Combination Building Inspector

City of Hopewell•City of Hopewell, VA

About The Position

Performs building inspection duties to verify compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) for new residential and commercial construction and for existing buildings regulated by the VUSBC, including rental properties and property maintenance within the City of Hopewell. The position helps ensure the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants and the public by inspecting construction at strategic stages and assessing existing properties for basic safe and habitable living conditions. The inspector evaluates construction and property conditions, documents code violations with written reports that cite applicable code sections, and communicates with contractors, design professionals, owners, project superintendents, residents, and other parties. The role also administers the City’s Rental Inspection Program, responds to housing-related complaints, issues notices and letters, attends court for code violations, and may assist police during raids to examine structures for potential violations. Work involves outdoor conditions and exposure to noise, odors, heights, and dust. The inspector works as part of a team and must interact successfully with others in a similar professional role.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 3 years of experience in construction work, property maintenance, building inspection, plan review, or similar professional experience.
Obtain State of Virginia (DHCD) certification in one approved category within 18 months of hire.
Obtain State of Virginia (DHCH) certification in Property Maintenance within 18 months of hire.
Knowledge of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, including the International Residential Code, International Building Code, and International Property Maintenance Code.
Knowledge of city ordinances and rental inspection requirements.
Ability to provide excellent customer service and work successfully in a team atmosphere.
Attention to detail, organization, and time management.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with residents, property owners, real estate agents, landlords, and people with varying personalities.
Strong project management, problem-solving, leadership, negotiating, and consensus-building skills, including the ability to work directly with residents, landlords, and people in construction-related disciplines.
Ability to read and interpret building plans, site plans, blueprints, and drawings.
Ability to write a technical letter or report.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of practices involved in construction, installation, maintenance, and operation of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations, equipment, and appliances.
Knowledge of Landlord/Tenant regulations and Fair Housing Law.

Responsibilities

Enforce the VUSBC for new buildings through inspections at strategic points during construction.
Inspect property maintenance conditions as necessary to assess basic safe and habitable living conditions.
Inspect and evaluate construction work to identify building-code violations.
Prepare clear written inspection reports identifying specific violations and citing applicable code sections.
Meet with contractors, architects, engineers, building owners, project superintendents, and others in the construction industry to evaluate code compliance.
Administer and implement the City of Hopewell Rental Inspection Program, including initiating rental inspection walk-throughs, conducting inspections, analyzing compliance with applicable codes, and writing compliance or non-compliance letters.
Meet with property owners and conduct walk-throughs of residential structures to assess code violations.
Respond to citizen complaints concerning maintenance procedures, code enforcement, and interpretation of city ordinances related to housing.
Issue courtesy letters and notices of non-compliance.
Attend court for violations of the property maintenance code and city-related codes and ordinances.
Assist police during raids of illegal activities by examining structures for potential violations.