Building Inspector I/II

The Position

The City of Rohnert Park is currently recruiting for a Building Inspector I/II to join the Development Services team. The position requires working closely alongside Permit Technicians, Building Inspectors, Code Enforcement Officers, Building Official, various City departments, developers and the public in a dynamic environment performing a variety of technical and para-professional duties in support of the Building Division.

The position will be filled based on qualifications at one of the following levels:

Building Inspector I: $6,159.78 - $7,487.18 monthly
Building Inspector II: $6,799.24 - $8,264.47 monthly

Proficiency in bilingual speaking (English/Spanish) is highly desirable. City stipend of $100 per month paid upon demonstration of proficiency.

TO APPLY:
To be considered for this opportunity, please visit "Job Opportunities" at www.rpcity.org for an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. Work history must include all employment for the last ten years. All applications will be screened for completeness and possession of minimum qualifications. Applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to proceed in the recruitment process.

PLEASE NOTE:
You may submit a resume or other relevant documents to further describe your qualifications; however, "See Resume" will NOT meet the requirements to submit a complete application, including employment history, or be accepted in lieu of responses to supplemental questions.

If you need assistance applying online, please click on the Application Help/FAQ's link:
www.governmentjobs.com/home/faq

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, the Building Inspector I/II performs routine to moderately difficult inspections during building construction for compliance to the California building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy and green codes, local ordinances and zoning regulations, performs over-the-counter plan checking, assists in the issuance of permits and collection of fees; and performs related functions as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Building Division Manager/Building Official. Exercises no direct supervision of staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a professional classification series.

Building Inspector I: This is an entry level classification in the Building Inspector series. Assignments involve answering code questions, performing minor plan checks for code compliance and conducting less complicated field inspections. As experience is gained, assignments become more complex and are performed with less supervision. This class is alternately staffed with the Building Inspector II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher-level class.
Building Inspector II: This is the full journey-level classification in the Building Inspector series. Employees within this class perform a full range of duties as assigned including all types, sizes and complexities of commercial, industrial and residential construction with independence. Employees in this classification work primarily in the field, with some office duties under general supervision and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Building Inspector in that the latter class is the advanced journey level classification that performs the most technically complex building inspections and plan checks. Training, guidance and direction may be provided by the Senior Building Inspector. The Building Inspector II may provide limited guidance to other inspectors as needed.

The Building Inspector I/II is a flexibly staffed classification. Advancement from the Building Inspector I to Building Inspector II requires that the employee meet the qualification standards for the higher-level classification. This is achieved by gaining experience, obtaining the required certifications and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher-level class. Advancement from one level of a flexibly-staffed classification to the next level of a flexibly staffed class series will be enacted in conjunction with a performance evaluation which documents attainment of the requisite experience, knowledge, skills and abilities and will be subject to department need and approval by the Department Director.

Ideal Candidate

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• 
  Inspects commercial, industrial, and residential buildings at various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Inspects existing buildings for change in use, occupancy, or compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
• Confers with architects, contractors, builders and the general public in the field and office; explains and interprets requirements and restrictions.
• Coordinates inspection activities with other City departments, divisions and outside agencies as required to facilitate code compliance for typical inspections and investigations.
• Reviews building construction plans over-the-counter for compliance with various codes.
• Maintains logs and other records of work; checks plans and specifications for completeness and accuracy; issues permits and collects fees.
• Prepares reports of inspections; resolves disagreements concerning inspections and compliances; prepares comprehensive reports and gives testimony in court regarding violations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

In performing the duties described above, the incumbent is expected to:

• Provide outstanding and friendly customer service.
• Create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment.
• Communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible.
• Demonstrate care for the organization, customers, and coworkers.
• Perform work of the highest quality possible.
• Practice and encourage initiative and innovation to improve the workplace.

