Description:
Under the supervision of the Township Building Official, performs building plan reviews and on-site inspections, working closely with contractors and building owners, determining compliance and enforcing relevant codes and ordinances. Prepares a variety of reports and assists residents with code-related questions.
Duties:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
- Interprets, administers and enforces building codes and ordinances in accordance with professional standards. Issues permits and certificates of occupancy.
- Conducts on-site inspections of structures under construction and existing buildings and/or additions to ensure conformity to state and local building codes. Examines materials and methods used, and assures compliance to all relevant codes, ordinances, rules, regulations, and standards.
- Reviews and inspects plans and specifications of new buildings or the remodeling of existing buildings for compliance to codes and ordinances. Approves permit applications for construction or remodeling when requirements are met.
- Seeks voluntary compliance where standards are not met, recommending corrections, issuing violation notices when necessary and performing re-inspections to determine actions taken to bring the structure into compliance with standards.
- Performs periodic building inspections and investigates complaints involving violations of minimum acceptable construction, health, safety and welfare standards. Prepares inspection reports and records, and performs re-inspections as necessary.
- Provides information and advice to owners, contractors, developers, engineers and architects regarding building code requirements and construction procedures and offers assistance with applying for permits.
- Notifies applicants of any deficiencies or discrepancies from code and provides follow-up inspections of unsafe structures or sites. If necessary issues "Stop Work Order" or suspends, cancels, or revokes permits.
- Maintains cooperative relationships with other departments, peer agencies, private contractors, property owners, architects and other parties to coordinate building, zoning and code enforcement functions.
- Maintains records of permits issued and denied, inspections, complaints and their investigations and prepares reports and correspondence.
- Keeps abreast of changes in laws, building products and techniques, professional developments, legal issues and other current events through continued education and professional growth. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.
- Performs related work as required.
Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. A qualified individual with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Requirements include the following:
- A high school diploma or equivalent, with additional vocational training in building trades, engineering techniques, construction technology or a related field.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in construction-related field as a plus, but not required.
- Two years' experience as a registered building inspector, or four years' experience in the construction trades, construction inspection, or related field.
- Registration with the State of Michigan as a Plan Reviewer and Building Inspector, or ability to get the required registration within six months of hire.
- A State of Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of state and local building codes, ordinances, and related laws.
- Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of plan review, site inspection, and code enforcement.
- Skill in interpreting, applying and enforcing related codes and ordinances.
- Skill in reviewing and interpreting site plans, building plans, complex construction drawings and specifications.
- Ability to perform site inspections and visual reviews of permit applications, as well as review plans and drawings.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgement, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with builders, architects, planners, property owners, the public, other professional contacts, and municipal officials.
- Ability to critically assess situations, solve problems, and work effectively within deadlines, and changes in work priorities.
- Ability to work efficiently with limited supervision.
- Ability to convey and understand information effectively and promptly through speaking, hearing, reading, and writing.
- Ability to gather and analyze data for the purpose of preparing accurate and timely reports, memoranda, letters, and responses to requests for information.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the 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 is regularly required to talk, hear and view construction sites or documentation. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items of light to moderate weights.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a business office setting and in the field. In the course of field activities, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and/or machinery. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and may become loud in field situations.
