Building Inspector

Summary of Job

The Building Inspection Division is dedicated to public safety throughout the City through area development, promotion of codes/standards, administration, and in education/instruction for the facilitation of safe and secure homes and businesses. The Building Inspection Division, under the City Municipal Code, adopts all of the Department of Professional Services, State of Wisconsin, Building, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Codes. Through the adoption of these codes, the city ensures that all construction in the City is complaint with all codes and requirements of the State. The Building Inspection Division also works closely with Planning and Zoning, Engineering, Utilities, Streets, Police, Dept. of Public Works during all phases of construction.

Under general direction of the Lead Building Inspector and Director of Planning and Development, the Building Inspector performs inspectional and enforcement work requiring discretion and independent judgment in securing compliance with building, zoning, housing, and related codes.

This position will serve as primary inspector for the Northside of the City of Sheboygan. The Building Inspection department is located within City Hall. Operating hours are 7am-4:30pm Mondays-Thursdays, 7-11am Fridays.

Application Window: Open Until Filled

Responsibilities

• Enforces and interprets applicable laws and ordinances involving building, zoning, housing, and related codes.

• Examines plans and specifications for building construction and alterations, determines whether such plans satisfy the provisions of the building code, and approves or denies application for building permits.

• Inspects signs, storage tanks, and heating plants for compliance with applicable codes and other regulations.

• Reviews site plans and building plans based on State and local codes to insure safe and sanitary residential and non-residential development. Issues permits for new construction, additions, remodeling, demolition, etc. Calculates permits fees.

• Inspects all phases and components of new and existing residential and commercial structures for compliance with City, State, and Federal codes, including compliance with zoning and floodplain ordinances.

• Observes causes and extent of damage to buildings and structures. Inspects fire ruins. Issues warnings and orders and follow-up on all orders to comply, including court appearances. Inspects and issues condemnation order on dilapidated structures.

• Explains and interprets various code provision and building and zoning to contractors, other City departments, and the general public. Ensures that proper licenses and/or registrations have been secured and are correctly displayed. Prepares reports, keeps records, and attends meetings including providing staff to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

• Provides customer service at the permit counter for customers, explaining policies and procedures and responding to questions.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Four-year apprenticeship plus two years’ experience as a Journeyman Carpenter, or two years in an educational degree in Architecture or related field required.

• At least four years related experience, 2 years of which are related to field inspection required.

• Possession of inspector certifications from the Department of Safety and Professional Services for UDC-Construction (UCI). Applicant should have the ability to obtain UDC-HVAC Inspector (UHI), Commercial Building (CBI)and Commercial HVAC (IFM) within six (6) months of employment.

• Must have state certification for one- and two-family dwelling inspections and state certification for plan approval of public and commercial building and heating plans.

• Possession and maintenance of a valid driver’s license and auto insurance in accordance with state of Wisconsin law required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the construction and remodeling methods and materials.
• Considerable knowledge of pertinent State and local codes, especially those pertaining to decent, safe, and sanitary buildings.
• Good knowledge of zoning and business license regulations.
• Working knowledge of structural design, structural calculations, construction and heating practices, principles, and materials.
• Knowledge of condemnation requirements and procedures.
• Knowledge of electronic permitting process, and electronic plan review.
• Skill and ability to inspect a wide variety of buildings and structures for compliance with applicable codes and to locate and correct defects in buildings and structures.
• Ability to utilize a computer and MUNIS software.
• Ability to manage projects from plan review to final certificate of occupancy.
• Ability to communicate in a clear and understandable manner.
• Thorough knowledge of ordinances, laws, and regulations relative to building construction, maintenance, and housing codes.
• Thorough knowledge of materials, methods, and techniques used in building construction.
• Ability to recognize faulty construction or hazardous conditions created by deterioration.
• Ability to read and interpret building construction plans, blueprints, technical sketches, and specifications and to recognize deviations from such plans in the construction process.
• Ability to organize, conduct, and follow through on investigations.
• Ability to enforce regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
• Ability to prepare accurate records and present effective oral and written reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, contractors, officials, and the general public.
• Must meet any requirements pursuant to City ordinances and state laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of basic mathematical principles.
• Ability to act, make decisions, and justify action based on logic, good judgment, and rational thought.

Post Job Offer Requirements:
Job offers for this position are contingent on the individual passing a pre-employment background check.

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment:

Work is a mix of office and field work and involves inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. Must be able to lift, carry, or push items up to 20 lbs. Must be able to wear hard hat/helmet, safety glasses, safety shoes, and gloves. Exposure to extreme temperatures, electrical hazards, noise, height, and dust are common. Must have physical ability to enter into and inspect hazardous locations, climb stairs, reach above and below shoulders, walk, and bend. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office equipment, including but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier, fax machine, etc. On a frequent basis, must have the ability to travel throughout the City. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Sheboygan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.