Under general direction, to supervise, assign, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for providing plan checking, building inspection and permit issuance services; to perform advanced level building inspection and plans examining duties; and to provide responsible staff assistance to the Director of Community Development. This is the entry level in the Building Inspector class series. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Building Inspector II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Exercises no supervision. Inspect industrial, commercial and residential buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling: ensure building progress conforms with applicable codes, ordinances and regulations. Inspect foundation, concrete, steel, masonry, wood construction, framing, plastering, plumbing, heating and electrical installations and a large variety of other complex and routine building system elements; ensure proper and safe installation of building systems.. Issue notices to comply on violations; maintain records of history of facts for possible legal actions; assist City legal counsel in legal actions. Approve the issuance of building and occupancy permits. Inspect existing buildings for change of use, occupancy, or compliance with applicable codes and ordinances. Coordinate inspection activities with other City departments and divisions as required. Confer with architects, contractors, builders and the general public in the field and office; explain and interpret requirements and restrictions. Assist in checking building plans; conduct field review of plans and specifications. Perform other duties to ensure the smooth operation of the office including answering the phones, scheduling inspections, and compiling and filing building plans and other related construction documents. Retrieve building, assessors parcels, files and other computerized records from computer database as required. Maintain files and reports regarding inspection activities and findings. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge of :

Basic principles of structural design and engineering mathematics. Major types of building construction materials and methods. Safe driving principles and practices. Skill to : Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment. Operate a motor vehicle safely.

Ability to:

Learn building related codes and ordinances enforced by the City including the Uniform Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes and zoning codes. Learn accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial and residential buildings. Learn to apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices. Read and interpret building plans, specifications and building codes. Advise on standard construction methods and requirements for residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Make mathematical computations rapidly and accurately. Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact. Understand and carry out oral and written directions. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two years of increasingly responsible construction and/or building trades experience. Building inspection experience is highly desirable.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by training in the building trades.