Description

DEFINITION OF THE POSITION:

Under general supervision, the Combination Building Inspector performs routine to complex combination inspections at various stages of construction, alterations, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial building sites to enforce building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and environmental codes, and other governing laws and ordinances, including basic zoning, grading, fire, and safety regulations; ensures conformance with approved plans, specifications, standards, permits, licensing, and safety standards; provides a variety of information to property owners, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors; and performs related work as required.

Examples of Duties:
Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs field inspections of new and existing commercial, industrial, and residential properties at various stages of construction, alterations, and repair for conformance to codes, regulations, plans, specifications, standards, and architect and engineering drawings related to foundations, framing, electrical, mechanical, heating, plumbing, structure, finish, and a wide variety of other routine to complex building system elements; inspects a variety of structural member factors; examines grade, quality, and treatment of a variety of materials; performs final inspections.
• Confers with legal, fire, public works, and other City staff regarding building, fire, life safety, zoning, and other code interpretations and applications.
• Performs non-structural plan checking for completeness, accuracy, and code compliance for new construction, alterations, or remodeling of existing structures; ensures compliance with applicable codes and accepted engineering practices.
• Reviews energy calculations to ensure compliance with State codes.
• Performs grading inspections with an emphasis on drainable systems, compaction, sub-drainage, and environmental protection.
• Initiates minor field changes on contract projects not involving structural or architectural features.
• Writes "stop work" notices for work being done without permits or in an unsafe manner.
• Reviews plans and applications for building permits; issues building permits; makes final inspections and issues certificates of occupancy.
• Investigates complaints regarding existing buildings or new construction to determine if code violations or problem conditions exist.
• Reviews damaged buildings for safe occupancy after fires or other disasters and occurrences.
• Consults with the Building Inspection Supervisor, Chief Building Official, and City legal staff regarding legal aspects of building inspection and other matters; attends code interpretation meetings.
• Confers with and provides information to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, contractors, and others regarding code requirements and alternatives; attends pre-construction meetings; resolves complaints and problems.
• Conducts follow-up inspections to ensure compliance; establishes and maintains accurate and complete case files; prepares documents and evidence for court proceedings and testifies in hearings and court proceedings, as necessary.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of correspondence, reports, correction notices, and other written materials.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, or equivalent is required.
• College-level coursework or technical training in construction technology, building inspection, or a related field is required. 
• Three (3) years of responsible experience inspecting residential, commercial, or industrial buildings, OR, two (2) years of experience as a Building Inspector at the City of Orange is required. 

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid California Class C driver's license with a satisfactory driving record and automobile insurance is required. 
• Certification as a Residential or Commercial Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, or Electrical Inspector by the International Conference of Building Officials or the International Code Council is required.