City of Tampa

This is highly responsible technical and supervisory work related to the inspection of commercial and residential buildings and sites for compliance with codes and regulations.

This is responsible supervisory work overseeing inspection staff who are engaged in securing and maintaining compliance with codes, regulations and ordinances governing all phases of construction, alteration, and repair of commercial and residential structures and sites. Work is of considerable difficulty involving assigning, scheduling, supervising, and reviewing the activities of inspectors. Employee should possess a broad range of knowledge and expertise in building construction, landscape, transportation, zoning, stormwater features of a construction site, and associated codes. Work involves the inspection of commercial and residential buildings and sites that are under construction or being repaired, remodeled, or enlarged and is performed during various stages of completion to ensure compliance with applicable codes, rules and regulations. 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. Employee performs assignments involving coordination with the Wastewater and Water Departments, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Hillsborough County Health Department. Considerable initiative and independent judgment are required in determining whether changes are needed in plans and making recommendations to contractors, engineers, architects, etc. Employee must exercise tact and courtesy when conducting inspections and plan reviews, resolving inspection and plan review problems, and explaining code content or interpretation. Employee operates a light weight motor vehicle to travel among work locations and performs tasks requiring moderate physical exertion including climbing ladders, scaffolds, etc. Work is performed under direction and reviewed through conferences, reports submitted, and results obtained.

Plans, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of subordinate personnel; establishes schedules, workload and performance standards for employees; recommends employment, promotion, transfer, discipline, demotion, and dismissal of subordinate employees as necessary; serves as initial respondent to grievances; responds to employee leave requests; completes employee performance evaluations; participates in preparation of the annual budget and managing expenditures.

Reviews inspection and plan review reports completed by subordinates to ensure documentation is complete and action taken is proper; prepares and presents oral and written reports; maintains records and documents activities; provides field support to subordinates or performs field inspections and investigations when unusual problems arise; performs quality control inspections and plan reviews; coordinates with representatives of the local utility company and the Fire Marshall's Office.

Interprets codes and regulations for, consults with, and advises engineers, architects, contractors, builders, owners, and other concerned parties, both orally and in writing; participates in preliminary discussions prior to plans submission; examines plans and specifications to assure compliance with codes, regulations, and ordinances prior to approval and permit issuance; approves field revisions to plans; conducts and coordinates pre-construction and pre-final meetings on major construction projects, serving as the Division’s liaison to the builder/developer.

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

Presents testimony and makes case presentations to the Hillsborough County Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners, as required, concerning revocation/suspension of contractor’s licenses and fines associated with unlicensed contractors; makes similar presentations to the Code Enforcement Board or any other judicial courts, boards, etc.

Researches and organizes files; extracts data from reports; prepares reports such as safety inspection forms, monthly reports on plans examined, and time sheets; performs mathematical calculations of work projects; answers questions to inform the public about city services, ordinances, etc.

Conducts and participates in meetings, public workshops, and seminars to gather, present, and distribute information; conducts orientations, basic on-the-job and/or specific project training to bring others up-todate.

Performs damage assessment and habitability inspections of commercial and residential buildings as part of the City’s emergency response and recovery responsibilities; serves as a leader of the Damage Assessment Team, which requires assessment, set up and coordination of personnel in case of emergencies.

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

Performs inspections of building, site, electrical, plumbing/gas and mechanical structures, equipment and systems to ensure conformance with approved plans and state/municipal codes, regulations and ordinances; orders a cease in operation if installations or operations do not conform to applicable codes or if proper licenses and permits are not obtained; informs and assists other inspectors when responsibilities overlap or other problems are observed during inspection, i.e. electrical, plumbing, mechanical, building, or site violations.

Administratively supervises staff engaged in ensuring compliance with other construction codes, regulations and ordinances; responsible for proper enforcement of the Florida Building Code, FEMA Flood Zone regulations and the City’s Historical District regulations as well as aspects of the City’s Zoning Code, tree and landscape ordinance, stormwater, and transportation codes.

Performs related work as required.

Extensive knowledge of: construction methods, practices and materials related to building and site construction trades; building and site codes and ordinances; inspectional procedures, practices, and methods.

Considerable knowledge of: general construction methods and codes; permit and plans examination procedures and methods.

Working Knowledge of: supervisory techniques and practices; the layout of the City and its geography; computer equipment and related application software packages.

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; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; plan and conduct instructional classes and seminars for employees and customers; prepare and submit clear and concise written reports; perform work requiring moderate physical exertion including climbing ladders; operate a lightweight motor vehicle; plan, assign, supervise, and review the work of subordinates; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.

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

Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school and five (5) years experience in building and site construction practices, principles, methods and materials to include: three (3) years experience in application of municipal and state codes, laws, rules, and regulations and three (3) years experience in supervising and training employees.

Preferred qualifications include graduation from an accredited college with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in engineering technology, construction technology, architecture, or a related field in addition to the qualifications described above.

Possession of: a valid Florida Driver’s License; and a valid Florida Division I or II Contractor’s License (F.S.489); and, two (2) valid Florida Standard Inspector’s Licenses (F.S.468) (Building, Plumbing, Mechanical or Electrical or One and Two Family Dwelling).

Possession of or ability to obtain within two (2) years: Florida DEP Qualified Stormwater Inspector Certification; and one of the following: FEMA Floodplain Management Certificate OR ISA Certification OR one (1) additional Florida Standard Inspector License.

Note: Applicants selected for employment must place their Contractor’s License on inactive status with the State immediately upon employment. In addition, applicants selected for employment who do not possess the required Standard Inspector’s Licenses must apply to the State for a provisional license immediately upon employment and obtain the Standard Licenses along with the Stormwater Inspector and Floodplain Management Certificates within twenty four (24) months of the date of employment.

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.