Lead Building Inspector: (Full-Time)

This position is open until filled. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Building Inspector reviews construction plans for code compliance, processes permit applications, performs building inspections, and enforces City codes and ordinances.  This position will take the lead in decision-making for routine daily tasks when the Building Official is out of the office. Assist in scheduling, monitoring and supporting inspection workload. Responsible for such other tasks as may be designated by the Building Official.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist the Building Official by meeting with builders, developers, property owners, and citizens regarding building regulations and requirements for proposed construction projects when requested.
• Assist the Building Official with plan review for the division. Reviews construction plans and specifications for compliance with applicable building codes – International (building, plumbing, gas, mechanical, and fire prevention codes) and ADA/TAS (Texas Accessibility Standards). 
• Assist and advise the general public in matters relating to requirements of construction codes, the zoning and sign ordinances and various other City ordinances as may apply.
• Reviews construction plans for code compliance.
• Process permit applications.
• Inspect buildings during construction to ensure compliance with the building code, the requirements of other applicable City codes and ordinances, and approved plans and specifications.
• Require corrections to be made when deficiencies are discovered and assist builders and homeowners in determining how corrections are to be made to ensure conformance.
• Investigate complaints and perform inspections of existing buildings to determine if hazardous or illegal conditions exist relating to structures and their use.
• Prepare written reports, issue notices to correct violations, issue “stop work” orders, and testify in court when necessary regarding violations.

SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists in making decisions for the Building Division when the Building Official is out of the office.
• Will be the point of contact for the public and city personnel in the absence of the Building Official.
• Attends meetings as assigned by the Building Official.
• Assist in enforcing Building Code violations by issuing warnings and citations and attending court proceedings as required.
• Assists in administering the permitting function, including application processing, fee assessment, and permit issuance.
• Perform various office and other duties as assigned.
• Explains, interprets, and provides guidance regarding all applicable codes within the area of responsibility to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and other interested parties.
• Assists the Board of Adjustments and Appeals as needed by providing required information.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

FISCAL BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

• Responsible for adhering to all City of South Padre Island Purchasing Policies while performing purchasing tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of related work experience in building construction or a related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience, equivalency to be determined by the City.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a Certification as a Building Inspector.
• Must possess a Certification as a Plumbing Inspector by the Texas Board of Plumbing Examiners or ability to obtain within one (1) year.
• Certified as a Plan Review Technician or ability to obtain within two (2)
• Registered as a Code Enforcement Officer or ability to register within two (2) years.
• Master Electrician License or Certification as an Electrical Inspector is preferred.

• A valid state driver’s license.

Special Requirements:

• Bilingual: Spanish and English preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:   

• Working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing.
• Working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of building-related codes, including residential and commercial building construction, International Building, Residential, Energy, Plumbing, National Electric Code, and City of SPI Ordinances.
• Skill in the operation of listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Telephone, personal computer including word processing software, motor vehicle, portable radio, ladder or scaffolding, tape measure, electrical outlet tester, level, copy machine, fax machine, calculator.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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 duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds.  Specific vision abilities are required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field. While performing outdoor work employee may be exposed to dusty conditions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and precipitation; unsound structures; and construction hazards such as debris, dust and fumes. Work is performed in an air-conditioned office setting and outdoors.  While performing the duties of this job the employee often works in outside weather conditions. Outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites.   The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places, and is often exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.