Building Code Enforcement Officer I

Franklin County Inspections Department is recruiting for a Building Code Enforcement Officer I. An employee in this class inspects construction work in process of old and new buildings to enforce State codes for building construction including the five trade areas of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and fire codes. Work involves daily field checks in an assigned area of the County to inspect construction work in various stages of completion. Employees are typically assigned two trade areas based on experience and certification level. Work involves performing skilled inspections to determine the quality of workmanship, materials, and safety precautions; and requires exercising judgment in interpreting State codes. Considerable independent technical judgment is required to interpret provisions of established, but constantly changing codes as applied to practical construction projects and circumstances, and in making decisions. Inspections may require some physical effort and are performed under hazards present in dealing with construction work in progress. The employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, and extremely hot and cold temperatures. Considerable tact and firmness must be used in dealing with contractors, property owners and the general public. Work is performed under general supervision the Code Enforcement Supervisor, and is evaluated through consultations, by review of reports, and by homeowner satisfaction with building quality.

Creates daily route schedule within assigned geographical area based on construction project requests demands, efficient routing, and trade certification level; travels to various construction sites. 

Inspects new and renovated buildings for compliance on all phases of construction, building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and fire; judges compliance with codes; conducts assigned inspections covering structure location and setbacks with septic tank, lines, and well locations and footings; foundation and piers; framing and rough ins including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire and energy codes; energy/ insulation; and final for certificate of occupancy which involves all code requirements; issues various certificates of compliance. 

Examines blueprints, plans and other specifications to become familiar with specs for new construction or major repairs and to ensure construction complies with specifications on site.  

Advises contractors and the public; interprets and applies code regulations; and explains necessary modifications to property owners or contractors. 

Notifies responsible parties of defects and re-inspects to determine if corrective actions have been taken; issues stop order if necessary. 

Keeps records and prepares reports of inspections performed.

Required to keep current on all code regulation revisions; maintains set of code books and code related material; reviews revisions and new codes regularly; and attends training to keep up to date on code changes and modern building methods. 

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Considerable knowledge of state and local ordinances and codes related to building construction minimally at the Level I Certification in all skilled trade areas. 

Considerable knowledge of modern practices and materials used in the installation, construction, repair, and maintenance of a variety of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical equipment, appliances, and fixtures. 

Skill in use of computers to retrieve and store data and preparing correspondence. 

Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications accurately and make comparisons with construction in progress. 

Ability to deal firmly and tactfully with contractors, property owners, and the general public. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, peers, contractors, builders, and property owners. 

Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of work activities.

Completion of high school supplemented by trade school course work in building construction trades and considerable experience in heating, air-conditioning, plumbing, construction and electrical trades; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's License. 

Possession of a certificate from the North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board at a level specified by the County and State for area(s) of inspection. Areas of certification include building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire inspections. When employees obtain higher level certifications, the County provides additional financial rewards through increases based upon certification obtainment.

Salary : $48,629 - $51,060