Building Inspector

Performs difficult work conducting building inspections to ensure compliance with codes and regulations, reviewing plans for construction standards, issuing and filing notices and orders, completing required reports, and related work. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Building Official.

Must hold current Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry certification as Building Official Limited or ability to be mentored and obtain certification within one year of hire.

This is a frontline building inspector opportunity tasked with conducting building inspections, plan review, and related work. Jurisdictions include city and rural inspection areas. Work is performed under the supervision of the Building Official and alongside an existing Building Inspector, County Sanitarian (Septic Inspector), & Office Support Team.

Essential Functions

• Reviews and corrects building plans and other proposals for compliance with appropriate codes, ordinances, and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Maintains documentation and records of inspections.
• Analyzes plans for unanticipated or unusual construction problems; advises as necessary. Determines and approves the construction's suitability of methods and materials.
• Plans and conducts reviews of building sites and building plans; analyzes the suitability of methods and materials.
• Reviews building permit applications taken by the clerical support staff to verify that the building plans give enough information to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances, then issues the building permit which is posted at the site.
• Inspects building sites throughout the construction process and upon completion of construction, verifies that the materials used, and the completed structure are in compliance with the applicable codes; issues Certificates of Occupancy.
• Assists other divisions of the department and the Building Official in identifying and investigating building construction complaints and violations, monitoring progress on violation corrections & abatement, preparing citation case files, preparing documentation for related court cases for court proceedings, testifying in court regarding building code matters, and assisting as necessary with septic system and general zoning matters.
• Responds to questions and/or complaints, verbally, and/or in writing relating to the State Building Code, building plans, general site structure and setback zoning requirements, general County ordinances, and other laws, rules and regulations relating to the construction of buildings.
• Consults with and advises individuals, contractors, architects and engineers on matters relating to building projects, construction or installation problems and construction code standards.
• Identifies and approves alternate material construction and/or installation changes to enable an individual or a contractor, architect or engineer to meet the applicable codes; assists in the issue of citations when necessary to enforce compliance with the codes; orders work stoppages until violations of codes are corrected.
• Assists in performing asbestos sampling and demolition reclamation inspections as required for demolition permits and performs lead-based paint inspections and risk assessments as required.
• Responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of individual and departmental building code and inspection records required by the State.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or GED and extensive experience, or a combination of equivalent education and experience in a skilled construction trade, construction design or municipal construction.

Special Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license in the State of Minnesota.
• Must hold current Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry certification as Building Official Limited.
• Must be able to assess job and construction site safety and walk and traverse across varied terrain and unfinished job site and building conditions.
• Inspector’s Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems Individual Certification from the State of Minnesota or ability to be mentored and obtain future certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of architectural engineering practices and procedures.

Knowledge of federal, state and local building, masonry, mechanical, plumbing, fire suppression systems/MN fire code, MN building code and alarms codes, energy codes and zoning ordinances and related rules, septic ordinances, flood plain ordinances, and regulations.

Knowledge of advanced construction practices and procedures.

Knowledge of building materials and workmanship.

Tactful and discretionary skills to defuse potentially hostile situations, may act as mediator between owner and contractor.

Ability to drive safely to remote inspection appointments & locations, perform skilled inspection duties, including both residential and commercial buildings and to maintain related records.

Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people under a wide variety of situations.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to professionals and lay people, on their own level.

Ability to perform physical work in unfinished structures and in surroundings that are occasionally uncomfortable and/or may be determined to be unsafe.

Ability to plan, coordinate and work independently and as a team member.

Ability to interpret and enforce complex laws, rules and regulations on building codes.

Ability to use a computer, mobile communication devices, and perform required clerical and record keeping tasks.

Working Conditions

• This classification regularly involves physical agility requirements such as: climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, repetitive motions and manual dexterity.
• Sensory requirements include close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; and hearing is required to receive detailed information through oral communication and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
• The work environment is a combination of both the office and field setting. The field environment is one that will frequently be uncomfortable, being hot and wet and/or humid in the summer and cold and wet in the other seasons. The noise level can range from moderately quiet in the office to loud and noisy in the field.