Job Details

Building Codes Inspector

Department: Building Inspections Reports to: Assistant Building Official

Summary: Will perform the work of an inspector for the Building Inspection Division to assure compliance with the codes and ordinances adopted by the City of Odessa as they pertain to the Building Inspection Division. The inspection work is of average difficulty to insure compliance with codes, ordinances and State Laws related to work performed in the building, electrical, plumbing, fuel gas, and mechanical and other related trades.

Must cross train in Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Fuel Gas, and Mechanical and other codes and city ordinances. Must obtain and maintain required licenses and certifications.

Essential Functions:Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Knowledgeable of all codes, city ordinances, state laws and the process and procedures for the issue of permits and enforcement of codes and related City ordinances and state law.
• Conducts independent on site field inspections in a timely manner for areas of code enforcement, city ordinances and state laws involving building, electrical, plumbing, fuel gas, and mechanical codes, related city ordinances and state law.
• Inspects construction, alterations or repairs with project plans and specifications to insure compliance with the codes and zoning and related City ordinances.
• Produces and files inspection documenting the results of each inspection and investigation reports in a timely fashion
• With computer generated and written documents, must document and maintain records of inspections and inspection division related enforcement actions daily in a timely fashion. Advises property owners, contractors and other interested parties on matters concerning all the codes. Must demonstrate the ability to use a keyboard to enter information and operate a computer to enter and process inspections and information.
• Performs investigations of violations of building, electrical, plumbing, fuel gas and mechanical codes and related City ordinances. Contacts responsible parties and advises of methods of compliance. Develop and process related materials and documentation for the issue of notices of violation and citations. Recommends prosecution of code violations and issues appropriate, authorized citations for related violations.
• Must participate, advises and assist in training activities with the inspectors and inspection staff. Must cross train in duties performed by the inspection division for each trade and office duties.
• Be knowledgeable in building codes and City ordinances applicable to the issuing permits and answering questions from home owners, contractors and other parties as required in the performance of assigned duties.
• Must maintain inspection related licensees and certifications as required.
• Upon employment as a City inspector, must furnish cell phone with cell phone number for use in the inspection process and in communicating with the City.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: •High school diploma or GED required. •2 years' experience in commercial and/or residential construction. •Must have considerable knowledge of one or more of the major construction trades in the construction and installation of building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical/ heating and air conditioning.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge is required in one or more of the construction trades for the construction of buildings, electrical wiring, plumbing, mechanical heating and air conditioning.
• General knowledge of all types of building trades, construction, materials and methods of construction is required.
• Must be able to correctly read and interpret plans, specifications, City codes and ordinances related to building construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical installations.
• Must be able to recognize, document, and resolve conditions that are not complaint with city codes and ordinances.
• Must be able to communicate effectively inspection results, code requirements, information and other Inspection Department business with the public and the City in writing and with verbal communication in person, with the telephone, with email, and other methods.
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to use computer systems to perform daily record keeping; in performing inspection tasks; and in developing letters and documentation for code enforcement.
• Must be able utilize a process of supervised and self-education processes and training to train and cross train in/and inspections and inspection procedures for Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Mechanical and other codes and ordinances adopted by the City.
• Must be able to communicate clearly the results from inspections in writing and with verbal communication to the City staff and other interested parties.
• Must recognize faulty and hazardous conditions created by deterioration or misapplication of regulations and respond with appropriate actions for corrections or solutions.

License and certification requirements: A valid Driver's License is required. Must be able to obtain and maintain inspector certifications and trade licenses as required for inspection assignments.

In addition to the items above, it is preferred the applicant for this position has extensive knowledge of the plumbing trade, plumbing and other related codes and related ordinances adopted by the City of Odessa, State of Texas plumbing licensing laws and related items. A State of Texas Master, Journeyman Plumbing License and able to pass the Plumbing Inspectors exam from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners within 6 months.