BUILDING INSPECTOR                                                                                                   5107

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under supervision, a Building Inspector makes field inspections of building construction, alteration and repair, and of land use and land or building development or modification. The incumbent ensures and enforces adherence to building codes, particularly the codes concerning structural safety regulations and require­ments, and applicable zoning codes and regulations.  Duties require technical examination and the application of standard trade practices to inspection work.  Although the primary function of employees in this class is the performance of field inspections, the work may also involve responsibility for the review, analysis, and/or approval of building plans and specifications.  Employees are required to carry all assignments to completion with considerable independence. Work is reviewed by a supervisor through oral and written reports and occasional re-inspection.  Performs related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

          Inspects building in the course of construction, alteration, and repair as often as is judged necessary;

          Inspects adequacy of foundation, structural safety and for the conformity of the entire structure with approved plans;

          Checks foundations to insure that they have been properly dug in good soil and according to approved plans and building codes;

          Checks locations of footing in reference to site boundaries upon which proposed structure is to be erected to review compliance for set back requirements;

          Inspects concrete poured slabs;

          Checks hardness of fill, type of reinforcing and the elevation of the finished floor in reference to established criteria for geographical areas;

          Makes inspections of framing as to spacing of studs, joists and rafters;

          Makes inspection of roof for grade of sheathing weight of roofing felt, consistency of size of nails and similar matters;

          Prepares and submits reports of buildings found to be either in an unsound condition constructionally or violation of building codes and makes re-inspection to insure compliance;

          Issues verbal and written orders to contractors and other interested parties to correct building violations;

          Discusses construction, alteration and repair of buildings with contractors and property owners;

          Explains and interprets building codes and regulations;

          Makes final inspection of building against approved plans to insure that same has been complied with, that lot has been graded and is clean of any structural matter with the exception of the permitted building;

          Assists in receiving and screening the complaints of violations of the zoning regulations;            

          Investigates complaints of violations of zoning regulations; interviews measures for correcting violation, follows up to ensure correction; issues summons in case of violation that has not been corrected, and may testify in court concerning the case;

          May review, analyze, and/or approve building plans and specifications;

          Performs office work for part of each typical day;

          Answers telephone questions for the public pertaining to building problems;

          Prepares work sheet for the day and prepares report for the past day's activity.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the materials used in building construction and of the stages of construction when possible defects and violations may most easily be observed and corrected; good knowledge of the existing codes and regulations governing building construction in a particular township; some knowledge of legal procedures related to the enforcement of regulatory codes; ability to acquire knowledge of applicable zoning regulations, and related departmental policies and procedures; ability to make inspections, to follow oral and written assignments and to ascertain facts through investigation; ability to recognize faulty construction or hazardous conditions created by deterioration; ability to read and interpret building construction plans and specifications, and recognize deviations from such plans in the construction process; ability to enforce codes and regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially; ability to keep records and to prepare and submit reports; ability to express one's self clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

          OPEN-COMPETITIVE

          Graduation from a standard senior high school, vocational school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and two (2) years experience in building construction or inspectional or investigative work enforcing codes and ordinances relating to the safety of building structures and occupancy.

NOTE:  Experience will be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.  Relevant education beyond high school from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Technology or a related field will be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

          At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, employees must possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

          All employees hired after January 1, 1985 must successfully complete the required basic training program entitled Minimum Standards for Code Enforcement Personnel, established by the State of New York Fire Fighting and Code Enforce­ment Personnel Standards and Education Commission.  The program must be com­pleted in the appropriate time period as specified in the regulations, and, upon completion, the required in-service training programs must be attended as scheduled.

 

R 01/03/20

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive