City of Tampa

This is highly technical inspection work involving enforcement of codes, regulations, and ordinances regarding building construction, related site, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work for residential and commercial projects.  Bargaining unit position.

Employees in this class are responsible for performing highly technical inspections of residential and commercial structures and construction sites to ensure conformance with approved plans and state/municipal codes, regulations, and ordinances. Tasks are of more than average difficulty, requiring employees to possess considerable knowledge and expertise in: building construction and related site work; plumbing, electrical and mechanical installations; inspection procedures; and associated codes. Work involves the inspection of residential and commercial buildings which are under construction or being repaired, remodeled or enlarged and is performed during various stages of completion to ensure structural integrity and compliance with building codes and ordinances. An important aspect of this work is prevention of pollution or contamination of water and sewer facilities in order to protect the health of the community being served by these facilities. Employees must exercise extreme caution in performing mechanical inspections because work is conducted in proximity to equipment operating at hazardous high pressures, temperatures, and voltages. Reasonable initiative and independent judgment are required in determining whether changes are needed in plans and in making recommendations to contractors, engineers, architects, etc. Accurate, complete, and current inspection records are maintained to provide supporting documentation, particularly when approval is not given, a violation is determined to exist, or a project plan must be modified. An employee must exercise tact and courtesy when conducting inspections, in the resolution of inspection problems, and in the explanation of code content or its interpretation to the general public, contractors, engineers, builders, and owners. Employees operate lightweight motor vehicles to travel among work locations and perform tasks requiring moderate exertion, including climbing ladders, scaffolds, etc. Work is performed under general supervision and reviewed through observation, conferences, and inspection reports submitted.

Performs required inspections of foundations, concrete slabs, beams, pilasters, steel placement, framing, insulation, roofing, and related construction work; performs inspections of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas and solar energy equipment and systems as well as site construction (zoning, tree/landscaping, transportation and stormwater features); determines safety of installation, adequacy of capacity, durability of materials, and compliance with code; orders a cease in operations if installations or operations do not conform to applicable codes or if proper licenses and permits are not obtained; conducts final inspection for Florida Residential Code and Land Use Code Compliance prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy or completions.

Conducts inspections to ascertain compliance with flood control ordinances; inspects the placement, height, foundation, setback.

Evaluates type, condition, life expectancy of trees and conflict with utilities and structures for possible removal or corrective action; inspects construction sites for tree protection, evaluates proper root pruning; interprets plans and inspects site for quality and quantity of planted materials for residential and commercial construction projects; performs periodic unscheduled tree barricade inspections.

Conducts compliance inspections for driveway aprons, curbing, sidewalks; evaluates right-of-way for sight obstruction hazards; ensures barricades and safety signage are properly located. Inspects on-site culverts, control structures, headwalls, pipe tie-ins, mitered end sections, retention ponds, infiltration systems, vaults, installation of underground stormwater pipe, inlets, and manholes for commercial and residential construction projects; safeguards Environmental Protection Code (EPC) protected wetlands by assuring installation and maintenance of silt barriers along jurisdictional wetland lines; ensures correct size and location, spacing, and placement of wall forms.

Investigates complaints regarding code and permit violations and faulty work; determines if a violation or hazard exists; notifies owners or contractor that corrective action must be taken; issues citations and presents complaint cases to judicial boards as necessary; ensures completion of corrective action.

Researches and organizes files; extracts data from reports; maintains inspection records; prepares inspection reports as well as completes time sheets; performs mathematical calculations for work projects.

Reads and interprets plans and specifications to facilitate proper construction methods, etc.; examines construction documents to determine conformity with applicable building and related regulations; contacts developers to obtain required documentation.

Identifies hazardous conditions or accident potential to facilitate prevention and/or correction; conducts equipment inspections for adherence to safety standards; checks all emergency repairs and decides what action should be taken; performs damage assessment and habitability inspections of both commercial and residential buildings as part of the City’s emergency response and recovery responsibilities.

Interprets codes and regulations for, consults with, and advises engineers, architects, contractors, builders, owners, and other concerned parties, both orally and in writing.

Interprets and summarizes regulatory agency requirements and recommends appropriate action; keeps others abreast of changes to content and interpretation of codes for proper enforcement; participates in meetings, public workshops, and seminars to gather, present, and distribute information.

Evaluates various water and gas meters and notifies companies of malfunctions and necessary repairs. Coordinates work with Wastewater and Water Departments to ensure proper connection to city facilities; coordinates installation of wells and septic tanks with Southwest Florida Water Management District and Hillsborough County Health Department.

Operates and maintains portable computer/printer and photographic equipment as part of mobile data system; inputs permit, plans and inspection data, utilizes email and internet programs, and utilizes word processing, mapping and other application software.

Performs related work as required. 

Considerable knowledge of: principles and practices of building design and construction; landscaping, transportation and stormwater methods, practices, and materials; building and site codes, standards and ordinances; building and inspection procedures, practices, and methods.

Working knowledge of: the layout of the City and its geography; computer equipment and software.

Ability to: read, interpret, and work from construction plans, blueprints, and schematics; enforce applicable codes and ordinances with firmness, impartiality, and tact; follow oral and written instructions; prepare and submit clear and concise written reports; perform work requiring moderate physical exertion, including climbing ladders; operate a lightweight motor vehicle; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the construction industry, utilities and the general public.

Skill in: the use and maintenance of building and site construction testing equipment.

Ability to lift 40 lbs., mostly standing, walking; combination of indoors and outdoors. Requires some use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor. 

Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school and pursuant to Section 468.609, Florida Statutes four (4) years of experience in building and site construction practices.

Preferred qualifications include two (2) years college level course work in construction, engineering, architecture or related field.

Possession of: One (1) Florida Standard Inspector License (Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing or One & Two Family Dwelling – FS 468); and a valid Florida driver’s license.

 

Note: Applicants selected for employment must place their Contractor’s License on inactive status with the State immediately upon employment.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.