Building Inspector I

OPENING DATE:  March 27, 2025

CLOSING DATE:  April 18, 2025

REPORTS TO:   Building Official

DIRECT REPORTS: None

POSITION SUMMARY:  Under the general supervision of the Building Official; oversee and coordinate the enforcement of applicable regulations relating to building, electrical, plumbing, fire, and mechanical codes. Assist with enforcement of local, state and nationally mandated codes and practices. Direct and coordinate the city’s building safety inspections.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Inspect all new construction, additions and renovations for which a permit is required to determine compliance with applicable zoning, building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing ordinances, codes, and regulations and initiates correction action as authorized by city ordinance.
• Interact and assist the public by answering inquiries or explaining procedures relating to city permits, codes, inspections and nuisances, to resolve needs or complaints.
• Assist Building Inspector II, Plans Examiner, and Building Official with building plan reviews and provide on-going assistance throughout the project by meeting with owners, contractors, engineers and architects to assist in compliance with codes.
• Assist Code Compliance Inspectors with code compliance issues and rental inspections.
• Maintain accurate records of all inspections and correspondence including, but not limited to, construction permits, property activity, code violations, contractor licensing, and schedule appointments as required.

PERIODIC JOB DUTIES:

• May be reassigned to assist in other areas within the City of Altoona.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education – High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Experience – Three (3) to four (4) years in building trades, inspection and code enforcement work, or combination thereof

SKILLS:

• Ability to take initiative and work efficiently.
• Ability to work independently with intermittent direct supervision.
• Excellent oral and interpersonal communication and listening skills including, but not limited to tact, diplomacy and professionalism when dealing with members of the public and staff.
• Effective written communication skills.
• Problem-solving ability is appropriate to the work activities.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications and applicable technical codes and ordinances.
• Ability to conduct combination inspections.
• Accurate mathematical skills and ability to utilize dimensions on plans to calculate permit cost, building area, various code applications and related information.
• Ability to operate a personal computer using various software programs for word processing, permits, and zoning enforcement operations.
• Ability to concentrate in a diverse work setting.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• The ability to climb up to rooftops, crawlspaces, etc. to perform a complete inspection.
• Perform job functions adhering to safety guidelines and policies set forth by the administration and/or supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of International Building Code, International Residential Code, National Electric Code, International or Uniform Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code and/or International Fuel Gas Code.
• Knowledge of general construction practices and equipment.
• Knowledge of office equipment, including telephone, photocopier, laser printers, personal computers, cell phones, tablets, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Combination of mostly outside working conditions with some office environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Frequent climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching,
• Intermittent crawling and reaching in tight spaces.
• Moderate exposure to inclement weather.
• Periodically called during off-hours to respond to citizen and construction related inquiries.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Iowa Driver’s license
• Certified as a Residential Electrical Inspector within six (6) months of employment, certified as a Residential Building Inspector within twelve (12) months of employment, and certified as a Commercial Electrical Inspector within eighteen (18) months of employment through a nationally recognized agency and approved by the Building Official.
• Must be insurable.

The City of Altoona retains the authority to change the job duties included in this job description at any time.  The list of duties is not exhaustive, and various requirements are subject to possible modification as reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual.

The successful applicant will be required to complete a background check and pass a medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screening prior to beginning work.

The City of Altoona is located in Polk County, Iowa, about 5 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, and is home to approximately 20,000 residents.  Altoona offers many large city amenities but with a small town quality and convenience.  Altoona hosts beautiful recreational trails and parks, offers an abundance of shopping and restaurant opportunities, and our entertainment is renowned.

The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $33 - $43