Construction/Plans Inspector

Job Summary and Essential Functions

This position typically provides construction inspection and / or construction plans review and support to other staff members and the general public by applying basic procedures of County land use ordinances;

reviews construction drawings for compliance with adopted building codes; and deals courteously and effectively with fellow employees and citizens.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

• Inspects buildings during construction to ensure compliance with the building code, other applicable requirements, approved plans and specifications.
• Performs building plans review.
• Reviews residential building permit site and plot plan submittals for conformance with Planning and Zoning ordinances.
• Investigates complaints and makes inspections of existing buildings to determine if hazardous or illegal conditions exist relating to structures and their use.
• Examines proposed construction plans for compliance with the Building Codes and related regulations.
• Interprets and explains codes and regulations to builders, contractors, homeowners and other interested parties.
• Confers with contractors, engineers and property owners regarding disapproved items in order to obtain plan changes necessary for approval.
• Works with the flood plain manager to ensure compliance for elevation and all construction requirements for structures located in flood zones.
• Provides hazard mitigation information to the public.
• Processes variance / waiver applications and attend Construction Board of Appeals meetings as required.
• Performs field inspections as required for new construction, renovations, or proposed new construction.
• Prepares correspondence, reports of inspections or investigations and recommendations for action.
• Approves basic ministerial permits involving residential construction while working closely with the Planning and Zoning department.
• Prepares written reports.
• Issues notices to correct code violations and stop-work notices.
• Testifies in court regarding violations, as necessary.
• Assists and advises the general public in matters relating to construction and code requirements.
• Attends meetings and seminars to obtain information for use in training programs or to inform management of training program status.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements to Perform Work

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for South Carolina with safe driving record.

Inspector 1 (114) :

• Two (2) years of related experience in structural installation of residential or commercial construction
• Must obtain International Code Council certification for a Commercial Building Inspector within six (6) months of employment and the second within the next six months, and all four commercial trades within eighteen months.

Fire code certification may be used in lieu of one trade certification.

• Must be registered with the South Carolina Building Codes Council as a Limited Residential or Commercial Combination Inspector within one (1) year of employment and then registered as a fully qualified Residential or Commercial Combination Inspector within eighteen (18) months of employment.
• Employee will be asked to resign or will be separated from employment if required certifications are not maintained;

Inspector 2 (116) :

• Three (3) years of related experience in structural installation of residential or commercial construction;
• Must have and maintain International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Residential and Commercial Combination Inspector;
• ICC Fire certification may be used in lieu of one commercial certification; Employee will be asked to resign or will be separated from employment if required certifications are not maintained;

Inspector 3 (118) :

• Five (5) years of related experience in structural installation of residential or commercial construction with a minimum of two (2) years field experience;
• Must have and maintain International Code Council (ICC) certifications as follows : ICC Building Code Official; ICC Electrical Code Official;
• ICC Mechanical Code Official; ICC Plumbing Code Official and ICC Fire Inspector certification; Employee will be asked to resign or will be separated from employment if required certifications are not maintained;

Special Requirements :

• Departmental testing may be administered during interview;
• A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not on file.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Knowledge of the Berkeley County area preferred.
• Knowledge of Standard Building Codes and International Building Codes.
• Knowledge of the materials and methods of building construction as utilized in actual practice.
• Skill in using personal computers including Word and Excel.
• Skill in using ArcView, PTWIN and AS400 preferred.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to use highly technical computer applications.

Physical Demands

This position requires the employee to sit and use hands to handle or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms;

climb; use mental acuity; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to forty (40) pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.