ASST.BLDG.

City of West Haven • West Haven, CT

47d

About The Position

This is responsible code enforcement and inspection work involving the review of building plans for new buildings and the examination of buildings in the process or construction, renovation or repair to assure conformance with applicable State of Connecticut building codes, standards and construction specifications.

Work involves responsibility for the protection of the public against potentially dangerous conditions resulting from the use of faulty materials or poor workmanship during the construction, renovation or repair of new and existing building structures. Duties include reviewing building plans for new structures, issuing permits, conducting field inspections of new and renovated or repaired structures, investigating and resolving complaints of and building code violations. This position also has the responsibility for making difficult inspection decisions, especially as they relate to older structures which may be candidates for condemnation and demolition. This work requires that the employee have thorough knowledge, skill and ability in the inspection of building structures and in the interpretation of codes, ordinances and standards.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of the provisions of the State of Connecticut Building Codes pertaining to building construction.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials, and techniques of the building construction at the journey level.
• Considerable ability to diagnose defects and hazards in building structures.
• Considerable ability to enforce regulations with firmness and tact.
• Good ability to express oneself clearly, concisely, orally and in writing.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, associates, contractors, property owners and public.
• High school or vocational school graduate with emphasis on carpentry, heating, ventilation, electricity or plumbing, plus five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of building construction or design. Must meet the eligibility requirements and licensure requirements for Building or Assistant Building Official as prescribed by Connecticut State Statutes.
• Must have state of Connecticut Building or Assistant Building Official License, plus mandatory continuing education through seminars.
• Must have valid Connecticut driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Reviews building plans for new building construction for conformance with codes and regulations. Identified deficiencies to be corrected by engineers, architects, contractors and homeowners.
• Inspects buildings in the process of construction, renovation or repairs for compliance with building or zoning requirements. Directs correction of construction deficiencies in the field. Determines if complaints about the structural soundness of buildings are valid. Recommends evacuation or demolition accordingly.
• Reviews, researches and investigates complaints concerning alleged violations of building code and zoning regulations. Notifies responsible parties of effects and issues written or oral instructions for corrections. Conducts follow-up inspection to monitor compliance.
• Responds to telephone inquiries regarding building code or zoning regulations.
• Performs various front desk duties such as receiving construction application, issuing permits, taking complaints and answering questions related to building codes and zoning regulations.
• Collaborates with Health, Fire, Police and Housing Code Departments when their particular expertise is required during inspections.
• Fills in as required for the Plumbing, Electrical and Housing Inspectors in their absence.
• Keeps records and writes reports of inspections performed, actions taken and corrections recommended and secured.
• Acts as the Building Official in his or her absence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED