Building Inspector

Summary Description

Under the general direction of the Building Official, provides inspections and enforcement of all building, housing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy and reference standards adopted by the City for industrial, commercial and residential construction.  May provide plan reviews for the above codes, addresses questions and concerns from architects, general contractors, sub-contractors and homeowners concerning code issues.  May represent the City during pre-construction, project update, and pre-final meetings with construction supervisors, design professionals, and project owners.   Advises the public on code compliant solutions to problems found in the field, and seeks compliance with the intent and purpose of model codes and standards.

The City of Urbandale offers a comprehensive salary and benefit package.
Full-time non-union benefits for this position include:

• Individual health insurance for only $69.14 per month; or family health insurance for only $212.18 per month 
• Dental, vision, and flexible spending account options 
• 15 paid vacation days per year 
• 12 paid sick days per year 
• 4 weeks of paid paternal leave
• City-paid Long Term Disability coverage
• IPERS retirement plan
• 457(b) retirement plan with 2% city match
• 10 paid holidays + 3 additional personal holidays
• City-paid Life Insurance policy plus additional voluntary life insurance options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Onsite Wellness Center
• See link for the new condensed FY24-25 Non-Union Wage Schedule

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities

Any of the following may be performed or assigned: 
 

• Provides residential plan review for building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and/or fire codes.
• Performs field inspections and provides code requirement interpretations relating to building (structural, framing, footings, etc.), plumbing (sanitary, storm sewer, utility etc.), electrical, and mechanical (HVAC, venting, gas line, etc.) for commercial and/or residential construction to ensure compliance with adopted building codes and ordinances.  This includes new construction, remodeling, additions, rehabs, rental properties and/or other structures (fences, garages, storage sheds, etc.).
• Ensures that Special Inspection reports are submitted as required.
• Assists, consults and informs architects, engineers, contractors, builders and homeowners providing code related interpretations and education.  
• Enforces site plan requirements to ensure the construction complies with the zoning and engineering requirements regarding location and size, consults and coordinates with the Planning Division and\or Engineering\Public Works Department. 
• Provides updates to the Building Official and inspection team regarding critical or controversial determinations made during on-site inspections or plan review, which may require further review or an official administrative policy to maintain consistency.
• May administer and enforce nuisance ordinances including responding to complaints.
• May administer and enforce the Rental Housing Code by arranging/conducting inspections, keeping accurate records, billing owners/landlords and conducting re-inspections.
• Maintains accurate records of all inspections and correspondence including, but not limited to, construction permits, property activity, code violations, and contractor licensing and schedules appointments as required.
• Ensures the collection of fees.
• Assures that all work performed meets the City’s standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, and efficiency.
• Assures that the City’s mission, goals and objectives are fully supported and initiated.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• May serve as a member of the Safety Committee
• May be required to attend and report at Board meetings as assigned by the Building Official
• May observe storm and sanitary sewer structures and existing sidewalks located in construction areas to determine possible damage caused by construction activities.
• Compiles various reports as required.
• Attends trainings, meetings, and various seminars relating to necessary certifications, as needed.

Typical Qualifications

Must be able to pass a pre-employment offer: professional reference checks, Level 3 physical/drug screen, motor vehicle report and background check. Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge is qualifying.  Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
 

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus 2 years of additional schooling in construction management or technology, engineering, architecture or related field or 3 years of inspection, plan review or applicable construction experience.

• Valid Iowa Driver’s license
• Certified Residential and Commercial Electrical Inspector by the International Code Council (ICC) within 12 months of employment. (ICC #E1 & #E2)
• Certified Residential and Commercial Building Inspector by the (ICC) within eighteen months of employment (ICC # B1 & #B2)
• Other certifications as required for area of expertise within 18 months of employment.

Supplemental Information

The Civil Service testing process for this job posting will consist of a written exam and an oral board interview.

Tentative Timeline:
Written Exam:  May 23, 2024 @ 2:00PM
Oral Interviews: Week of May 29th, 2024 - May 30, 2024
Tentative start date: July 1, 2024

The written exam will test your knowledge on Building Inspector duties. If you meet the minimum qualifications you will be contacted with details and location of the exam.

Qualified candidates will be notified to use the self-scheduling interview feature via automated governmentjobs.com email notifications so apply with a valid email that is checked regularly and consider signing up for optional text message notifications.

See link for the new condensed FY24-25 Non-Union Wage Schedule. The salary range listed includes pay steps based on length of service therefore employees are offered a starting salary closer to the minimum of the advertised range.

Post-offer/pre-employment background check/MVR check and drug test is required. The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons with disabilities must submit requests for ADA accommodations to the Human Resources Department, in writing, prior to the application deadline.