Building Inspector

 

Nature of Work 
This position involves skilled inspection work and related duties to insure and maintain compliance with State Building Code and City ordinances in the remodeling and maintenance of existing structures or the construction of new residential or commercial properties. Responsibilities include the performance of both field and office work in carrying out assigned duties to ensure neighborhood vibrancy through compliance with legally established specifications and requirements and performing other related duties as required.  Positions at this level may be specialized in one of the building construction trade areas but may be trained and required to perform inspections of a minor nature in any trade specialty area. Inspectors must use considerable independent judgment and discretion in the performance of their duties.

The 2025 starting rate of pay is $42.66-$45.94 with advancement to $49.29 per hour.

To have your application considered in the first round of reviews, please apply before April 4,  2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  

The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.

*Respond to inquiries; educate various audiences on code regulations; interpret and makes decisions on technical problems. 

• Interpret building codes, regulations, construction documents, and city ordinances and assess public and private infrastructure for compliance with said references. 
• Conduct regular inspections of residential and commercial properties to identify code violations related to building codes, electrical codes, zoning laws, health and safety regulations, and nuisance issues.
• Collaborate with Community Development staff, City departments, contractors, and the public to resolve code violations, conflicts, errors and omissions before installation is considered acceptable.
• Investigate complaints, risks, hazards, and threats in regard to defective construction and/or installations without proper permits and participate in the prosecution of violators of the City or State codes.  Respond to citizen complaints regarding potential code violations, conducting thorough investigations and gathering evidence. Perform follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with issued notices and confirm that violations have been resolved.
• Develop both oral and written corrective action notices and coordinate compliance efforts with other departments as needed.
• Prepare written reports and maintain files of complaints, inspections and resolutions.
• Attend board of appeal hearings to provide findings of inspections pertaining to appeals.  (Not an essential function.)
• Engage in community outreach activities to raise awareness about local codes and promote compliance among residents and businesses.
• Keep current on changes to building codes, zoning laws, and enforcement procedures to ensure effective and accurate enforcement of regulations.

*Perform proactive code enforcement to promote neighborhood vibrancy and preservation.

• Provide education on corrective measures to property owners and residents.
• Issue warning letters for lesser housing code and nuisance violations.

*Complete the inspection process during the maintenance, construction, repair, and remodeling of residential and/or commercial properties.

• Inspect structures for compliance with the adopted codes, City ordinances, project construction documents and industry standards.  Conduct follow up inspections to ensure compliance with applicable codes.
• Make technical decisions on complex issues in compliance with department policies and practices or that may not be covered by existing codes and regulations.
• Prepare and maintains necessary records and reports related to the inspection program and assigned inspections.  Issue orders when necessary to enforce compliance with building codes and related regulations; testifies in court if applicable, producing documents and records regarding inspections results.
• Coordinate the inspection process within the department and with other state and local agencies prior to issuance of a state or local license.
• Utilize automated software programs to enter and query inspection results, obtain permit information and create reports necessary to complete routine inspection duties, as well as performing electronic plan review.  Reviews and electronically files special inspection reports, contractor deviation reports, material testing reports and affidavits related to the project construction.

Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.

* ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSEducation and Experience
High school diploma and at least five (5) years of experience as a contractor, superintendent, foreman, competent mechanic in charge of construction, or inspector of commercial and residential buildings.
OR
An equivalent combination of education, certification and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position may be considered.
 
Licenses and/or Certifications
Valid driver's license
Certified Building Official certification or Limited Building Official certification within 12 months of hire date.
 
If this work interests you but you are unsure if you meet all the job requirements listed above, please apply anyway! Your experience is likely more applicable to the role than you think, and the City is interested in candidates who can bring not only technical expertise but a variety of lived experience to the team.  

Desirable Qualifications
Associate's degree, or higher, from an accredited college with major course work in architecture, engineering, construction management, building inspection technology program, or a closely related field. Other desired certifications include:

• Commercial, Residential or Combination Building Inspector (ICC) 
• Plumbing Inspector (ICC or IAPMO)
• MN Licensed Plumber (MN-DLI)
• Mechanical Inspector (ICC or IAPMO)
• MN Journey Worker A or Master A Licensed Electrician (MN-DLI)
• Journey Worker HVAC Technician

POSITION COMPETENCIES
Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.  

Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.

Being Resilient: Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations

Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. 

Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. 

Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
 
In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as: Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.
 
Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:
 
Continuous demands: Standing, Sitting, Walking, and Fine dexterity.
Frequent demands: Lifting, Carrying, Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Handling, Kneeling, and Climbing.
Occasional demands: Crouching, Crawling, Bending, Twisting, and Balancing.
 
Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include:
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
Noise (need to shout in order to be heard)
Exposure to dust/gas/fumes/steam/chemicals
Potential exposure to infectious diseases and proper use of PPE.
Work outdoors (no effective protection from weather)
Walk on uneven ground (gravel, rocks, mounds, construction sites)
Work at heights (such as on scaffolding or ladders)
Working around moving machinery (fork-lifts, loaders, cranes, excavators, lifts, active construction sites)
Protective equipment required (respirator, mask, earplugs, gloves, eyewear, safety vest, hard hat, etc.)

Salary : $43 - $46