Building Inspector

 

Employees in this class review and inspect residential buildings, commercial buildings, and other structures for compliance with permitted building plans, Florida Building Code, Florida Law, and City ordinances.  Although new or difficult assignments are referred to the Building Official, employees complete their assignments with considerable independence, exercising technical judgment and discretion based on their familiarity with established codes, regulations, ordinances, technical guidelines and a wide variety of construction and repair problems.  Work is reviewed by administrative superiors through meetings, conferences, and reports.

Conducts inspections for compliance with permitted building plans, Florida Building Code, Florida Law, and City ordinances governing building construction, alteration and repair;
 
Examines building plans, specifications, and sketches for compliance with Florida Building Code, Florida Law, and City ordinances;
 
Upon completion of construction, makes final inspection to ensure compliance with permitted building plans, Florida Building Code, Florida Law, and City ordinances, and verify that constructed building or structure is safe for occupancy or use;
 
Issues Stop Work order in accordance with the Florida Building Code, Florida Law, and City ordinances;
 
Coordinate with Code Compliance Department for code violation and complaints against the Florida Building Code, Florida Law, and City ordinances;
 
Furnishes information to the public and contractors relating to construction and permitting.
 
Exercises right of entry, upon presentation of proper credentials, at any reasonable time, to any building, structure, or premises for the purpose of inspection or to prevent violations of the building code;
 
May order work stopped whenever work is being done in violation of the provisions of the Code or is being performed in a manner that would create a hazard to life or property;
 
May order portions of a building and/or structure to be exposed for inspection when, in his/her opinion, there is a good reason to believe that building or equipment concealed therein is in an unsafe or dangerous condition, or that there is willful or negligent concealment of a violation of the code;
 
May, through the Building Official, order a building or portion of thereof vacated, when used or occupied in violation of the code;
 
Resolves problems or answers questions associated with contractors, owners, builders, Building Official, inspectors, etc.;
Attends training classes, meetings and seminars in order to maintain certification;
 
Participates with all staff members in pre-hurricane preparations and post-storm recovery efforts;
 
Ability conduct inspections for building recertification and re-occupancy, if needed.
 
Performs other duties that may be assigned.

Graduation from high school or possesses an acceptable equivalency diploma.
 
Must be able to meet the certification requirements of the Miami - Dade County Board of Rules and Appeals as found in Article II – Building Inspectors, Plans Examiners, Building Officials, Chief Inspectors and Special Inspectors of Chapter 8-21 Miami - Dade Code of Ordinances.
 
Certified or able to be certified by the Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board, State of Florida, in the category sought.
 
Possess a valid state of Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Ability to take direction from supervisors and implement plans, policies, and practices as directed;
 
Ability to refine existing planning and building practices to improve both quality and quantity of work output;
 
Skill in applying knowledge of the Florida Building Code, Florida Law and City ordinances;
 
Ability to communicate orally and in writing in order to maintain records;
 
Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and other construction documents to determine deviation from permitted documents during the construction process;
 
Ability to make decisions, recognizing established precedents and practices, and to use resourcefulness and tact in responding to and meeting new problems;
 
Ability to read, understand, and explain codes, ordinances and regulations;
 
Ability to research code and standards effectively to develop code interpretations;
 
Ability to plan and organize workload and to adjust assignments when necessary;
 
Ability to enforce codes and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially;
 
Ability to detect and locate defective building and other construction systems;
 
Ability to perform on-site inspections which may require access where limited space is available;
 
Ability to follow oral and written assignments and to ascertain facts through investigation.
 
Ability to consult with property owners, contractors, trade persons, and others in interpreting and securing compliance with the code;
 
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, officials, and the public.