Building Inspector

Apply online at www.twinfallscounty.org.CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
Conducts inspections of building and development projects as they relate to zoning, land use, and building regulations. Duties include inspecting buildings at different stages of the construction process for compliance; researching codes; explaining code details to contractors, builders and owners; completing inspection reports; entering data into County system; and performing duties to ensure public safety and structural integrity. The Building Inspector position requires technical knowledge and effective diplomacy when dealing with adversarial situations. The position reports to the Planning & Zoning Administrator with some latitude allowed for independent judgment and initiative. The principal duties of the position are performed in a public building and field environment and may include exposure to adverse weather conditions.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (illustrative only and may vary by assignment)

• Examines plans and specifications for proposed residential and commercial construction; 
• Inspects buildings at different stages of construction to determine compliance with building codes;
• Determines if setbacks from property lines are correct;
• Completes inspection reports and enters data into computer;
• Advises and instructs the developers, builders, owners and the public about technical requirements of building codes;
• Assists the public with building permit applications and code requirements by telephone, in person in the office, and in the field;
• Posts notices at job sites;
• Updates and maintains records of plans, applications, field inspections, etc.; 
• Relates technical information from building, mechanical and fire codes, as applicable;
• Coordinates with zoning staff regarding zoning review of building permit applications;
• Assists with the investigation of complaints of Twin Falls County Code violations related to land use regulations; 
• Interacts with utilities, agencies, government officials, etc. on such subjects as efficiencies, building techniques, building codes and life safety issues;
• Prepares certification of inspection and maintains records of inspection;
• Interacts with contractors and sub-contractors at the job sites through the inspection process;
• Keeps immediate supervisor fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
• Responds to County staff’s and citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate co-workers to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Maintains strict confidentiality in all cases;
• Interacts with County employees, customers, visitors and the general public effectively and professionally.
• Assists other department and County employees as needed or requested.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position. 
Knowledge of:

• Principles and standard practices of building construction, including stages when inspections to detect violations and defects are most easily observed and corrected;
• County and other applicable building and construction codes, including but not limited to, structural, mechanical, health, fire safety, agricultural and other applicable codes;
• Standard practices and procedures for field inspection;
• County building permit and fee schedule;
• Operation of standard office equipment, including a personal computer and job-related software applications;
• Customer service procedures and techniques.

Skill and Ability to:

• Understand, interpret and apply County building codes for structural, mechanical, health, fire safety, agricultural and other applicable codes;
• Read maps, building and other plans, building specifications, read labels, tags, codes;
• Read, interpret, explain and apply laws, resolutions, ordinances, codes, and contracts related to building codes;
• Read, interpret and clearly explain County building functions, policies, and procedures;
• Prepare, review, and maintain files, records, reports, databases, and correspondence, determining content and follow-up, if required;
• Detect and suggest corrections to inferior or deficient design, workmanship, materials and other hazards in an on-site inspection;
• Speak clearly and communicate accurate information to others.
• Use English to communicate effectively with others.
• Proficiently operate computers, software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar office software to create documents and other materials, maintain information, and generate reports.
• Listen carefully to, understand, and effectively communicate through oral, written, and interpersonal communication channels.
• Follow verbal and written instructions. 
• Work independently and exercise initiative, with general guidance and supervision.  
• Use good judgment to make sound and reasonable decisions and problem-solving skills to respond to customer service needs in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established policies.
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times; 
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Demonstrate integrity and ingenuity the performance of assigned tasks and solving problems;
• Perform all duties in accordance with County policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.
• Maintain confidentiality.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• High school diploma or GED;
• Valid Idaho State Driver’s License;
• Five (5) years experience in construction trades with experience in concrete, carpentry (rough and finish), floor and wall coverings, roofing, heat source installation, chimneys, insulation and building in flood plains; 
• One (1) year of experience in building inspections preferred; 
• Ability to successfully pass Building Inspector Certification;
• Mechanical inspection certification preferred;
• International Code Council Certification as a Building Inspector; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered. 
• Must successfully pass background investigation relevant to the position and remain in good standing for the duration of employment with the County. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to keyboard or type, handle materials or manipulate tools used in performing the essential functions, and reach with hands and arms.  The position requires climbing ladders, working in crawl spaces and other confined areas, maneuvering on uneven terrain and working at varying building heights. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, color vision peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person, by telephone. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in an office setting and construction field sites where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate with occasional very loud construction noise.

Salary : $26