PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION

The purpose of this classification is to perform inspections of residential/commercial buildings and related systems to ensure compliance with applicable building codes and to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Interprets, applies, and enforces the provisions of standard building codes, electrical codes, plumbing codes, mechanical codes, fire prevention codes, life/safety codes, energy codes, handicapped accessibility codes, and other applicable federal, state and local codes, laws, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies and procedures; researches code-related issues in code books as needed; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.

Plans daily inspection schedules and travel routes to achieve maximum efficiency and ensure completion of scheduled inspections; drives to construction/property sites to conduct inspections and related work activities.

Reviews building plans, site plans, plan revisions, specifications, previous inspection records, or other documents in association with inspection activities; approves plans which meet pertinent Code requirements.

Conducts site inspections of residential/commercial buildings and industrial properties (including construction work, remodeling work, building systems, and premises) for compliance with applicable codes, specifications, and approved construction plans; inspects construction alteration, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and premises to verify structural strength, stability, sanitation, adequate lighting, ventilation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards; inspects mechanical, plumbing, gas, electrical, roofing, fire alarm, and related building systems; inspects foundations, slabs, footing, and framing; inspects swimming pools; inspects mobile homes; inspects construction methods and materials; verifies contractor licensure and proper permitting of construction work; inspects existing buildings for improper use.

Coordinates inspection activities with other inspectors, other departments, plan reviewers, property owners, contractors, utility companies, or other individuals; communicates with other departments to report violations associated with their departments, such as erosion control.

Conducts pre-construction meetings and site reviews; and discusses projects, building codes and ordinances and related requirements with contractors.

Provides information and technical assistance concerning inspection activities, code requirements, code compliance, code interpretation, and related issues; discusses problem areas with property owners, developers, contractors, engineers, and architects; recommends solutions to problems; responds to questions or complaints concerning code violations; provides information and technical expertise to other staff members.

Identifies code violations, deficiencies, hazardous conditions, structural failures, or improper uses; explains violations, recommends corrective actions, and advises of changes required for code compliance; issues warning notices, violation notices, or stop work orders as appropriate; reports failed inspections, violations, and deviations from codes/plans to supervisor, other inspectors, contractors, or other individuals as appropriate.

Monitors status of failed inspections; conducts follow-up inspections to verify correction of deficiencies.

Prepares and maintains accurate records of inspection activities; enters inspection results into computer.

Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs.

Operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with work activities, which may include a motor vehicle, calculator, general office equipment, camera, cellular telephone, voltmeter, electric circuit testing instruments, compaction probe rod, measuring devices, level, hand tools, or ladders.

Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, County officials, inspectors, plan reviewers, property owners, contractors, architects, engineers, utility companies, manufacturers, vendors/suppliers, listing agencies, local/state/federal agencies, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Attends various meetings as needed.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and standards; reviews new codes and changes to existing codes; maintains an awareness of new methods, materials, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends seminars, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, sending/receiving faxes, making copies, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.

Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.

Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by vocational/technical training in general building construction, construction trades, and a variety of building inspection specialties; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training that includes general building construction, construction trades, code enforcement/interpretation, and a variety of building inspection specialties; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. May require possession and maintenance of valid State of Georgia licensure and/or SBCCI certification in area(s) of specialty as appropriate, such as One & Two Family Dwelling Standard Inspector, Building Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Electrical Inspector, Building Plan Reviewer, and/or other specialized area of inspection. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability:

Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, depth, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim light, violence, disease, pathogenic substances, or ladders/heights.

Whitfield County, Georgia, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.