Senior Building Inspector

City of Grimes•Grimes Community Center, IA

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Building Official, the Senior Building Inspector assists with reviewing new and existing commercial and residential plans, specifications, and structural designs for compliance with City of Grimes-adopted building, fire, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, accessibility, housing, and zoning codes. The position consults with designers, engineers, architects, developers, builders, and the public on code interpretation, application, and construction methods and materials. It performs routine and complex construction inspections to ensure private and public improvements comply with applicable state and federal requirements and City codes, policies, standards, and regulations. The Senior Building Inspector performs related duties as required and, when assigned, assumes the Building Official’s duties in that official’s absence. The role reviews building plans and permit applications, supports inspection staff, conducts field inspections, investigates code complaints, and advises the public and construction professionals on permits, documentation, codes, and inspection procedures. It may issue permits and certificates of occupancy, enforce code requirements, perform zoning inspections and reviews, provide underground utility location assistance, collect and enter data, and manage assigned projects. The position requires a high school education and five years of experience in building trades or municipal infrastructure construction, a valid Iowa driver’s license, and specified International Code Council certifications or equivalent experience. Work involves travel among work sites and exposure to varied weather, site, and construction hazards. The physical requirements include walking over uneven terrain and performing activities such as standing, sitting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and pushing or pulling.

Requirements

High school graduate.
Five years of experience in building trades or municipal infrastructure construction.
Valid Iowa driver’s license.
Possession at hire of International Code Council Residential (E1) and Residential (B1) Inspector certifications, or substantial equivalent experience.
Possess or be able to obtain International Code Council Commercial (E2) Electrical and Commercial (B2) Building Inspector certifications within two years of hire.
Possess additional certifications as required.
Knowledge of construction materials and methods, construction processes, and stages when potential code violations can be observed and corrected.
Knowledge of budget development and administration.
Ability to communicate technical solutions effectively to non-technical people.
Ability to perform arithmetic, algebraic, and geometric calculations to review and analyze construction and basic engineering calculations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers, and the public.
Ability to interpret plans, specifications, blueprints, and contract documents.
Ability to operate a personal computer or related equipment and maintain clear and concise records and reports.
Sufficient mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, to access work sites throughout the City and outside the area.
Ability to traverse uneven terrain and perform the listed physical activities, including standing or sitting, walking, using hands and fingers, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, talking, hearing, seeing, pushing or pulling, reaching, and repetitive motion.

Nice To Haves

Strong preference for candidates who already hold the International Code Council Residential (E1) and Residential (B1) Inspector certifications or can clearly demonstrate the ability to obtain them within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

Review building plans and permit applications for code compliance.
Assist inspection staff in evaluating compliant installations in residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings.
Issue permits, prepare reports, and conduct inspections to assist with enforcement of the Grimes Code of Ordinance and applicable national or state codes.
Consult with citizens, designers, architects, engineers, contractors, and City staff about complex interpretation and application of adopted codes.
Answer public questions and provide guidance on City permits, adopted codes, required submittal documents, and inspection procedures, including verbal or written responses.
Investigate complaints regarding code violations.
Mediate construction code conflicts by seeking mutually amicable, code-compliant alternatives.
Conduct field inspections during construction, repair, remodeling, or erection of buildings to ensure compliance with applicable codes and issue appropriate permits.
Provide zoning inspection, review, and enforcement where necessary.
Provide underground utility location assistance.
Issue certificates of occupancy, collect and enter data, and manage assigned projects.
Assume the duties of the Building Official in that official’s absence when assigned.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.