Job Title: Local Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement OfficerDepartment: BuildingSupervisor: Building CommissionerStatus: UnionSalary: Step 1 $86,982.06 per yearUnion: United Steelworkers of America AFL-CIO, CLC Local 9517-09 (Supervisory Unit)FLSA: ExemptHours/Week: 37The salary is based on a four (4) step table. Step 1 is $86,982.06 per year and Step 4 is $95,611.23 per year. Salary is non-negotiable as this position is a member of a collective bargaining unit. POSITION OVERVIEW: The Local Building Inspector is responsible for inspecting and enforcing the laws of the Town, state building codes, and other applicable regulations regarding the construction and repair of buildings and structures in Seekonk. The Building Inspector works in accordance with applicable provisions of MGL, Town Charter and By-laws.SUMMARY: The Local Building Inspector will manage administrative work of the Department as directed by the Building Commissioner. Requires the ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and blueprints to determine zoning is in compliance; general knowledge of accepted requirements for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation and safe egress; general knowledge of other equipment and materials essential for safety, comfort, and convenience of the occupants of a building or structure. SUPERVISION: Works under the general administrative supervision of the Building Commissioner, reports to the Town Administrator, and under the policy direction of the Board of Selectmen. The supervisor provides additional, specific instruction for new, difficult or unusual assignments, including suggested work methods. The employee is expected to work unsupervised doing inspections and enforcement work. JOB ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed under varying conditions; spends a significant portion of work hours outdoors, exposed to various weather conditions; may work in high precarious places or be exposed to risks related to working near moving mechanical parts. Errors could result in injury to the employee or others, delays or loss in service, damages to buildings or equipment, and legal or financial repercussions for the Town. Duties may involve work at heights, in confined or cramped quarters, or work around machinery and its moving parts. Operates computer, telephone, facsimile machine, copier, and other standard office equipment. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Inspects new buildings and alterations to buildings under construction and upon completion to monitor compliance with code requirements and approved plans; annually inspects hotels, restaurants, places of assembly, day care centers, etc. for compliance with health and safety requirements; coordinates inspection and enforcement work with Fire Department and Board of Health.
- Confers with builders, architects, engineers, property owners, and the general public regarding construction requirements and other related matters.
- Reviews plans for building construction or alteration to determine compliance with state codes and other applicable regulations; issues building permits; and maintains associated logs and inspection records.
- Issues certificates of inspection, notice of violation, and stop work orders.
- Enforces all of the provisions of 780 CMR: Massachusetts State Building Code, 521 CMR, Town By-laws, Zoning By-laws, Department of Environmental Protection Regulations, and any other relevant state statutes, rules and regulations, and ordinances or By-laws.
- Reviews plans for building construction or alteration to determine compliance with the State Building Code, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) local Town by-laws, and other applicable regulations; participates in the plan review process with various boards/committees/commissions, interacts with all development boards providing guidance and assistance and attending relevant meetings and/or hearings to assist with information and/or resolution of issues when required.
- Utilizes online permitting software to issue building permits, maintains all required, associated and/or directed reports, logs and inspection records, maintaining completeness of all files and reports; oversees collection of fees for inspections; maintains accurate records of certificates of inspections.
- Issues building permits, maintains all required, associated and/or directed reports, logs and inspection records, maintaining completeness of all files and reports; oversees collection of fees for inspections. Accurate records of certificates of inspections.
- Receives all applications, examines, and approves plans and specifications; issues permits for construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, demolition, removal or change in use or occupancy of buildings and structures; inspects premises that have been issued permits to enforce compliance.
- Investigates all complaints pertaining to the construction and use or occupancy of all buildings and takes appropriate enforcement action including issuance of all necessary notices, orders and/or filings when complaints are verified; prepares documents and all evidence to be used at District and Superior Courts; appears as witness at hearings, sessions, etc.
- Acts on any question relating to mode or manner of construction and the materials to be used, and the location, use, occupancy and maintenance of all buildings and structures.
- Responds to inquiries from property owners, banks, attorneys, real estate firms, surveyors, architects, engineers, city officials and the general public; explains building code regulations and by-law provisions.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge and education relative to building codes, local by-laws, enforcement regulations, etc.
- Performs similar or related work as required, or as situation dictates.
QUALIFICATIONS: Education and ExperienceThe applicant must have graduated from High School, a two-year trade school or combination of both and must have at least five (5) years' experiences in the supervision of building construction or design; Must have valid MA Motor vehicle license. Must be certified by the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards in accordance with the provisions of 70 CMR 110.R-7. Must pass a background and criminal history (CORI) review. Knowledge, Ability and SkillKnowledge: Extensive knowledge of state and local building codes, laws, regulations, and By-laws pertaining to building and construction. General knowledge of the accepted requirements for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation and safe egress, as well as the general knowledge of other equipment and materials essential for safety, comfort and convenience of the occupants of a building or structure. Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, By-laws, rules and regulations and policies governing the construction of buildings and developments. Knowledge and application of guidelines of Architectural Access Board and Mass Office of Disabilities. Ability: Interpret and enforce regulations firmly and impartially; conduct thorough inspections; read and interpret plans, specifications, and blueprints; plan and prioritize work; and perform multiple tasks. Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with organizations, departments and officials. Ability of independent judgment, initiative and decision-making. Ability to communicate effectively; interact objectively and professionally with the public, state and local officials and co-workers.Skill: Computer skills required to utilize the Town's online permitting system; personal computers, word processing and complex databases. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; aptitude for working with people and maintaining effective working relationships with various groups; aptitude for working with paperwork and details; able to deal with the general public and sensitivity to public communications; effective at planning and delegation.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 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 position's essential functions.Physical Skills: Work requires some agility and physical strength, such as moving in or about construction sites or over rough terrain, or standing or walking most of the work period. Occasionally, work may require lifting heavy objects and carrying them. There may be need to stretch and reach to retrieve materials. Usually, the work will require extended physical effort over a significant portion of the work day.Motor Skills: Position requires minimal motor skills for activities such as: operating a personal computer and/or most other office equipment, typing and/or word processing, and moving objects. Visual Skills: Position requires routine reading of documents, blueprints, and reports for understanding, color vision is required.This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.Posted: 10/7/2024