Local Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer

Job Summary:
Performs a variety of routine and complex technical duties in inspection of buildings to ensure compliance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code, Sanitary Code, Fire Safety Codes, and the Amherst Zoning Bylaws.

Supervision Received:
Serves under the general supervision of the Building Commissioner. Performs inspections as required by codes utilizing independent judgment in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Building Commissioner, Health Director and Fire Chief. Reports code violations or unusual situations to appropriate department head.

Supervision Exercised:
Generally none. The employee is responsible for his/her own work but may be expected to provide occasional assistance or guidance to other employees.

Major Duties:

• Performs a variety of field and office work in support of the Town’s local code compliance programs; enforces compliance with Town zoning bylaw; State building and sanitary codes. Reports potential fire safety code violations to the Fire Chief.

• Responds to citizen complaints or reports from other agencies for alleged violations of codes or by-laws; makes on-site inspections; issues permits and certificates as required. Prepares reports of findings and maintains adequate records. Reports violations to supervisor with recommendations for corrective action. If violations are found, may issues cease and desist orders, municipal tickets (fines) in accordance with state and local regulations, and/or revocation of certificates when necessary; testifies in the prosecution of violators through the courts.

• Administers and enforces the provisions of the assigned areas of code enforcement; alerting appropriate department of any unusual or difficult situations. Either independently, or as part of a team, performs periodic inspections of multi-family housing, apartment complexes and other residential uses. Updates records as needed.

• Works closely with Health, Fire and Police regarding nuisance housing and regeneration of neighborhoods by providing inspections, documentation, and maintenance of records associated with specific properties. In any situation of non-compliance and inspection disapproval, prepares material for presentation with the appropriate public agency; may be required to testify in court cases.

• Provides education to residents regarding compliance with codes and regulations.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Associates degree in building construction or design and/or at least five years of experience in the supervision of building construction or design or, a combination of education and experience which would confer equivalent knowledge and ability. Must possess general knowledge of accepted requirements for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation and safe egress, as well as a general knowledge of other equipment and materials essential for safety, comfort and convenience of the occupants of a building or structure.

Thorough knowledge of State Building Code or nationally recognized general construction codes. Considerable knowledge in carpentry work, cement work, and skill in applying knowledge of national uniform building codes, zoning and land use applications. Skill in operating listed tools and equipment; ability to work well with the public and with local contractors; ability to read and understand complicated plans and blueprints; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to work with computer programs.

Special Requirements:
Must possess, or have the ability to obtain a Valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts Driver's License plus Certification as a Local Inspector as defined in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 143, Sec. 3 and 94 as amended by Chapter 168 of the Acts of 1992. If not already certified at the time of appointment, the appointment is conditional until/unless certification is obtained in the time frame required under the regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Tools and Equipment Used:
Personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheet, and permitting software; general office equipment; motor vehicle; portable radio; phone; ladder or scaffolding; tape measure.

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.
Work is performed in office settings with outdoor work required in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the 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 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field.

Selection Guidelines:
Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.