What are the responsibilities and job description for the Building Codes Inspector position at Caldwell County Government?
Department
Building Inspections
Location
Lenoir NC
Position Type
Full-Time
Salary
Based on experience and qualifications
Date
2025.03.11
Description
BUILDING CODE INSPECTOR
BUILDING INSPECTIONS
*Salary based on experience and qualifications*
General Statement of Duties
Performs technical inspections of buildings and property for compliance with proper codes and ordinances to ensure the safety of citizens.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class is responsible for the inspection of building construction for compliance with state building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical code requirements and the reporting on inspections activities. Work involves the inspection of residential and commercial properties to enforce State code compliance; site inspections and field checks to inspect all phases of construction work; providing interpretation of codes; building permit issuance; and the preparation and maintenance of records of permits and inspections. The employee is required to keep current on all code regulation revisions; maintain set of code books and code related material; review revisions and new codes regularly; and attend training to keep current on code changes and modern building methods. Tact, courtesy, and firmness must be exercised in dealing with contractors and the general public. Work subjects the employees to inside and outside environmental conditions, extremes in temperature, hazards associated with construction work, and may require one to work in crawl spaces and similar enclosed spaces. Work is evaluated based on periodic conferences, review of inspection reports, and contractor and public feedback.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Tasks
- Inspects buildings in the process of construction, alteration or repair for compliance with state building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical code requirements, approved plans, and construction and safety practices.
- Monitors foundations and framing processes, insulation installation and general arrangement of building facilities for quality of design, materials and workmanship.
- Advises contractors and property owners on code interpretations and applying code regulations.
- Notifies responsible parties of defects and re-inspects to determine if corrective actions have been taken.
- Issues stop work orders for construction without proper permits.
- Investigates complaints concerning buildings that may not comply with applicable building codes.
- Confers with supervisor regarding questionable installations and verification of County ordinances.
- Conducts final inspections and issues certificates of occupancy.
- Responds to questions from the public and contractors regarding NC Building Code.
- Travels to various construction sites operating a County vehicle.
- Establishes and maintains manual and computerized records and reports pertaining to inspections and code enforcement work.
- Maintains current knowledge of building codes and record keeping requirements; attends classes, seminars, and conferences to retain certification and enhance knowledge of trends and development in the field of building code inspection.
Additional Job Duties
Performs related duties as required.
Recruitment and Selection Guidelines
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Considerable knowledge of the state and local ordinances and codes related to all building construction trades.
- General working knowledge of construction and system installation procedures in electricity, plumbing, heat and air conditioning systems.
- Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications accurately and make comparisons with construction in progress.
- Skill in the interpretation of codes and ordinances and their application to specific situations.
- Skill in collaborative conflict resolution and customer service excellence.
- Ability to analyze situations in the areas of codes, ordinances, and related functions and make technical recommendations.
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
- Ability to work independently and to exercise sound judgment in making decisions in conformance with laws, regulations, and policies.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with building contractors, property owners, supervisors and the general public.
- Ability to establish and maintain accurate and thorough reports and records.
- Ability to enforce regulations tactfully and firmly and in a consistent manner.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.
- Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
- Must possess the visual acuity to inspect details of construction, prepare reports, work with data and figures, use measurement devices, do extensive reading, operate a computer terminal, and operate a motor vehicle.
Desirable Education and Experience
Graduation from high school with coursework in building trades and some experience in the building construction trades and enforcement of code standards; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Level III Inspector preferred in building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical trade.
Special Requirements
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
Must be eligible for a Probationary Certification upon hire.
Special Note: This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position. Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions
