YAKIMA COUNTY, WASHINGTON

YAKIMA COUNTY, WASHINGTON CLASS SPECIFICATION CLASS TITLE: Building Inspector
BAND: B B		GRADE: 2 3	SUBGRADE: 4 1	CLASS CODE: 6224
DEPARTMENT: Permit Services		ACCOUNTABLE TO: Varies		OVERTIME STATUS: Non-Exempt
JOB SUMMARY: Incumbents are responsible for conducting on-site field inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, educational and agricultural construction to verify that construction methods and materials conform to plans, codes and ordinances; and for explaining code applicability to the public.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Building Inspector classification is the second level of a three-level building inspection classification series. The Building Inspector classification is distinguished from the Permit Technician classification and from the Plans Examiner classification by the on-site construction inspection and review.
DUTY NO.	ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)				BAND/ GRADE
1.	Conducts field inspections and follow-up inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, educational and agricultural construction; and determines if construction materials and methods are in compliance with approved plans, building standards and codes.				B2
2.	Investigates zoning complaints by verifying that site conditions or usages comply with County zoning and public nuisance ordinances; and determines if proper permits have been obtained.				B2
3.	Issues notices of code violations and stop work orders; determines if corrections are required; and ensures imposed conditions are in compliance.				B2
4.	Records inspections conducted and corrections notices issues; prepares correspondence, documents and detailed reports of inspections and investigations; and enters data into the computer.				A1
5.	Determines construction codes and advises property owners about alternative methods of construction in order to satisfy the codes.				B2
6.	Reviews construction plans and details on residential and commercial structures; determines code compliance; and identifies critical details for field investigations.				B2
7.	Notifies property owners of deficiencies and fire safety hazards; issues final notices of non-compliance; sets forth time limitations; and writes follow-up letters. Prepares and issues citations and implements warrants.				B2
8.	Recommends abatements or condemnations where public health, safety and welfare may be in jeopardy; cleans and secures nuisance properties, recommends contractors, scrap processors and tow companies and directs them on abatement and clean up procedures.				B2
9.	Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: (position requirements at entry):

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, methods and techniques of inspection and implementation of codes, ordinances and regulations;

Applicable local, state and federal building, plumbing, energy, mechanical, and/or fire codes, ordinances, laws and regulations;

Construction terminology and practices and basic building design and construction methods;

Basic mathematical calculations;

Legal processes involved in the enforcement of applicable codes and ordinances; and

Customer service techniques.

Skills (position requirements at entry):

Skill in:

Using personal computers and related software applications, measuring devises such as tapes, levels and transits; and operating basic office equipment;

Locating and diagnosing existing and potentially hazardous conditions;

Reading and interpreting blue prints, maps, plats and charts;

Preparing and presenting oral and written reports and writing correspondence;

Maintaining records and bookkeeping;

Interpreting codes and ordinances;

Making and communicating recommendations for improvements and compliance;

Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships with County and other officials, at all organizational levels and with the public; and

Communications, oral and written, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Training and Experience (position requirements at entry):

High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) plus three years of construction experience as a contractor or in a journey level trade; or two years as a Permit Technician; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Licensing Requirements (position requirements at entry):

Valid State of Washington Driver’s License.

ICBO certification as a Building Inspector required within one year of appointment.

Physical Requirements:

Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, mobility, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Subject to travel, exposure to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, inclement weather, and/or potentially hostile individuals.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Classification History:

Draft prepared by Fox Lawson & Associates LLC

Date: 5/98 Approved: 1/1/99

Knowledge of: (position requirements at entry): Knowledge of: Principles, practices, methods and techniques of inspection and implementation of codes, ordinances and regulations; Applicable local, state and federal building, plumbing, energy, mechanical, and/or fire codes, ordinances, laws and regulations; Construction terminology and practices and basic building design and construction methods; Basic mathematical calculations; Legal processes involved in the enforcement of applicable codes and ordinances; and Customer service techniques.
Skills (position requirements at entry): Skill in: Using personal computers and related software applications, measuring devises such as tapes, levels and transits; and operating basic office equipment; Locating and diagnosing existing and potentially hazardous conditions; Reading and interpreting blue prints, maps, plats and charts; Preparing and presenting oral and written reports and writing correspondence; Maintaining records and bookkeeping; Interpreting codes and ordinances; Making and communicating recommendations for improvements and compliance; Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships with County and other officials, at all organizational levels and with the public; and Communications, oral and written, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
Training and Experience (position requirements at entry): High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) plus three years of construction experience as a contractor or in a journey level trade; or two years as a Permit Technician; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Licensing Requirements (position requirements at entry): Valid State of Washington Driver’s License. ICBO certification as a Building Inspector required within one year of appointment.
Physical Requirements: Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, mobility, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Subject to travel, exposure to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, inclement weather, and/or potentially hostile individuals. Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Classification History: Draft prepared by Fox Lawson & Associates LLC Date: 5/98 Approved: 1/1/99