Qualifications and Requirements

Knowledge of:

• California building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, housing, energy, green and related codes.
• Federal and State laws and regulations applicable to construction.
• Principles, materials and methods used in building design and construction.
• Legal procedures involved in building inspection.
• Building construction techniques and methods.
• Building tools and materials.
• Accepted safety standards.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret blueprints and construction drawings.
• Follow, apply and explain construction-related codes, regulations and policies.
• Communicate building inspection requirements, policies and decisions to the public in a courteous and effective manner.
• Apply knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices.
• Make accurate mathematic computations.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to systems and procedures related to the building division.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City staff, public officials, construction professionals, outside agencies and the public.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to gain the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position would be:

Education:

Building Inspector I/II:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by courses in planning, construction management, architecture, engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

Building Inspector I:

One (1) full-time year of building inspection experience with a public agency inspecting all of the major trade fields (carpentry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing) is required.

OR

Four (4) years of responsible and relevant journey-level experience in either one of the major trade fields or in the performance of a wide variety of building trades work performed in conformance with the standard building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing codes.

An Associate’s degree in Building Construction/Inspection Technology may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Building Inspector II:

Three (3) years of building inspection experience with a public inspection agency inspecting all of the major trade fields (carpentry, mechanical, electrical and plumbing) is required.

OR

Six (6) full-time years of responsible and relevant journey-level experience in either one of the major trade fields or in the performance of a wide variety of building trades work performed in conformance with the standard building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing codes is required.

An Associate’s degree in Building Construction / Inspection Technology may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

Building Inspector I:

Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Residential Building Inspection Certificate is required within the first twelve (12) months of hire.

Building Inspector II:

Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Combination Residential Inspector Certificate. Certification from the ICC as a Commercial Building Inspector is required to be obtained within the first twelve (12) months of hire. Certifications shall be maintained as a condition of employment. Combination Commercial Certification, Plans Examiner or CASp Certification is desirable.

As a condition of employment, California Health & Safety Code Section 18949.28(a) requires that a Building Inspector must obtain certification in the appropriate fields that are closely related to their primary job function by a recognized state, national or international organization within one year of employment. Not obtaining the required certification or equivalent within one year of employment may result in termination of employment.

Both classifications must possess and maintain throughout employment a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The nature of the work requires the individual to climb ladders or scaffolding, ranging up to 60 feet, in order to access and walk on roof tops. A sense of balance sufficient to walk on 6/12 pitched roof tops. The job requires the ability to access and enter cramped quarters such as crawl spaces located under homes or spaces such as attic areas. Working within the crawl spaces may bring the Building Inspector into contact with reptiles, insects, and/or rodents. Color vision to identify materials, structures, wires, and pipes; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. While conducting an inspection, it may require the inspector to walk over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces, and to jump over trenches and other obstacles. Inspections occur year-round involving all weather types typical of the region. May include exposure to unsanitary conditions, odors, and hazardous chemicals. Must also possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and partially in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

CALPERS RETIREMENT: Per the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), effective 1/1/13, new-hire employees will be in the Misc. 2% at Age 62 retirement formula with a 3-year final compensation. Employees must contribute 50% of the normal cost rate to CalPERS, which is currently 6.25%.

Medicare Taxes are withheld, but the City does not participate in Social Security.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Employees may select from Kaiser, REMIF, or Sutter health plans. The City contributes a set credit amount based on coverage level.

DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE: City provides Delta Dental and VSP (vision) insurance at no premium cost to employee and eligible dependents.

HOLIDAYS: 12.5 paid holidays per year.

ANNUAL LEAVE PROGRAM: 12.67 hrs/month accrual for paid time off. Accrual schedule increases with service. The maximum Annual Leave cap is 500 hours.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: City-paid $50,000 life insurance policy and $1000 for dependents, Short-Term Disability Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Education and Tuition Reimbursement Program, Bilingual Pay, Dependent Care Assistance Program, Health Care Tax Free Dollar Account Program, Catastrophic Leave Program, and free use of the City's Sports Center and lap swim in the City's swimming pools. Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance, participate in deferred compensation program and join in a credit union. The City is a non-smoking workplace.

EMPLOYEE UNIT: This position is in the Rohnert Park Employees' Association Unit. Positions in this unit that are Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) receive 50 hours of Administrative Leave.