Building Inspector Plan Review & Rehab Specialist bei City of Kalamazoo, MI

About the Department

The employee in this class inspects construction sites, new construction, alterations, and repairs to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, and enforces compliance with code to ensure buildings meet life safety requirements. The employee in this class must regularly exercise technical judgment and discretion based on local, State and Federal codes, regulations and ordinances pertaining to site work, building construction, alteration, and repair; performs related work as required.

Position Duties

• Works with property owners, contractors, design professionals, department staff and staff from various city departments.
• Participates in pre-construction meetings.
• Inspect active construction sites to ensure compliance with the provisions of the code. 
• Prepares written inspection reports and notices of noncompliant conditions, and transmits notification letters to owners, site supervisors or permit holders
• Performs field work inspecting and reporting on all types of structures.
• Review plans to assure compliance with code requirements for existing and new residential, commercial, and industrial building projects. 
• Coordinates plan reviews with zoning and other trade inspectors.
• Make regular field inspections to verify compliance with submitted plans and code requirements.
• Answer technical code questions from project developers and design professionals.
• Responds to complaints or violations related to ordinances, codes or regulations, and provides staff assistance for Natural Features Protection.
• Investigates and resolves complaints.
• Prepares reports and enters inspection results into permitting / inspection program.

Minimum Qualifications

Building Inspector: A residential builder's license issued by this state and 6 years of experience immediately preceding application in any 1 or more of the following professions: (a) a contractor in general building construction as a contractor (b) a skilled trades worker (c) an individual who was in charge of structural construction. ii) A license as a building inspector from other states or foreign countries with inspector experience in building construction. iii) Seven years of experience in general building construction in any 1 or more of the following: (a) a building contractor (b) a person in charge of general building construction (c) a project manager, superintendent, supervisor or foreman actively engaged in general building construction immediately preceding submission of application (d) a skilled worker in structural carpentry, structural masonry, structural steel erection, or structural concrete construction who has been actively engaged in the general building construction field immediately preceding application (e) a current license as an architect or engineer under article 20 of the occupational code, 1980 PA 299, MCL 339.2001 to 339.2014.

Building Plan Reviewer:  A residential builder's license issued by this state and 6 years of experience immediately preceding application in any 1 or more of the following professions: (a) general building construction as a contractor (b) skilled trades worker (c) a person in charge of structural construction. ii) A license as a building plan review from another state or foreign county with plan reviewer experience in building construction. iii) Seven years’ experience in general building construction in 1 or more of the following professions: (a)Contractor (b) A skilled trades worker (c) An individual who was a person in charge of structural construction. (iii) 2 years of experience as a journey level, structural, construction or skilled trades worker including as a carpenter, brick layer or mason, or a steel worker.

• Thorough knowledge of Michigan Building Codes, fire suppression system standards, flood plain regulations, soil erosion and sedimentation control regulations, and the practices, procedures and materials used in the construction trades and related ordinances including ability to read and interpret site plans, construction plans and specifications.
• Considerable knowledge of other City building regulations covering electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.
• Good knowledge of the City Housing Code, Zoning Ordinances, and the Historic District Ordinances.
• Ability to carry a handheld computer and document deficiencies while performing inspections. 
• Ability to walk through, as well as climb up and down, and stoop or crawl in construction sites.
• Ability to move up to 60 pounds. 

• Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license issued by the State of Michigan. 
• Possession of, or the ability to attain State of Michigan registrations for Building Inspector and Plan Reviewer in accordance with the provisions of State of Michigan Article 10 of PA 407, within the 6-month probationary period.

Other Qualifications

The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and encouraged.  Studies have shown that women and people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications listed. The City of Kalamazoo is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it. This approach will give each current and potential employee the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the City of Kalamazoo.