COMMERCIAL INSPECTOR - City of Columbia,SC : Job Details

Description

This position inspects commercial, residential and other structures within the City for compliance with building codes and related regulations, and performs related work as assigned. Explains, interprets and provides guidance regarding applicable codes and compliance requirements to contractors, engineers, architects, developers, property owners and others. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is considered light and involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, fumes and/or noxious odors, toxic / caustic chemicals, traffic, electrical shock, heights, disease/pathogens; and spends time working in an environment where errors can lead to significant physical or mental consequences for one's self and others.

Essential Job Functions

* Schedules and inspects residential, commercial and other structures to ensure structural safety and compliance with building codes;

* Inspects existing structures for compliance with life safety, mechanical, electrical and plumbing codes in order for business licenses to be issued;

* Inspects existing electrical installations to determine compliance with local and state codes and regulations; determines capacity, safety and durability; assists and advises electrical contractors and others in designing or relocating electrical installations in proposed new construction or existing buildings; responds to complaints regarding defective installations; coordinates work with City departments/divisions, engineers, architects and the general public;

* Inspects existing heating, air conditioning and other mechanical installations to determine compliance with local and state codes and regulations; advises mechanical contractors and others in designing or relocating mechanical installations in proposed new construction or existing buildings; responds to complaints regarding defective installations; coordinates work with City departments/divisions, engineers, architects and the general public;

* Inspects plumbing installation work in progress and at completion to determine compliance with local and state codes and regulations; responds to complaints regarding defective installations; coordinates work with public health sanitarians, City water and sewer engineering staff, and other engineers, architects and the general public;

* Reviews drawings and specifications for code compliance;

* Prepares inspection reports; prepares and issues notices of correction and stop work orders as necessary;

* Reports unsafe buildings because of structural weakness or potential fire hazard;

* Inspects fire-damaged buildings;

* Explains, interprets and provides guidance regarding applicable codes and compliance requirements to contractors, engineers, architects, developers, property owners and others;

* Follows up on each case to verify corrections have been made to comply with codes; issues uniform ordinance summonses and prepares cases for prosecution in the event of non-compliance; testifies in court as necessary;

* Participates in community services team efforts;

* Maintains a variety of logs and records related to inspection and enforcement activities;

* Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment;

* Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility;

* Meets with the public and staff to coordinate essential tasks, related expected requirements and discuss relevant issues;

* Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, attending meetings, etc.;

* Provides training of other inspectors as assigned;

* Attends training, conferences, meetings, etc., to enhance job knowledge and skills and maintain certifications; and

* Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

* High school diploma or GED;

* Five (5) years of relevant prior experience;

* Valid South Carolina Class D Driver's License;

* Must possess and maintain or be able to obtain within one (1) year from date of hire or promotion the Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector, Residential Building Inspector, and Commercial Building Inspector Certifications as administered by the ICC (International Codes Council). Must possess International Codes Council (ICC) registration and other certifications as required by the ICC.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;

* Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office 2000 preferred, utilizing the e-mail, word processing and spreadsheet software programs;

* Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;

* Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;

* Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;

* Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;

* Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;

* Ability to perform specialized technical or entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure; and

* Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:

01

Do you have a High School diploma or GED?

* Yes

* No

02

Do you have at least five (5) years of work experience relevant to this position?

* Yes

* No

03

Do you have a valid Driver's License?

* Yes

* No

04

Do you possess or be able to obtain within one (1) year from date of hire or promotion the Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector, Residential Building Inspector, and Commercial Building Inspector Certifications as administered by the ICC (International Codes Council). Will you be able to obtain International Codes Council (ICC) registration and other certifications as required by the ICC?

* Yes

* No

Required Question

Agency City of Columbia

Address

Columbia, South Carolina, 29217-0147

Phone 803-###-####

Website