Building Inspector - Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department

Full Job Description

The Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) mission is to provide for the safety, health, and welfare of the general public as it pertains to buildings and their environs in an efficient, cost-effective, user-friendly, and professional manner.

BSEED enforces construction, property maintenance, environmental compliance, and zoning codes, which preserve and enhance property values and promote quality of life to make Detroit a preferred place to reside and conduct business.

Under general supervision, inspects new and existing buildings, structures, and signs to ensure compliance with regulatory codes and city ordinances, approved plans, specifications, and accepted standards and methods of work; examines plans for compliance with regulatory codes, laws, and ordinances for the approval of applications for permits.

Requirements

1. Inspects the use of land and all types and sizes of buildings including residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings, and signs and structures for conformance with the building codes.
2. Inspects the construction of new buildings, signs and structures with regard to materials, dimensions and work methods used and against approved plans and specifications and codes.
3. Inspects completed new buildings, signs and structures for conformance to code provisions.
4. Investigates complaints of unsafe or unlawful conditions of buildings and signs.
5. Performs routine inspections of existing signs and buildings such as multiple dwellings and places of public assembly to determine whether such buildings and structures conform to applicable codes and ordinances.
6. Investigates building alterations or repairs to determine whether a building permit is required or has been obtained.
7. Inspects buildings damaged by fire, estimates the amount of damage and determines whether such buildings may be repaired or should be razed.
8. Investigates complaints of violations of codes, prepares notices of violation and performs re-inspections of premises or equipment to determine corrections of code violations.
9. Compiles information and prepares code violation cases for court and appears and testifies regarding code violations in court cases.
10. Examines plans prior to the issuance of permits to assess conformance with the “state housing law” portion of the building code and zoning ordinance and recommends changes to plans, as required.
11. Approves applications for permits.
12. Prepares daily activities reports.

Qualifications

High School Graduation or GED.

Four years of recent journey worker-level experience in the construction of buildings and related structures.Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:Employees certified or promoted to this class must acquire and maintain registration as an inspector and plan reviewer with the State of Michigan, as required under the provisions of Public Act #407.

Progress toward obtaining certification will be evaluated at the end of the initial six-month probation period with a conditional six-month extension possible, after which, failure to comply will result in termination of employment in this class.Employees in this class will be required to provide and operator a motor vehicle on a reimbursed mileage basis, a valid State of Michigan Operator license is required.EQUIVALENCYEquivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Additional Information Evaluation PlanComputerized Exam: 35%

Interview: 35%

Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%

Total Computerized Exam, Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of materials, operations, construction, and trade practices related to building construction.
• Knowledge of elementary structural engineering principles governing the construction of buildings.
• Skill in observation.
• Skill in reading and interpreting plans and specifications.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with tact and diplomacy.
• Skill in physical and mechanical dexterity.
• Ability to display initiative and resourcefulness in performance of duties including handling inspection problems.
• Ability to detect potential hazards.
• Ability to climb ladders and enter manholes, narrow openings and crawl spaces and to move along narrow, exposed platforms and beams.
• Ability to work in high and/or confines spaces.
• Ability to willfully work in hot, dusty areas.
• Ability to withstand noxious odors.
• Ability to interact effectively with the public, peers and other departmental personnel.
• Ability to willfully acquire additional knowledge and education to remain current in the field.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.


DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Fieldwork includes exposure to outside elements and seasonal weather conditions and indoor exposure to residential, commercial or industrial property in various conditions and stages of repair or construction.
• Customer contacts require a neat and clean appearance