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Building Construction Inspector

City of Milwaukee
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The Building Construction Inspector researches applicable codes and standards, inspects properties under construction to ensure compliance with State Codes and City Ordinances, and partners with stakeholders to manage and complete complex projects and developments.

Essential Functions

INSPECTION / CODE COMPLIANCE

 

  • Research commercial building codes, the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Codes (UDC), and ordinances to determine compliance.
  • Investigate and resolve referrals and service requests from residents, alderpersons, and other departments.
  • Identify faulty or inadequate construction methods and code violations during on-site inspections.
  • Draft and send legally enforceable orders to owners to correct conditions in cases of noncompliance.
  • Explain code violations to building and business owners and other industry professionals; advise on how to correct violations or construction-related problems.
  • Inspect structures for occupancy, based on the desired use and classification. Issue orders to correct conditions where non-compliance exists.
  • Provide technical guidance and consultation to other City departments and sections within DNS. Conduct team inspections as needed.
  • Inspect structures during construction, remodeling, or repair to ensure code compliance.
  • Inspect vacant buildings that are dilapidated, fire damaged, or in such disrepair as to be dangerous and unfit for human habitation for possible condemnation action.
  • Inspect condemned structures during remodeling to ensure code compliance.
  • Inspect demolition sites to ensure code compliance.

 

DOCUMENT REVIEW AND COURT ACTIVITY

 

  • Perform reviews using architectural and structural building documents for inspections of accessory structures, one and two-family dwellings, and commercial buildings; ensure compliance with design and applicable codes and standards.
  • Testify in municipal court for failure to correct violations of codes.
  • Prepare and testify at the Standards and Appeals Commission and Circuit Court for enforcement orders that are appealed.

 

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

The Building Construction Inspector must be willing and able to do the following:

 

  • Perform physical activities that require walking, standing, climbing, crawling, crouching, stooping, kneeling, reaching, balancing, pushing, and pulling.
  • Exert up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and lift and move objects weighing 10-20 lbs. frequently.
  • Work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
  • Tolerate various environmental conditions indoors and out (e.g., noise, vibration, dirt, oil, and pollen).
  • Wear approved clothing and maintain this clothing to comply with the departmental dress code.
  • Work outside standard business hours to meet departmental needs.

 

Minimum Requirements

 

  1. One year of experience working as a journey-level carpenter, journey-level mason, journey-level steamfitter, journey-level sheet metal worker, or construction superintendent, or contractor.
    ---OR---
    A bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, building construction, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university, PLUS one year of experience in building construction or a comparable field.
    ---OR---
    An associate degree in architecture, engineering, building construction, or a related field from an accredited college or university, PLUS three years of experience in building construction or a comparable field.
    ---OR---
    Two years of experience performing building construction inspections accompanied by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services certification as a Commercial Building Inspector, and/or both the UDC-Construction Inspector and the UDC HVAC Inspector.
     
  2. Certification by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services as a Commercial Building Inspector, UDC-Construction Inspector, and UDC HVAC Inspector within six months of appointment.
  3. Valid driver’s license and availability of a properly insured personal automobile for use on the job (mileage reimbursement provided pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code) at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

 

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered; however, non-trades inspection code enforcement experience will be considered only for the timeframe it is accompanied by Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services certification as a Commercial Building Inspector and UDC-Construction Inspector, and only to a maximum of 3 years of the required experience.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

TECHNICAL

 

  • Knowledge of building construction practices and techniques.
  • Knowledge of mechanical and structural concepts as they apply to buildings.
  • Knowledge of inspection methods and materials used in building construction projects.
  • Knowledge of proper safety practices related to building structures and building construction.
  • Ability to recognize violations of applicable building and zoning codes.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex work-related documents.
  • Skill in reading and interpreting working drawings, plans, blueprints, and specifications.
  • Skill in preparing analytical reports on compliance with standards and codes.
  • Ability to review plans to ensure the design complies with the building and zoning codes.
  • Ability to perform inspections to ensure code compliance.
  • Ability to understand and perform complex calculations to determine measurements as they apply to buildings. 
  • Ability to use and adapt to various electronic media, such as PC, tablet, laptop, and software programs.

 

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL

 

  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with other City employees, property owners, contractors, and public officials.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good interpersonal relationships.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with others whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service knowledge and skills to serve the public positively.
  • Ability to coordinate projects amongst private stakeholders and various governmental partners.

 

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROFESSIONALISM

 

  • Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records.
  • Skill in planning and organizing work to be able to complete complex projects within deadlines.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and professionally in a team environment
  • Ability to be flexible, open to change, and calm under pressure.
  • Honesty and integrity.
  • Commitment to professional development in building construction and code enforcement.

 

Current Salary

The current salary range (PR 7JN) is $86,518-$107,986 annually, and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $89,979-$112,306 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.