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BUILDING INSPECTOR I (#TR4 )

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$38.10-$48.18 hourly / $6,604.00-$8,351.00 monthly / $79,248.00-$100,214.40 yearly
BUILDING INSPECTOR II (#TR6 )

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$41.82-$52.92 hourly / $7,249.00-$9,173.00 monthly / $86,985.60-$110,073.60 yearly


Definition

Under direction, inspects buildings and structures during construction, alternation or repair for compliance to building codes, ordinances and administrative orders and for conformance to approved plans and specifications; enforces building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes, ordinances, and administrative orders; and does other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Building Inspector I is the entry-level class. Incumbents are assigned to geographic areas or to specialized inspections and are required to perform inspections in all stages and areas of construction including foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling and gas. Building Inspectors I are eligible for promotion to Building Inspector II after gaining experience and obtaining ICBO certification as a Building Inspector and one of the following specialty certifications: Plumbing Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Electrical Inspector or Building Code Accessibility Usability Specialist.

Building Inspector II is the journey level class. Incumbents are required to perform inspections in all areas and at all stages of construction on residential, commercial, and small industrial buildings and structures and may assist in training Building Inspectors I.

Typical Tasks

Inspect buildings and structures during construction, alteration or repair for compliance to building codes, ordinances and administrative orders, and for conformance to approved plans and specifications. Inspect construction at each of the required stages including setbacks, under floor, rough framing, sheet rock and final inspection including energy check, water, gas, heating, cooling, plumbing and erosion control and issues final certificates. Investigate code violations and issues "Stop Work" notices and reports findings. Check assigned area for illegal construction, and investigates other building code violations. Schedule inspections. Prepare reports, keeps records and logs. Answer questions concerning construction methods, code interpretation and complaints of work in progress without permits or that do not conform to plans or permits. Check and approve plans for simple building projects, i.e., fences, garages, decks, and one-story additions. Provide advice to builders and property owners concerning building practices. May assist the public at permit counter and answer phones. Keep abreast of changes in codes, ordinances and new construction methods and material. Inspect fire or storm damaged buildings, buildings to be demolished or moved to a location in the County and mobile home parks. May issue citations.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

Building Inspector I

Working knowledge of:

  • Uniform building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes.
  • Safety standards and modern construction methods.
  • Building materials and tools.
Building Inspector II

Thorough knowledge of the above, plus:

Thorough knowledge of:

  • Federal, State, and County building codes, ordinances and administrative orders applicable to building and construction trades.
Ability to:

Building Inspector I

  • Interpret, explain and apply building codes, ordinances and administrative orders.
  • Read and interpret building plans and specifications.
  • Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with property owners, building contractors and the general public.
  • Make inspections, enforce regulations and detect deviations from approved plans and specifications.
  • Write clear and concise reports.
  • Speak effectively.
  • Enforce regulations with tact and firmness.
  • Inspect crawl spaces, attics, cellars, roofs, climb ladders and work in confined/cramped body positions.
  • Inspect buildings from ladders and scaffolding.
  • Inspect surfaces that may be slippery.
  • Work in high concentration of dust and sawdust in remodeling sites and newly insulated buildings.
  • Walk moderate distances over rough terrain.
Building Inspector II

The above, plus:

  • Make inspections, enforce regulations and detect deviations from approved plans and specifications of complex structures and in difficult cases.
Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Building Inspector I: Three years of experience in the building construction trades.

OR

One year of experience as a Building Inspector in a public agency.

Building Inspector II: Two years of experience performing duties comparable to a Building Inspector I in Santa Cruz County.

Special Requirements, Conditions:

License/Certificate/Registration/Professional Membership Requirements: Possession of a valid California class C driver license.

Building Inspector I: Within 2 years of the date of hire, must obtain certification by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) as a Building Inspector AND one of the following specialty certifications: Plumbing Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Electrical Inspector or Building Code Accessibility Usability Specialist.

Building Inspector II: Certification by the ICBO as a Building Inspector AND one of the following specialty certifications: Plumbing Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Electrical Inspector or Building Code Accessibility Usability Specialist.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to: variable temperatures; slippery surfaces; loud noises; sunburn; dust and pollen; silica dust such as asbestos in old homes; bee stings; infections, such as tick-borne Lyme disease or mosquito-borne encephalitis; angry or hostile persons; corrosive chemicals; wetness, such as while walking in the rain or through a stream on a site inspection.

Miscellaneous

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None
Bargaining Unit: 41
EEOC Job Category: 03
Occupational Grouping: 76
Workers' Comp Code: 0285
Analyst: CE

CLASS: TR4; EST: 6/1/1981; REV: 9/1/1996;
CLASS: TR6; EST: 6/1/1981; REV: 9/1/1996;