Lead Construction Inspector

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

Employees in this class perform tasks of considerable difficulty involving the securing and maintaining compliance with codes, regulations and ordinances governing all phases of construction, alteration, repair or enlargement of commercial and residential structures and sites. The 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.  Under general supervision, the employee serves as a lead inspector providing assistance to the supervisor, support to the inspections team in the absence of the supervisor and continuity between the daily activities in the field and the office staff.  Considerable initiative and independent judgment are required in determining whether changes are needed in plans and in making recommendations to contractors, engineers, architects, etc.  An employee must exercise tact and courtesy when communicating with inspectors, contractors, homeowners and developers. Employees operate lightweight motor vehicles to travel among work locations and perform tasks requiring moderate exertion, including climbing ladders, scaffolds, etc. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports submitted and results obtained.

Assists supervisor with employee assignments and the coordination of inspection related tasks; reviews inspection and plan review reports completed by construction inspectors to insure documentation is complete and the proper action has been taken; maintains records and documents activities; provides field support to inspectors or performs field inspections and investigations when unusual problems arise; performs quality control inspections and plans reviews; coordinates with local utility company and the Fire Marshal’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; 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 contractor 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 Adjustments, Appeals and Examiners, as required, concerning the revocation/suspension of contractor’s licenses and fines associated with unlicensed contractors; makes similar presentations to Code Enforcement Board or any other judicial authority.

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-to-date.

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

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

Assists supervisor with oversite of compliance with other construction codes, regulations and ordinances; responsible for the proper enforcement of the Florida Building Code, FEMA Flood Zone regulations, and the tree and landscape ordinance, stormwater, and transportation codes.

Performs related work as required.  

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

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

Working knowledge of: leadership techniques and practices; the layout of the City and its geography; computer equipment and related application software.  

Ability to: read, interpret, and work from construction plans, blueprints, and schematics; perform mathematical calculations; enforce applicable codes and ordinances with firmness, impartiality, and tact; follow oral and written instructions; communicate orally or in writing; plan and conduct instructional classes and seminars for employee and customers; 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

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

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

Possession of: a valid Florida Division I or Division II Contractor’s License (acceptable substitutions will be considered); and Two (2) Florida Standard Inspector Licenses (Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) or One Florida Standard Inspector’s license and one (1) valid One & Two Family Dwelling license; and a valid Florida driver’s license. Possession of Florida DEP Qualified Stormwater Inspector Certification and Florida Standard Plans Examiner, or ability to obtain within 18 months.

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.

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