Commercial Building Inspector

This position is responsible for inspecting commercial and (when needed) structures within the City of Waukesha to determine compliance with all applicable State and City building codes, zoning codes, regulations, ordinances and safety.

Hiring Range : $68,049 - $95,425

Schedule : Exact schedule TBD, 40 hours per week

Tentative Interview Dates : TBD

Tentative Start Date : December 2024

Explore the City of Waukesha benefit information at : City of Waukesha Benefit (Download PDF reader)

The City of Waukesha is an award winning, growing community located along the shores of the Fox River, 15 miles west of Milwaukee.

The City is the 7th largest in the state with a population of close to 72,000 people and was included in Money Magazine's 100 Best places to live in 2019.

In this position, the individual will be part of a team that is working to meet the needs of residents and businesses by providing services they rely on every day.

Our employees love the work they do and through their votes, the City has received the Top Workplace Award in 2020 and 2021.

To help support employees, the Department allows a flexible schedule and the City provides a comprehensive benefit package which includes health, dental, vision and life insurance.

In addition, eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System with both the City and the employee making contributions.

Employees are also eligible for deferred compensation programs, disability coverage benefits, and have access to an employee assistance program for free professional counseling resources.

It is not typical for someone to be hired at or near the top of the salary range. The specific compensation offered to a candidate is reviewed and based off a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, certifications, and internal equity.

Essential Job Functions The job functions listed herein are neither exclusive nor exhaustive, but are intended to be illustrative of the types of tasks the employee will most likely be expected to perform on a regular basis.

The employee may be asked to perform different or additional tasks than the ones listed here, as the needs of the employer and / or the requirements of the position change.

• Inspects new and existing commercial and residential (when needed) structures throughout the City for compliance with all applicable State and City building and zoning codes, safety, regulations and ordinances.
• Reviews plans and specifications for new construction and alterations to buildings for compliance with all applicable State and City building and zoning codes, regulations and ordinances.
• Performs occupancy inspections to determine compliance with applicable building, life safety codes and capacity requirements;

verifies capacity calculations proposed by applicants.

• Performs inspections on buildings that are structurally compromised, to be razed or have been damaged significantly by fire or other natural disaster for habitability assessment and determination of cost / value for repair.
• Sends correspondence and / or orders to contractors and property owners regarding the correction of conditions at a site and required permits for work being or to be performed.
• Answers questions and provides information regarding building code and ordinance requirements to contractors, architects, engineers, developers, homeowners and property owners.
• Assists other inspectors as necessary and as credential requirements allow.
• Maintains required credentials and knowledge about building codes and ordinances, including knowledge of any applicable changes and updates.
• Provides effective and efficient customer service and promotes and maintains responsive community relations.
• Manages active construction permits, including all communication and notes, in permitting software.

Requirements of Work

Two years of technical or specialized training in a construction related field OR an Associate's degree with courses in building construction, electrical, mechanical, or structural engineering, architecture, or related areas.

Five or more years of experience as a construction tradesperson, engineer, architect, or construction building inspector.

Preferred experience in the construction trades resulting in a journeyman classification in building trades, architectural field, engineering field, construction supervision or construction management;

or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience which provides the following knowledge, ability, and skills :

Knowledge of

• Modern construction methods and techniques.
• Applicable building codes, ordinances and statutes for residential and commercial property.
• Modern inspection methods and procedures.
• Occupational hazards and methods to avoid.

Ability to

• Maintain accurate records; prepare and process reports.
• Understand and carry out instructions.
• Read blueprints and constructions plans; perform basic mathematics.
• Recognize hazardous conditions and recommend proper corrective action.
• Understand and explain building code and ordinance requirements.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers and the general public.

Skill in

• Oral and written communications.
• Public relations.

Necessary Special Requirements

Required Certifications :

• Wisconsin Commercial Building Inspector
• UDC Construction Inspector
• UDC HVAC Inspector

Preferred Certifications :

• UDC Electrical Inspector
• UDC Plumbing Inspector.

Required :

Valid Wisconsin driver's license.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in the office and field; hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of equipment.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, prolonged visual concentration, and the ability to adjust focus.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is frequently required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must be in physical condition to climb ladders and stairs, traverse undeveloped and / or excavated construction sites, operate all required equipment, and visually observe properties to determine if violations exist.
• The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds.
• The position involves exposure to adverse weather and other unpleasant conditions, including heat, cold, wetness and humidity, dust, odors, noise, toxic agents, smoke and electrical currents.
• Personal danger includes but is not limited to inspections of unsafe structures and hazardous properties due to tall grass, noxious weeds, debris, trash, garbage and other man-made hazards.

The City of Waukesha is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is not typical for someone to be hired at or near the top of the salary range. The specific compensation offered to a candidate is reviewed and based off a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, certifications, and internal equity.

Internal City applicants : please review HR Policy F2 Salary Plan and Administration regarding promotions / transfers.