Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, provides professional and technical assistance to property owners in the City of Turlock related to construction and rehabilitation of property and performs related work as required. Inspects buildings and structures in all stages of construction, alteration and repair; has the ability to review building plans and specifications; enforces building, plumbing, electrical, zoning and mechanical codes and laws.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock City Employees Association (TCEA) bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level in the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist / Inspector series. This classification performs the routine and standardized tasks which may include other specialized duties. Incumbents in this class are expected to perform most routine tasks in the Housing Division and back-up to the Building & Safety Division within the framework established by higher level employees fully utilizing existing skills required for the position. It is expected that the knowledge and skills of the incumbent will be enhanced through a comprehensive orientation program, which leads to performing increasingly responsible building inspection staff work with minimal direct supervision. Promotion eligibility to the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist / Inspector II position will be based on the incumbent’s demonstration after mastering the full range of inspection expertise and possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Building Inspector Certification.

Incumbents in this classification report to and are supervised by the Housing Program Manager. The Housing Rehabilitation Specialist / Inspector I may receive training from the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist / Inspector II or Building Inspector I, II or Building Inspector, Sr.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: – Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Makes field inspections of dwellings of potential participants in the Housing Rehabilitation Program.
• Prepares specifications for work to be performed.
• Drafts footprint of residential floor plans.
• Prepares detailed cost estimates of proposed work and presents the estimates to property owners.
• Assists property owners in preparing bids and soliciting bidders.

• Gives technical assistance to homeowners on all phases of construction.
• Works with property owners and contractors to develop suitable agreements.
• Inspects dwelling units during rehabilitation to determine compliance with applicable housing and building codes and policies of the Housing Rehabilitation Program.
• Housing Quality Standards inspections for Turlock and member jurisdictions First Time Homebuyer programs.
• Assists in marketing and promoting the rehabilitation program to potential clients.
• Make field inspections of industrial, commercial and residential buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to assure compliance with applicable codes and regulations of the City, County, State and federal agencies.
• Inspect foundation, cement, framing, plastering, plumbing, mechanical and electrical installations and a large variety of other complex and routine building system elements.
• Check stud, joist, rafter spacing and other structural member factors.
• Examine grade, quality and treatment of lumber, cement, lath, wire and composition.
• Coordinate inspection activities with other city departments and public agencies as needed.
• Assist in conducting investigations of zoning, land use and construction code enforcement and abatement issues.
• Determine compliance to California Building, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, California Electric Code, and pertinent provisions of State and County health and environmental ordinances.
• Confer with architects, contractors, builders and general public in the field and office to resolve complaints and answer questions regarding plan check correction lists, conditions of permit approvals, and use of alternative methods or materials.
• Update and maintain records, files, field note as applicable and prepare reports.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• State and County laws, codes and ordinances relating to building construction and zoning.
• Types of building materials and variation in their quality.
• Methods of building construction and rehabilitation.
• Principles and techniques of building inspection.
• Principles and techniques of structural rehabilitation.
• Principles and techniques of real estate appraisal.
• Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction.
• Building related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City, specifically, the California Building Code.

Ability to:

• Interpret provisions of applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations enforceable by the City.
• Apply technical knowledge of building trades work.
• Use sound inspection methods to examine workmanship and materials and to detect deviations from plans, specifications, and standard installation practices.
• Prepare work specifications for rehabilitation.
• Accurately estimate the cost of material and labor for potential rehabilitation work.
• Relate to individuals of various social-economic levels.
• Read and interpret diagrams, plans, and specifications and building codes.
• Make arithmetic computations rapidly and accurately.
• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials, and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices.
• Learn to perform journey level inspection skills in a variety of specialty trade areas and to perform competent and efficient work.
• Enforce a variety of State and City codes and regulations.
• Determine that construction systems conform to City Code requirements.
• Advise on standard construction methods and requirements.

• Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with those contacted during the course of work.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Any combination of education, training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Three (3) years of responsible construction or inspection experience equivalent to journey level construction work in the building trades involving work done in conformance with standard building, electrical, mechanical systems and plumbing codes;

OR

Equivalent to four (4) years of experience in residential/housing construction or related occupational field dealing with the residential/ housing construction industry.

Education:

Education requirement is high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of a certification or course completed in a related U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulation such as lead based paint, mold or other construction discipline within twelve months from date of appointment.

Possession of a Building Inspector Certification issued by the International Code Council (ICC) within one (1) year appointment for a total of one (1) certification.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment and must be maintained thereafter as a condition of continued employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the following physical abilities: see well enough to read, write, make observations, view computer screen, read gauges and other instrumentation as well as operate a motor vehicle; hear well enough to converse on the radio, telephone, and in person; use hands and fingers well enough to use computer keyboard, write, file and answer telephones; bodily mobility to walk on uneven surfaces or sloped surfaces such as construction sites and roofs, bend, stand, climb on scaffolding and ladders, and be able to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperatures while performing inspections or other duties.