Chief Building Inspector

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION:   

Responsible for the supervision and coordination of the inspections program to secure compliance with municipal codes and ordinances and is responsible for final approval of all plans and specifications.  The Chief Building Inspector  is the “Building Official” referred to in all codes adopted by the City; and performs related work as required.  May also perform the duties as the “Health Officer” for the City of Muskogee as it relates to codes and ordinances.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

  • Plans, organizes and supervises the work of subordinates including but not limited to electrical, mechanical, plumbing and building inspectors. 
  • Confers with builders, architects and engineers in reconciling plans with the municipal codes.
  • Interprets codes and City ordinances for subordinates and the general public.
  • Reviews residential building plans and provides final approval. 
  • Acts as liaison between the Inspections Division, Code Enforcement Division, Planning and Community Development Department and other departments in the City concerned with building and code issues.
  • Selects, orientates, trains, assigns, schedules, coaches, counsels and disciplines employees;  communicates job expectations; plans, monitors, appraises and reviews job contributions; enforces policies and procedures.
  • Supervises both office and field employees and supervisors to ensure adherence to quality standards, deadlines and proper procedures; corrects errors or problems.  
  • Evaluates, interprets and directs the enforcement of City ordinances such as building, nuisance and parking codes.
  • Will, on occasion, perform field inspections.
  • Coordinates purchasing processes for Division.
  • Participates in the development of budget.
  • Develops, upgrades and implements training program for new personnel.
  • Operates office equipment such as fax machines, copiers and phone systems and uses computer for spreadsheets, word processing, database management and other applications; learns to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.
  • Must report to work on a regular and timely basis.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Chief Building Inspector reports directly to the Director of Planning and Community Development. 

The Chief Building Inspector supervises all personnel in the Inspections Division.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:  High school diploma or equivalent, minimum of three (3) years of experience as a building inspector, contractor in the building construction trade, contractor in a management or supervisory position in the building construction trade or an equivalent combination of training, experience and certifications.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:   Considerable knowledge of all types of building construction materials and methods; considerable knowledge of structural engineering as applied to designs of reinforced concrete, steel, timber and other structures; considerable knowledge of the municipal building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and zoning codes relating to laws and ordinances.  Ability to plan, organize and direct work of subordinates engaged in inspectional and enforcement functions; ability to accurately interpret plans, specifications and blueprints of considerable complexity;  ability to express ideas concisely and accurately, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with municipal inspectors, employees, contractors and the ability to work effectively with the public.  

Physical Requirements:  The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  On a case by case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, arm and hand steadiness and finger dexterity will be needed enough to use a keyboard and telephone.  Occasional walking, standing, lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to ten (10) pounds; reaching, balancing, stooping, handling and climbing.   Vision, speech and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks.  Punctuality and reasonable attendance is essential.  Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.

Licenses and Certificates:  Possession of a valid Oklahoma Class D driver’s license is required.  Must obtain certification by the International Code Council as a Building Inspector (B5) within one (1) year from the date of employment. Possession of additional certificates in electrical, mechanical and plumbing are encouraged.

Preferred qualifications is an unlimited building inspector (Combination Inspector CI).

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:  Working environment is indoors in an office setting and outdoors in the field; requires some travel to various city locations to conduct field studies and travel to other locations to attend meetings and trainings; makes inspections and/or performs code violation investigations; and may be exposed to environmental hazards and weather/temperature extremes.

Notice:  This classification is a “safety sensitive” position as defined by the United States Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act and/or the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana laws.  As a “safety sensitive” classification, the employee will be subject to drug and alcohol testing including random testing.  Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening.  Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse the employee from the testing process or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana.