Plans Examiner/Building Inspector

Planning and Development

Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $18.39 - $27.98 per hour

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for performing plan reviews and inspections of buildings and structures in all stages of construction, alteration, and repair.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Conducts inspections of new and existing structures, including: ensuring code and ordinance compliance; identifying violations; educating home owners and contractors regarding construction techniques and procedures; answering code and construction questions; and maintaining and submitting all inspections records.

• Review and approval of submitted building plans. Makes field inspections of industrial, commercial, and residential buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to assure compliance with approved plans, specifications, and applicable codes and regulations of the County, State, and Federal agencies.

• Inspects air conditioning, plumbing, mechanical and routine electrical systems.

• Assures proper and safe installations of routine and complex building systems.

• Issues permits for work to be performed.

• Interacts with a variety of individuals, both internally and within the community to provide information, disseminate departmental information, coordinate projects and assist in resolving administrative issues.

• Interprets flood maps and enforces flood ordinance.

• Work with Code Enforcement to receive and investigate complaints related to violations of nuisance and/or noise ordinances; composes and distributes correspondence to owners regarding violations.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs other work as required or when directed by administration.

• In the event of an emergency, all Camden County employees are considered essential and may be required to perform alternate duties.

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Prepares complex, routine and non-routine reports; receives, sorts, and summarizes material for the preparation of reports; prepares work reports; relays and interprets administrative decisions, policies and instructions.

• Knowledge of the techniques and materials used in building inspection.

• Knowledge of the state laws, local ordinances, and construction and trade codes governing the building inspection and zoning administration processes.

• Knowledge of the geography of the county, including roads, streets, subdivisions, and zoned areas.

• Knowledge of planning and zoning principles, techniques and practices.

• Knowledge of county and departmental policies and procedures.

• Skill in interpreting blueprints and maps.

• Skill in operating general office equipment and gauges, circuit testers, levels and other tools and equipment used in the building inspection process.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Must be able to positively interact with other staff members, the general public, contractors, and governmental entities, external and internal contacts.

• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office

• Skill in time management, organization, and attention to detail. Must be able to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced atmosphere.

• Skill in proactive approaches to problem solving and strong decision-making capability.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Planning and Development Director assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include county ordinances, building and construction codes, zoning regulations, and county and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied building inspection duties. Strict regulations, combined with the unique nature of each case in question, contribute to the complexity of the work.

• The purpose of this position is to perform building inspections. Successful performance ensures compliance with all relevant building codes and ordinances.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other county employees, law enforcement personnel, architects, engineers, developers, realtors, attorneys, elected and appointed officials, representatives of state and federal agencies, and members of the general public.

• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, motivate persons, and negotiate, defend, or settle matters

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, stooping, or walking. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, and distinguishes between shades of color.

• The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.

• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

• Possession of or ability to obtain the International Code Council (ICC) Inspector Certification within one-year of hire date. Ability to remain up to date and familiar with different editions of the International Building Codes.