Building Inspector bei City of New Albany, OH

About the Department

The Building Inspector performs skilled/specialized duties related to residential, commercial and industrial buildings and structures of all types in the process of construction, alteration, or repair to ensure compliance with applicable codes, approved plans and specifications, safe construction practices and other regulations and ordinances related to the safety, health and welfare of the public.

Position Duties

The following duties are normal for his position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required or assigned.

Performs technically challenging, complex inspections of residential and commercial structures to determine and ensure compliance with administrative policies, codes, regulations, and ordinances.

Works with the Zoning Officer to perform property maintenance inspections and seek voluntary compliance with administrative policies, codes, regulations and ordinances. 

Seeks voluntary compliance where standards are not met, recommending corrections, issuing violation notices when necessary and performing re-inspections to determine actions taken to bring a structure into compliance with the standards.

Notifies applicants of any deficiencies or discrepancies from code and provides follow-up inspections of unsafe structures and sites.  If necessary, acts on behalf of the Chief Building Official to enforce the code, such as “Stop Work Orders” or suspends, cancels or revokes permits. 

Investigates and resolves complaints involving improper workmanship, safety problems, or nuisances related to construction projects.  

Provides information to owners, contractors, developers, engineers and architects regarding code standards and requirements; offers assistance to permit applicants.

Maintains cooperative relationships with other departments, peer agencies, private contractors, property owners, architects and other parties to coordinate building, zoning and code enforcement functions.

Assists the Engineer with field inspections of public buildings, underground utilities, flood control, public infrastructure, sediment and erosion control on private and public construction projects and sites; monitors work of contractors against reviewed project schedule; reviews site plans for flood plain compliance.

Performs clerical work, such as daily inspection worksheets, enters inspections into computer. 

Prepares reports of field inspections.   Documents status, nature of compliance or deficiency, and recommended correction or course of action.  Enters necessary data into computerized permit system.   Conducts and/or participates in pre-construction meetings as well as weekly construction progress meetings with developers, contractors, engineers, architects and other staff.   Examines plans, drawings, and specifications for proposed residential and commercial construction projects within the scope of expertise required of this position, usually structural, mechanical and life safety aspects.  Works with customers to resolve difficulties or violations of codes.

Performs special projects work as assigned but not limited to inspection for capital improvement projects, drainage and road repairs.

Responds to inquiries from builders, homeowners, and others regarding construction methods, practices, principles, and procedures.

Coordinates inspections with the other inspectors & supervisor when needed during the course of construction

Reviews and updates code standards.

Maintains files and filing system.

Receives, evaluates and qualifies applications and plans for commercial and/or residential building, heating, and electrical permits, etc.

Attends training seminars in order to maintain knowledge of the latest safety standards, technology & software changes to operate computer or electronic devices to perform inspections, emails & documentation of all related duties as required.

Regular and predictable attendance required.

Performs other related essential duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

This position requires high-level technical and professional competency.  High school diploma or equivalency and Building Inspector Certification (Residential and Commercial) from the Ohio Board of Building Standards; or, Residential Building Inspector or Code Official Certification from the Ohio Board of Building Standards and the ability to obtain Building Inspector Certification within 12 months of date of hire. An interim certificate will be required for anyone without a current certification.

A valid Ohio driver's license is required; must pass a background check and drug screen.  

Other Qualifications

In addition to the qualifications identified above, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are necessary:

Ability to: comprehend and correctly use a variety of informational documents including requisitions, purchase orders, invoices, applications, plans, site plans, surveys, blueprints and other reports and records; comprehend a variety of reference books and manuals including building codes, building material specification requirements manuals, evaluation services reports, codified ordinances, zoning codes, maps, computer handbooks/manuals, etc.; prepare plan review addendum, reports to Boards/Commissions, violation letters, memos, correspondence and other job related documents using prescribed format and conforming to policies and rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style; read, understand, interpret and critically evaluate technically written documents such as planning documents, construction documents and engineering plans; patiently and skillfully explain complicated concepts to all facets of the community in a way that is understood; counsel and mediate; persuade, convince, influence, teach and train others; advise and interpret on the application of policies, procedures and standards to specific situations; explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards; works autonomously to complete work; adapt work schedule to meet needs of Community Development; develop and standardize procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of building inspector responsibilities; assess and monitor workload, operational processes, and reporting relationships; receive, investigate, and respond to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identify and report findings and take necessary corrective action; innovate and be creative in recommendations and process solutions; identify areas for improvement, feasible solutions and present ideas for implementation; use independent judgment, common sense, and principals of influence and rational systems in the performance of tasks; work under stressful conditions, to respond immediately to emergent situations, and to balance priorities within and between offices and departments; handle complaints from the public effectively and tactfully; work with frequent interruptions; drive a motor vehicle; behave in a friendly, understanding, and helpful and professional manner with the general public, coworkers, and supervisors; perform work off site or through remote offices; perceive and discriminate sounds, textures, odors, and shapes; access and navigate work sites, structures, facilities and land in order to complete inspections without special accommodation; see and hear; and, follow safety protocol.

Skill in: self-scheduling, follow-up and final reporting; communicating effectively and professionally with a variety of internal and external customers such as developers, builders, homeowners, staff and the general public; effectively schedule, organize, and prioritize work assignments, project tasks and activities to meet deadlines; use of Microsoft Office applications, specialty software and GIS software; using and interpreting engineering, architectural and electrical terminology; and language communicating effectively, orally and in writing, to a variety of groups; establishing and developing positive working relationships with community stakeholders, city council members, and staff in order to support a high level of organizational performance; dealing with difficult or stressful situations while maintaining composure and discretion; maintaining personal composure and tactfully handling difficult situations; listening and interpreting questions correctly; and, behaving in a friendly, understanding, helpful and professional manner with clients, coworkers, supervisors and the general public.

Knowledge of: principles, practices, concepts, procedures and methods regarding building construction; considerable knowledge of Ohio Building Code (OBC), and Residential Code of Ohio requirements and pertinent ordinances; considerable knowledge of basic building components, structures and design; occupational hazards and safety precautions related to building inspection work; and, policies and procedures of the city and department.