that demonstrate proficient use of Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new programs such as the Inspections Field Reporting (IFR) software; * Skill in providing detailed analysis of code changes and updates and propose any changes and amendments before the Board of Appeals; * Skill in recognizing, assessing and resolving conflict; * Ability to earn the respect of builders and contractors for technical knowledge. Physical Demands & Working Conditions: About 50% of the time is spent in the field performing physical inspections of commercial and residential dwellings. Inspections may involve both inside and outside work, in normal or inclement weather conditions. Activities the incumbent must perform include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing/listening, and seeing/observing. Working conditions include extremes of weather and exposure to construction sites with moving equipment and uneven ground. Light Work: The job is rated for Light Work, meaning that the incumbent must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time. Special Assignment: Trades Due to the nature of the working relationship with builders, a peer level certification is required for those inspectors with a trade specialization. Therefore at the Inspector I level it is required that employees have a journey level certification. The length of time associated with certification will vary based on the specialty and the speed with which it is pursued. Trade specialties include: * Plumbing * Electrical * Mechanical Qualifications: Qualifications for the core job are sufficient for a candidate to attain Certification as a Journey level in a trade. A provision for attaining the certification within one year of hire opens the job to those who have sufficient training and experience, but have not completed other requirements. Special Assignment: Housing Inspection Inspections are also focused on rental housing stock. These inspections may result in identification of life safety issues requiring immediate action. There is also a greater frequency of legal action associated with housing inspection. Thus, findings need to be well documented and inspectors may need to work with legal staff to implement and sustain orders. In some cases the fire marshal may be contacted and efforts may be coordinated. Inspectors will use and provide input on the content of checklists associated with housing inspection. Qualifications: Qualifications for the core job are sufficient. Physical Demands & Working Conditions: Housing inspection is more likely to result in exposure to the general public, persons who may be upset, or pets.