Building Inspector/Code Compliance Officer
City of Lake Stevens
Lake Stevens, WA
Full-time
Construction / Physical Labor / Skilled Trades
Posted on March 22, 2019
Salary $5,272.00 - $6,671.00 Monthly
Location Lake Stevens, WA
Job Type Full-Time
Department Community Development/Planning
Job Number 2019-00004
First review of applications is April 8, 2019.
This position is open until filled.
This position is open until filled.
Work is characterized by performing independent, routine and some specialized duties requiring the ability to make decisions and take responsibility for such decisions while performing building inspections and review of building plans and permits. While conducting code enforcement duties, work is characterized by responding to and investigating complaints of city code violations; providing assistance and/or taking appropriate actions to achieve compliance in accordance with established procedures; coordinating actions with other city departments as well as appropriate county and state agencies.
Work is performed under limited supervision. Supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available. Incumbent and supervisor work together to develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be completed. Incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. Incumbent keeps supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Performs on-site residential and commercial building inspections during various stages of construction, remodeling and repair to ensure compliance with city codes and ordinances, safety standards, state and national codes, including the International Building, Residential and Mechanical codes, Uniform Plumbing code, Accessibility code, Washington State Energy Code and other adopted codes.
- Inspects existing buildings and premises for changes of use, occupancy, or compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
- Reviews construction plans, specifications and engineering documents for compliance with codes and ordinances.
- Prepares the city's response or directly responds to and investigates citizen complaints concerning alleged or potential land use and building code violations in coordination with other affected staff and departments. Conducts field investigations, gathers and analyzes information, makes findings, takes appropriate action within level of authority.
- Inspects dangerous structures subject to condemnation for fire and life safety requirements, inspects damaged or deteriorating structures to determine needed repairs, investigates alleged violations of building and land use ordinances, as well as various other nuisance codes as assigned.
- Researches, organizes, and maintains documentation on code violations, including remedial actions. Prepares cases for filing or submission for prosecution. Testifies in court on behalf of the city. Attends and represents the city at Code Violation appeal hearings. Maintains a variety of logs and records related to inspection and enforcement activities; writes and distributes correspondence and reports.
- Interprets and explains ordinances, codes and regulations; communicates with fire, law enforcement, water, sewer and other community and governmental agencies in the performance of building inspection and code enforcement duties.
- Conducts research, write letters and prepares written reports. Enters all inspection reports, code enforcement documents and letters into the city's permit tracking system and address filing system.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk; and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and to stand and walk; the employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. While in the office environment, the employee frequently is required to sit for extended periods of time and type on a keyboard for extended periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
Work is usually performed in both an office and field environment subject to driving to offsite locations to perform inspections or to investigate issues. The field environment may include, but not be limited to, all types of weather conditions and perhaps potential hazards from unconfined animals, dilapidated structures and litter. Walking over rough, uneven terrain and some climbing may be required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed individuals who may possibly be irate or hostile. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk; and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and to stand and walk; the employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. While in the office environment, the employee frequently is required to sit for extended periods of time and type on a keyboard for extended periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
Work is usually performed in both an office and field environment subject to driving to offsite locations to perform inspections or to investigate issues. The field environment may include, but not be limited to, all types of weather conditions and perhaps potential hazards from unconfined animals, dilapidated structures and litter. Walking over rough, uneven terrain and some climbing may be required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed individuals who may possibly be irate or hostile. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or equivalent;
Experience: Three (3) years of experience in general building construction, building inspection or code compliance.
Or: Any combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job, may be substituted for these qualifications. Examples of these skills include:
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices, methods, and standards of building construction standards
- Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures related to building codes
- Structure, organization and interrelationships of city departments, agencies and related governmental agencies and offices affecting assigned functions
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
- Correct usage of English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
- Effective oral and written communication principles and practices to include public speaking and professional business letter writing
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and statistical databases
- Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration
- Maintain regular, predictable and reliable attendance during scheduled hours
- Participate as a contributing member of a service-oriented team
- Learn applicable computer applications, software, and peripheral equipment quickly and effectively
- Conduct technical research, gather and analyze data, and present findings or recommendations
- Handle multiple tasks accurately and reliably in a busy, demanding work environment
- Effectively schedule and prioritize workload individually and with other staff members
- Maintain confidentiality and communicate with tact and diplomacy
- Understand and follow instructions
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with assigned team, staff, management, contractors, developers, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public
- Demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse social and economic backgrounds
- Record keeping techniques and using related technology
- Preparing clear and concise correspondence and written materials
- Analyzing situations accurately and adopting an effective course of action
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to listen effectively and to explain complex issues and applicable legal requirements, policies, and procedures to internal and external customers
Supplemental Information
License, Certifications, and Other Requirements:
- Valid State of Washington Driver's License and a driving record which meets the city's requirements
- International Building Code (IBC) Residential Building Inspector certification, required
- International Building Code (IBC) Plumbing Inspector certification, preferred or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date or as agreed upon
- International Building Code (IBC) Mechanical Inspector certification, preferred or ability to obtain within nine (9) months of hire date or as agreed upon
- International Building Code (IBC) Commercial Building Inspector certification, preferred or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire date or as agreed upon
- Completion of position-relevant background check