Plans Examiner/ Inspector

Description

Job Summary

Under general supervision or direction of the Chief Building Inspector, this position conducts building plan review and inspections during all phases of construction, alteration and repair of residential and commercial building plans; enforces compliance with applicable State and local building mechanical, plumbing, energy and accessibility codes, regulations and ordinances; ensures minimum standards of construction are complied with and performs a variety of technical duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

Major Essential Duties

• Examine building plans to familiarize self with assigned project to become informed about what to look for when inspecting job site and what codes may be applicable
• Confer with Chief Building Official on interpretation of building plans and relevant codes
• Read and interpret technical building construction data such as engineering test reports, soil tests, slump tests on concrete, stress/strength tests, or manufacturers’ pamphlets
• Apply safety principles and practices as stipulated in departmental policies and procedures; identifies unsafe practices and conditions and brings these matters to the attention of the supervisor
• Ability to communicate with homeowners, builders, architects, lawyers and others concerning interpretation and compliance of the building code, violations and corrective action, or any related matters
• Attends mandatory state training sessions to learn new information about building codes and enforcement methods, or to refresh knowledge of construction techniques and technology
• Performs administrative work such as completing forms, initiating enforcement actions, referencing code, reviewing paperwork and performing progress on assigned projects and scheduling work; gathers information to discuss with others
• Uses and keeps informed on current electronic permitting systems and other technology as needed. 
• Enforce county ordinances such as those relating to building codes, flood damage prevention and unfit or unsafe structures
• Perform occasional building inspection and enforcement activities on residential and commercial construction sites to determine if the work is in compliance with the approved plans and appropriate codes

Minor Essential Duties

• Relocates files as needed
• Relays and delivers pertinent information to supervisor
• Drives a county vehicle to inspect building sites or meet with others
• Maintains a variety of logs, records and files, generates reports as required
• Follows all safety rules and procedures established for work area
• Performs general housekeeping (trash, sweeping)
• Perform other related work as required

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None 

Requirements

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Minimum three (3) years experience in a responsible, directly related construction position, which requires the ability to effectively read and interpret building plans and specifications, or three years experience in an architect’s or engineer’s office performing building design or drafting duties
• Has graduated from an accredited high school or equivalent program. College or university associate degree in design, building technology or construction-related subject desired but not required. 

Language Skills: 

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret policies, procedures, professional publications, and governmental regulations
• Possess strong oral, written and listening skills
• Ability to handle sensitive issues

 Mathematical Skills

• Has the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measurement using whole numbers, fractions and decimals 

Reasoning Ability

• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Interprets a variety of technical and instructional information
• Makes decisions which serve the County's best interests and follow the missions and objectives of the department

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Level II Certification with the State of Kentucky Inspectors Certification Program required/ Level III Certification preferred.
• Posses a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

Other Knowledge and/or Skills

• Considerable knowledge of new building construction methods, materials, techniques sufficient to observe or inspect and determine if a project is in compliance with the applicable codes and approved plans
• Considerable knowledge of building construction and of the appropriate building codes in order to recognize violations during inspection
• Understands materials, methods and practices related to the installation, operation and repair of mechanical components, systems and appurtenances
• Familiar with County ordinances such as those relating to building codes and flood damage prevention.
• Knowledge of the County Road system or the ability to learn

Physical Demands

• Can endure prolonged periods of standing, sitting, walking, stooping, crawling and climbing ladders or scaffolds 
•  Has the ability to work at unusually tall heights, such as on roofs, scaffolding and lifts, in order to perform proper inspections 
• Has the ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
• Has adequate eyesight to conduct inspections and to review plans
• Has the ability to work in adverse weather conditions, and possibly dangerous conditions during a natural disaster or fires

Work Environment

• Office environment and field work which includes outside environment in all weather-related conditions 
• Inspections in residential housing and/or commercial buildings 

Comments

• Must display the following:
• Positive communication
• Objectivity 
• Willingness to solve problems
• Commitment to serve the county’s best interests
• Adherence to the applicable provisions of the Department Rules and Regulations, the Personnel Policy Manual, the Boone County Administrative Code, the Kentucky Revised Statutes, and any other procedures, rules, regulations, and polices set forth by appropriate authorities
• Must be neat in appearance 
• Must be 18 years or older
• Personal integrity and no felony convictions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when required