Combination Inspector

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

Performs inspections across multiple disciplines (building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical), requiring broader certifications, advanced technical expertise, and a higher degree of independent judgment. This classification is distinguished by its expanded scope of responsibility and expectation to assist with complex code issues and departmental consistency.

JOB DUTIES:

• Conduct field inspections.
• Investigate and enforce city, state and federal construction regulations and violations.
• Review and interpret plans and permit applications.
• Maintain records of current activities in permit tracking system.
• Advise contractors and citizens on ordinances, codes and necessary corrections.
• Interpret and apply applicable codes and ordinances.
• Issue notices.
• Initiate code enforcement actions.
• Prepare case files; notices, reports and correspondence; and construction estimates.
• Prepare correspondence and construction estimates.
• Participate in code compliance enforcement actions, including coordination with legal counsel, case preparation, and providing testimony in administrative or court proceedings. Testify in court on violation cases. Provide staff support for meetings of the Building Code Advisory and Appeals Board.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Assist in staff training.
• Prepare or verify construction estimates.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Building and Construction?- Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures; zoning regulations, codes policies and ordinances.

• Customer and Personal Service?- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services which includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Engineering and Technology?- Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology which includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Design?- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Technology - Knowledge of personal computers, word-processing, data base and spreadsheet software.

• Critical Thinking and Complex Problem Solving – Noticing a problem, thinking about the pros and cons; and figuring out the best way to solve it.

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and one of the following:

  1. Five (5) years of documented journeyperson-level experience in a building, mechanical, electrical or plumbing trade; or
  2. Two (2) years of documented experience as a municipal building, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing inspector; or
  3. Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree or higher in Construction Management, Construction Technology, or Building Technology; or
  4. An equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the requirements as defined above.
  5. Possession of a valid Iowa Driver’s License
  6. Possession of: C8 Combination Inspector (CI) designation which is comprised of the following certifications:
     1. B1 Residential Building Inspector
     2. B2 Commercial Building Inspector
     3. M1 Residential Mechanical Inspector
     4. M2 Commercial Mechanical Inspector
     5. E1 Residential Electrical Inspector
     6. E2 Commercial Electrical Inspector
     7. P1 Residential Plumbing Inspector
     8. P2 Commercial Plumbing Inspector

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Science, Construction Administration, engineering, architecture or related field; and
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in building inspection, code enforcement, plan review and/or construction experience.

PHYSICAL:

• Operates office equipment.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Subject to recall at various times including holidays and after hours.
• May remain in a stationary position for an hour or more.
• The ability to identify and avoid unsafe working conditions to maintain personal safety at all times.
• Ability to utilize appropriate safety equipment including eye protection, hearing protection, and respirators.
• Ability to test to the necessary fit testing standards for the appropriate level of respiratory protection for the position.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• General work is conducted in the field, some office work.
• Ability to work outdoors.
• May work in areas that are somewhat uncomfortable due to dirt, dust, fumes, noise, lighting, or temperature variation.
• Travels to various locations, ability to operate a variety of department vehicles.
• Ability to navigate various terrain including construction sites and function in a variety of weather conditions common in Iowa.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of their place of employment as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of appointment.

FLSA (OVERTIME) STATUS: Non-exempt