Building Inspector/Plans Examiner I, II, or III - Electrical

This is a specialized technical position that involves inspecting construction work and reviewing building construction plans. An employee in this classification is responsible for performing various technical activities of average difficulty, including conducting inspections of construction work and conducting reviews of residential, commercial, and industrial building construction plans and specifications submitted for review and approval by the Building Inspection Division. Assignments are of considerable difficulty, requiring that the employee possess extensive knowledge of construction methods, materials, and principles, and the ability to apply that knowledge in examining building construction plans and inspecting construction to ensure required conformance. Responsibility extends to determining conformance with current building codes, local flood control regulations, and the City's zoning ordinance. An employee in this classification is also responsible for maintaining complete, accurate, and up-to-date records of plan reviews and inspections and contacts with customers, including engineers, architects, and contractors. Under the general supervision of the Chief Building Inspector, an employee in this classification performs assignments that require considerable initiative and independent judgment in interpreting building codes, zoning regulations, and flood control ordinances. Performance is reviewed through periodic written and verbal reports and evaluation of the results obtained. This position will primarily involve inspecting construction work, with some responsibility for reviewing building construction plans. This position is for a Building Inspector/Plans Examiner III; however, it may be filled at the level of Building Inspector/Plans Examiner I or II. This job description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed. Conducts routine and complex inspections, which could include building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, Residential, and sign applications, depending on the needs of the Division and the inspector's certifications. Building inspections include, but are not limited to, inspections of foundations, concrete slabs, bond beams, tie beams, lintels, plaster, steel placement, columns, framing, insulation, roofing, and related construction work for conformance with codes, ordinances, approved plans, and issued permits. May additionally include inspections of mobile homes, accessory buildings, and structures for placement, height foundation, setback and anchorage, and additional inspections as required by code. Electrical inspections include, but are not limited to, inspections of underground, rough, and final electrical systems, including grounding and bonding, proper conductor sizing, the proper use of materials, and additional inspections as required by code. Plumbing inspections include, but are not limited to, the inspection of underground sewer and water lines, rough and final plumbing inspections, the installation of other plumbing devices and equipment, and additional inspections as required by code. Mechanical inspections, including, but not limited to, rough and final inspections of mechanical equipment and ductwork, and additional inspections as required by code. Examines residential, commercial, and industrial construction plans and specifications to determine conformance with current building codes, zoning regulations, and flood control regulations. Makes final approval of plans as required for the issuance of building permits. Reviews preliminary plans with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners to provide information on code requirements and minimize problems with subsequent plans reviews. Ensures that persons performing work are properly licensed and have secured necessary permits. Issues "Stop Work" notices if construction work is not properly permitted, does not conform to the City's codes and ordinances, State Statutes, or is outside the scope of a contractor's license. Contacts property owners and contractors to explain the nature of violations detected and to provide building, permitting, zoning, and other code information. Maintains records of inspections and plan reviews completed and other work performed; compiles data and submits electronic and/or written reports. Interprets and explains the assigned ordinances and codes to the general public, property owners, businesses, builders, contractors, and other interested parties. Exercises considerable tact and courtesy necessary to explain needs for successful plans review and inspection, and to assist customers in altering plans and/or construction methods to meet code requirements. May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements. May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department, including evenings and weekends. Position is designated as Mission Critical. This posting reflects the essential functions and knowledge, skills, and abilities for a Building Inspector/Plans Examiner III; however, applicants may view the complete job description for a Building Inspector/Plans Examiner I or II on the City of Lakeland's employment page. High school diploma from an accredited school or a GED. Must possess a valid certification issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or an equivalent certification from another state and be eligible for reciprocity. OR Must meet the requirements of Florida State 468.609 section (c) as outlined below: Four years of combined experience in the field of construction or a related field, building code inspection, or plans review corresponding to the certification category sought; OR Demonstrates a combination of post-secondary education in the field of construction, building experience which totals three years, of which at least one year of such total being experience in construction, building code inspection, or plans review; OR Demonstrates a combination of technical education in the field of construction or a related field and experience, which totals three years, with at least one year of such total being experience in construction, building code inspection, or plans review. Inspector/Plans Examiner I Must possess a Standard Class certificate from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board in any one of the following trades: One and Two-Family Dwelling Inspector, Building, Commercial Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical Inspector, Building Plans Examiner, Electrical Plans Examiner, Plumbing Plans Examiner, or Mechanical Plans Examiner; OR Immediately upon employment, the selected candidate shall have 90 calendar days to obtain provisional certification as: (1) a Residential Inspector, or (2) a Building, Commercial Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical Inspector, or Plans Examiner from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board. Failure to obtain a provisional certification within 90 days may be cause for termination. Within one year of employment, the selected candidate shall convert the provisional certificate to a Standard Class certificate. Failure to acquire and maintain a standard certification/license may be cause for termination. Inspector/Plans Examiner II Must possess a Standard Class certificate from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board in any two of the following trades: Residential Inspector, Building, Commercial Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical Inspector, or Plans Examiner. Failure to maintain required certification may be cause for termination. Inspector/Plans Examiner III Must possess a Standard Class certificate from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board in any four of the following trades: Building, Commercial Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical Inspector, or Plans Examiner, provided that one of the four certificates must be as a Plans Examiner. OR Must possess a Standard Class certificate from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board as a Residential Inspector, formerly One and Two-Family Dwelling Inspector, and any two of the following trades: Building, Commercial Electrical, Plumbing or Mechanical Inspector or Plans Examiner, provided that at least one of the two certificates must be as a Plans Examiner. Failure to maintain required certification may be cause for termination.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.

KNOWLEDGE

Considerable knowledge of building codes. Extensive knowledge of the methods, materials, and techniques involved in building construction, repairs, and alterations. Considerable knowledge of inspection processes and techniques. Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local legislation affecting building standards. Working knowledge of safety equipment and procedures utilized in conducting construction inspections.

SKILLS:

Skills in using common computer hardware and software to perform tasks (e.g., PCs, laptops, tablets, iPads, printers, scanners, and related software such as Microsoft Office).

ABILITIES

Ability to read and interpret building construction codes, zoning ordinances, flood control regulations, construction plans, and specifications. Ability to detect and locate defective workmanship and materials. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and the general public. Ability to enforce applicable codes and ordinances firmly, tactfully, and impartially. Ability to use digital files, upload, download, insert, attach, and send electronic files and digital photographs. Ability to follow oral and written instructions and to prepare and submit clear and concise reports.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The job requires light work that involves some walking or standing, exerting up to 10 pounds of force regularly, climbing ladders/scaffolding, etc., and crawling under buildings. The job risks routine dust and pollen exposure, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, traffic, electrical shock, and heights. The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced. The City of Lakeland is a drug free workplace. This position is considered a mandatory testing position, which is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. As a condition of employment you will be required to pass the pre-employment drug test in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE

WORKPLACE