Inspector I

City of Gainesville•Gainesville, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is skilled field and office work securing compliance with the Florida Building Code (FBC), the Florida Fire Prevention Code, and associated City ordinances. Per the Florida Statute (FS), Chapter 468, it is the responsibility of the building code inspector to conduct inspections of construction, alteration, repair, remodeling or demolition of structures and the installation of building systems, when permitting is required to ensure compliance with the FBC. The building code inspector’s responsibilities must be performed under the supervision and authority of the Building Inspector without interference from any unlicensed person. Pursuant to Section 633.216, FS, a certified Fire Inspector shall perform in-service Fire Safety Inspections to ensure compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code. Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under limited supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classifications by its emphasis on compliance inspecting, specialized knowledge of construction, Florida Building Codes, and Florida Fire Prevention Codes; and enforcement of these code requirements with contractors and owners, as well as, the exercise of individual discretion in the interpretation and enforcement of the code(s). The Inspector II classification is the second in a series of four Inspector classifications. The Inspector II must be certified as a Fire Inspector within two years of start date; and must possess a Standard Inspector license within two of the following four categories: Building, Electrical, Mechanical or Plumbing. Inspectors may be assigned to conduct inspections in all areas for which he/she is licensed without respect to the assigned job classification level of Inspector I through IV.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma
Five (5) years of trades related work experience in construction.
Valid driver license required upon start date.
Valid Florida driver license required within thirty (30) days of start date and at all times while employed in this position.
Current Florida Standard Inspector License in two of the following four categories: Building, Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing.
Ability to read, understand and interpret the Florida Building Code in their respective inspection categories and the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
Ability to identify construction that does not comply with the applicable Florida Building Code/Florida Fire Prevention Code or plans and specifications.
Ability to communicate effectively with building owners, contractors, coworkers and the general public and to effect and maintain positive working relationships on inspection and regulatory matters.
Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications accurately and to compare them with the actual site construction/installation in process.
Ability to make independent decisions in the field on interpretation and enforcement of the Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code.
Familiarity and competence in the operation of personal computers, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office, and internet-based reporting systems.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Work will require physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions including standing, kneeling, and stooping.
While performing on-site inspections, work may require the physical strength and agility to climb ladders and scaffolding as well as walk on the rough terrain of construction sites.
Work will require working at heights of over six (6) feet on open grating, scaffolding, and temporary platforms or from aerial devices requires, including the ability to climb and descend stairs and ladders.
Must communicate orally, see physical surroundings, listen, hear others, respond to oral commands, and demonstrate good communication skills.
Work requires normal color vision to distinguish the suitability of materials in the field for intended use.
Work requires continuous situational awareness while on construction sites.
Work may require exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.
Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.
Work may require exposure to prolonged high noise levels.
Work will require the use of personal protection equipment.
Must follow the safety rules and clothing requirements of each jobsite.

Nice To Haves

Desirable to also be a State of Florida Standard Inspector for One and Two Family Dwelling.
Certification as a Municipal Fire Inspector from the Florida State Fire College required within two (2) years of start date.

Responsibilities

Conducts on-site inspections for compliance with the FBC, Florida Fire Prevention Code, and associated City ordinances to ensure public health and safety.
Checks compliance with approved plans and specifications.
Explains, interprets and provides authoritative guidance regarding the FBC and Florida Fire Prevention Code within area(s) of responsibility to all the department’s clients including, but not limited to, architects, engineers, contractors, developers and property owners.
Determines if completed field corrections are code compliant.
Records inspection results and all related notes and information into the public record in a timely manner.
Prepares reports and maintains records of work performed for use by administrative and judicial authorities.
Issues correction notices and stop work orders.
Attends regularly scheduled continuing education programs required to maintain State certification requirements and keep current with technological changes and code changes.
Investigates complaints of code compliance, permitting and construction license violations.
Confers with a Chief Inspector or Building Official on difficult enforcement problems or specific code interpretation.
Assists in resolving complex and sensitive customer service issues directly with the department’s clients.
Confers with plan examiners on discrepancies between approved plans and actual field conditions and the structure of required inspections for complex projects.
Assures that contractors are licensed and bonded and have secured the proper permits.
Provides emergency inspection services during catastrophes to ensure public health and safety.
Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
May assist plans examiners with initial plan review.
Performs other related duties as assigned.