Building Inspector

Description

Position Purpose/Summary

Responsible for inspecting new and old buildings for structural safety and for enforcing conformity with municipal ordinances, state laws, and accepted practices relating to the construction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, occupancy, zoning and use of buildings. Although new and unusual problems may be referred to a superior for advice and assistance, work is ordinarily performed independently in the field and decisions made require considerable technical discretion and judgment. Work is reviewed through oral and written reports. No supervision is exercised over other employees.

Essential Functions

Examines and passes upon plans and specifications in connection with applications for permits for the erection, alteration, repair, removal and demolition of buildings for conformity with legal requirements.

Advises builders, owners, architects, engineers, and lawyers on construction problems, and interprets codes, laws and regulations.
Inspects buildings in the process of construction, alteration, or repair for compliance with building and zoning regulations as to location, soil, foundations, framing or superstructures, readiness-to-lath, quality of materials and workmanship and conformity of the entire structure with approval plans.

Periodically inspects old and potentially dangerous structures, which may be subject to condemnation, especially for fire and other hazards.
Inspects places of assembly and public buildings for structural condition, use, occupancy, fire protection and alarms, regular and emergency lighting, and adequacy and freedom from obstructions and hazards of exits, passageways, and fire escapes.

Investigates complaints and obtains evidence as to building and zoning violations, or other dangerous or unsanitary conditions.
Issues verbal or written orders for the correction of deviations from codes, including hazards and defects in material or workmanship. Follows up to ensure compliance.

Obtains how-cause orders when necessary from Clerk of Courts, and appears in court to enforce compliance and to testify in accident or damage suits.

Prepares reports to superiors covering inspections made, conditions found, action taken, and recommendations for future action or issuance of occupancy permits.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of municipal buildings and zoning ordinances and state laws related to building construction and maintenance.
Thorough knowledge of the materials, methods and techniques used in building construction.
Ability to recognize faulty construction or hazardous conditions created by deterioration.
Ability to read and interpret rough and finish building construction plans and specifications and to recognize deviations from such plans in the construction process.
Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with builders, architects, property owners, representatives of state, municipal departments, and the general public.

Education/Experience

Associate’s degree supplemented by courses in civil engineering, architecture building construction or design.
Minimum of four years of experience at the journeyman or supervisory level in the building construction industry.
All candidates for Building Inspector shall meet or exceed the qualifications outlined in the prior paragraphs in keeping with MGL c 143 3 and the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR 110.R7).
All candidates must be certified within 12 months of initial employment. In order to receive certification in Massachusetts in the capacity of Local Inspector, qualified individuals must attain passing scores in all examinations required for either NCPCCI’s Certified Building Inspector or NCPCCI’s Certified Building Plans Examiner category or ICC Exams required for this level of certification.