Chief Building Inspector

Job Summary The purpose of this position is to review building plans and inspect construction sites and structures to ensure compliance with all codes required by law and regulation and established Town construction practices and procedures for the Town of Bluffton (Town). This position is also responsible for the training and coordinating of work for assigned field building inspectors and for the establishing and maintaining of effective working relationships. Essential Job Functions Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with supervisor, other Town management and personnel, area businesses, homeowners, contractors, architects, engineers, developers, other related professionals, and the general public. Reviews building plans. Researches alternative materials and alternative installations. Completes related administrative work. Coordinates inspections of construction sites and structures for all inspectors to ensure compliance with all codes as required by law and regulation and established Town construction practices and procedures. Conducts inspections of construction sites and structures for compliance with all building, plumbing, electrical, gas, energy, and mechanical codes as adopted by the Town including other Town ordinances regarding setbacks and buffers; notes specific violations; ensures construction is in accordance with approved plans including completing job site reports of addressing any specific violations; and documents inspection history in computerized tracking program. Interprets codes and regulations; explains permit and compliance conditions. Documents and maintains complete and accurate records of all inspections and any regulatory actions taken; prepares written reports and correspondence; and issues notices to correct code violations. Confers with and provides information regarding code requirements to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, the public, and other interested parties. Addresses any complaints or problems from concerned parties; takes appropriate measures to ensure an expedient resolution in a timely and courteous manner. Investigates complaints regarding unauthorized or non-compliant construction; issues “stop work orders” as necessary. Monitors and enforces the Town’s addressing ordinance. Provides inter-department and intra-departmental cross-training instruction and guidance in inspector’s field of specialization; conducts interdepartmental cross-training; manages on site team inspections; tutors other inspectors in preparation for certification exams; and provides information and advice to other Town staff. Participates in post disaster recovery plan, including conducting on-site inspection of properties following declared disasters; assesses structures for damage; and determines safety and habitability of all structures. Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems; provides suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems. Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas. Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner. Issues notice of violations, stop work orders, and citations; represents Town in Court; and testifies regarding code violations. Issues notice of violations and citations for business license related to construction; represents Town in Court; and testifies regarding code violations. Monitors and reports field problems with IG Inspector to Customer Service Manager. Communicates and coordinates regularly with others as needed to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of inter-departmental operations and activities. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience: Associate’s degree construction or a related field; and six (6) years of related work experience in field of specialization as either a foreman or manager and have at least one (1) year of experience as a Senior Inspector/Inspector II; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Licenses or Certifications: Valid South Carolina driver’s license. Hold certifications in: Senior Inspector II; International Code Council (ICC) Certification (preferably as a Commercial Combination Inspector or Residential Combination Inspector). Desire Certification/Training in: 2018 IRC-Plumbing, mechanical, electrical, Residential; 2018 IBC, IMC, IPC, NEC, ADA ANSI a117.1, Commercial. Special Requirements: None. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local codes related to required work. Knowledge of construction industry practices, methods, operations, and materials. Knowledge of investigation techniques and methods of inspection related to the construction trades. Knowledge of Department policies and procedures. Knowledge of federal, state, and local codes and ordinances applicable to specialized area(s) of assignment. Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with building officials, other Town management and personnel, area businesses, homeowners, contractors, architects, engineers, developers, other related professionals, and the general public. Skill in preparing and delivering presentations and report findings. Skill in using computers and standard and customized software applications. Skill in applying ingenuity and inventiveness in performing job duties. Ability to enforce regulations in a fair and impartial manner. Ability to interpret, analyze, and make recommendations on construction plans, construction codes, ordinances, and blueprints. Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Ability to analyze maps, codes, and legal descriptions. Ability to make appropriate judgments on compliance or non-compliance issues Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions. Ability to meet deadlines. Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate the work of others. Physical Demands & Work Environment The work is medium work. The employee is frequently required to apply 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The employee is occasionally required to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. In addition, positions in this classification typically require balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, manual dexterity, mental acuity, pulling, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, visual acuity to analyze data/work with color or depth perception/determine accuracy or observe facilities/operate motor vehicles or equipment/inspect defects or fabricate parts, and walking. Duties are generally performed in a moderately noisy location (e.g., construction sites; office location with copy machines, computers, printers, telephones, and other related equipment along with some light foot traffic). Work involves exposure to a variety of weather conditions and terrains for extended period of time. The Town of Bluffton has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.