Building Inspector I

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Nature of Work
The purpose of this job is to perform inspections for compliance with Municipal, State, and National code and identifies defects and potential hazards. Performs residential and commercial building inspections. Receives and reviews applications for construction. Consults with engineers, architects, developers, contractors, owners, and the general public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Schedules and performs inspections of industrial, commercial and residential structures for compliance with applicable codes
• Consults with engineers, architects, developers, contractors and owners regarding the provisions of the building codes, ordinances, laws, and design criteria and requirements; makes recommendations and solves construction problems
• Reviews permit applications and plans prior to inspections.
• Submits complaint documents to the State of Michigan
• Conducts follow-up inspections; prepares cases for court enforcement; provides court testimony on building code violations; maintains records and prepares reports on activities
• Receives walk-in clients and callers, ascertains nature of business; responds to inquiries and/or routes to the appropriate person; responds to trade professionals and citizen interests or complaints, exercising judgment in accordance with applicable regulations or policies
• Authorizes and issues use and occupancy permits, building permits, violation notices and stop work orders
• Utilizes computer system to obtain information and make result entries for completed inspections
• Conducts research for code requirements, product specifications and application requirements as the they relate to a project.
• Performs enforcement follow-up and/or courtesy inspections prior to permit issuance. 
• Performs related work as required

Minimum Training and Experience

• High School diploma

--AND--

• At least four (4) years of experience in the building or construction trade at the journey level

--OR--

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Registered Building Inspector with the State of Michigan
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license
• Please note: State requirement changes

Provide documentation supporting that the individual has any of the following:

(i) A residential builder’s license issued by this state and six (6) years of experience immediately preceding the application in any one (1) or more of the following professions:
 • A contractor in general building construction as a contractor
 • A skilled trades worker
 • 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. The individual shall provide the department with the requirements of licensure for that state or country before he or she receives approval from the department.

(iii) Seven (7) years of experience in general building construction in any one (1) or more of the following professions:
 • A building contractor
 • A person in charge of general building construction

Other Necessary Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of building and structural elements
• The methods, materials and techniques used in building construction
• Reading and interpreting construction plans
• The various building codes and standards to be enforced
• City geographic layout, street locations, quadrant and addressing systems
• Safety practices and equipment
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Organization and department operations, services and policies

Skill in:

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships 
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature

Ability to:

• Make independent decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Prioritize, organize and perform work independently
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Inspect work being performed and determine adherence to code
• Review, read and interpret building code, construction details and plans
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Multitask between different tasks and communications