Job Description

STRUCTURAL INSPECTOR I

JOB CODE 60010

Effective Date:	Rev. 12/07A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to inspect construction work in progress to ensure that the work is performed in compliance with approved plans, codes and related requirements. Inspection assignments involve primarily nonresidential buildings. Responsibilities include the inspection of new and existing buildings to ensure compliance with structural safety, fire safety, zoning and other building regulations. Compliance is ordered when differences or violations are discovered. Difficult technical problems may be referred to a supervisor but employees work independently in the field and are responsible for making decisions requiring technical discretion and sound judgment and familiarity with a variety of building construction and repair problems. Employees in this class report to a Structural Inspections Field Supervisor or the Structural Inspections Supervisor who provide supervision and training designed to prepare incumbents for promotion to Structural Inspector II.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Inspects the construction of residential buildings, such as multi-story residential buildings and hotels, and nonresidential buildings and structures of any size or height such as office buildings, manufacturing plants, health care facilities, retail stores and schools to determine that construction complies with approved plans and/or applicable codes and ordinances;
• Requires construction corrections to be made when deficiencies are discovered and assists builders and owners in determining methods to achieve code conformance;
• Evaluates the quality of inspections performed by architects and engineers on projects which require special inspections;
• Provides information to contractors, owners or other customers regarding City Construction Codes and other building regulatory requirements;
• Monitors an assigned geographical area in order to identify construction being performed without a permit and for dangerous structures;
• Issues notices of violation where unsafe or illegal conditions exist and conducts follow-up inspections to ensure corrections are made;
• Investigates alleged violations of the Construction Code and related ordinances;
• Performs inspections in accordance with approved plans and all inspections disciplines;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Building construction trades and materials, such as reinforced concrete, steel, and timber.
• Stages of construction when possible defects may most easily be observed and corrected.
• City Construction Code, Zoning Ordinance, and associated rules, regulations, and standards.
• Mathematical principles required to perform related technical calculations.

Ability to:

• Detect possible defects and faults in construction and recommend or stipulate appropriate remedial measures.
• Accurately read and comprehend construction plans.
• Objectively interpret and consistently apply code requirements and related standards in accordance with department policies.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation which takes place mainly in an on-the-job training setting.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the general public.
• Communicate in the English language by phone or in person in a one-to-one or group setting.
• Produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Keep accurate records.
• Measure distance using a tape measure.
• Use graphic instructions, such as blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts, or other visual aids.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time.
• Ascend and descend ladders or unfinished stairs without handrails and work at heights greater than 10 feet.
• Travel over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces and maneuver around scaffolding, bracing, or unfinished construction elements.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Inspect dark or unlit areas of construction using a flashlight.
• Inspect content and quality of partially erected buildings, structures or building service equipment.
• Lift arm above shoulder level while measuring or performing inspections.

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess the certification(s) from one of the following options by the end of the twelve-month probationary period:

  Option 1

  • ICC Residential Building Inspector AND ICC accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner
    OR
    
  Option 2
  • ICC Commercial Building Inspector

• All positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Three years of experience as a skilled journey-level carpenter, mason or other structural trades worker with experience in new or remodeling work on commercial, industrial, or multi-family residential projects, or certification by a model code agency as a Building Inspector. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.