L&I CONSTRUCTION CODES SPECIALIST
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is technical construction code inspection work with responsibility for the enforcement of construction and zoning codes and applicable ordinances for the City’s Department of Licenses and Inspections. Employees in this class perform field inspections of a variety of construction projects and apply highly technical provisions found in construction codes and associated standards related to the construction or alteration of structures. Employees are required to expand their knowledge of construction codes as they progress in the construction codes specialist series. Work includes reviewing and interpreting approved plans, specifications and diagrams for conformance to related codes, ordinances and permits. Contact with contractors, homeowners, construction managers, architects, engineers, landlords, governmental officials and the general public is significant to the work. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical supervisor.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
· Employees must learn to apply trades knowledge to the inspection of construction projects, structures and plans
· Employees must learn appropriate codes required to perform inspections and must be involved in a continuing education program for building code certification
· Employees must maintain all required certifications in order to maintain civil service status in this class
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Inspects construction activities related to one and two-family dwellings, commercial buildings and accessory structures to ensure that the structures, including associated mechanical and energy conservation installations are free from hazards and comply with the construction and zoning codes.
Attends job conferences with contractors, engineers, architects, owners, representatives from other City agencies and related parties before construction projects begin and again at specific times during the project to interpret and advise regarding construction and code requirements; recommends specific and/or alternative courses of action to resolve disputes regarding deficiencies in building construction and regulatory requirements; may approve minor changes in plans to meet field conditions; reviews and/or approves inspection records of progress and/or certifications from licensed inspectors, contractors, engineers, and other related parties; prepares technical reports and correspondence; interprets approved plans and specifications, and establishes inspection priorities; reviews approved plans and specifications to ensure departmental standards, regulations and requirements are met.
Visits construction sites and reviews construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, alteration and repair projects in progress and upon completion to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, the governing construction codes and related ordinances; discusses and resolves problems related to the application of the codes; may issue stop work orders; testifies in Municipal and Common Pleas Court as well as appeal board hearings to provide expert testimony regarding inspection findings; confers with owners, engineers, architects and contractors to identify and resolve disputes regarding deficiencies in building construction and regulatory requirements; issues violation notices and re-inspects to ensure that corrective measures have been enacted.
Receives and examines approved plans, blueprints and specifications for the construction, alteration or renovation of one and two-family, commercial and accessory structures; reviews plans for conformance to the construction codes per modern construction methods and engineering practices; discloses to engineers, architects, contractors, and others, areas of non-conformance; disapproves construction which is not in compliance with the approved plans and the codes; consults with higher level administrative and technical personnel regarding complex plans and blueprints requiring application of the construction codes.
Verifies that buildings and structures are constructed in accordance with the provisions of the American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and facilities; determines compliance of means of egress and areas of refuge, wheelchair turning space, reach ranges, accessible entrances, doors, elevators, and plumbing elements.
Verifies that the design criteria specified for a building are correct and in accordance with the Mechanical and Energy Conservation Code; verifies that alterations, additions, and changes in use or occupancy are in compliance and that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, including all fuel gas piping and appliances, are in accordance with the approved construction documents; determines compliance of energy conservation measures; makes observations to ensure proper insulation values.
Interprets and explains the provisions of the construction codes for contractors or members of the general public.
Prepares reports indicating the status of assigned cases.
Keys pertinent inspection data into electronic database; utilizes a mobile computer device for typing and routine data entry; completes computer retrieval tasks to receive inspection schedules via a mobile computer device; prepares reports of findings and actions taken.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
· the theory and practice of construction codes as they apply to residential and commercial occupancies
· current developments and trends in the building construction trade and mechanical systems
· the methods, materials, practices, and principles used in building construction, alteration, repair, demolition, and site improvement work
· ordinances and regulations governing building construction, alteration, repair, demolition, and site improvement work
· the principles and practices used in testing and inspecting materials used in construction projects
· the structural elements required for building stability
· the methods, materials, practices, principles, and preparation used in building demolition
· improper building trade practices which result in faulty, substandard, or hazardous conditions
· approved installation and testing methods of fire suppression systems and fire detection equipment
· proper methods and requirements of installing firestopping and draftstopping
· the principles of personal computer operations
· interactive data entry and retrieval procedures
SKILL IN:
· detecting deficiencies in building construction and structural instability
· recognizing deviations from approved blueprints, plans, diagrams, and specifications
· the operation of a mobile computer device for data input; data retrieval and report writing
ABILITY TO:
· interpret and apply the provisions of the governing construction codes, and the applicable sections of the Property Maintenance, Fire Prevention, Electrical, and Zoning and other related codes
· conduct visual and physical inspections to detect structural instability, defects and other potential life and safety hazards
· enforce regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially
· maintain records and prepare clear and factual reports
· express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
· apply independent judgment based on sound reasoning and logical thinking
· enter and maintain inspection data on a computer system
· learn the applications of the department’s designated software database
· operate an interactive computer terminal
· use and manipulate any tools or testing equipment associated with conducting an inspection
· develop and maintain a professional image
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statements represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 11/14.)
EDUCATION:
Completion of a two-year program at a technical school or institute with major course work in Building Construction Technology or a related field.
EXPERIENCE:
Three years of experience in a recognized building trade, one year of which has been as an L & I Construction Codes Specialist Trainee or Construction Trades Inspector.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.
NOTE: Additional full-time paid experience, in excess of that required, in one of the recognized building trades or as a Construction Trades Inspector, can be substituted on a year for year basis for the required two years of training at a technical school or institute.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as an L&I Construction Codes Specialist in the following categories:
· building inspector
· accessibility inspector/plan examiner
· mechanical inspector
· energy inspector
Completion of course work or continuing education credits necessary to maintain all required certifications during tenure of employment as an L&I Construction Codes Specialist.
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as an L&I Construction Codes Specialist.
Spec Rev.:
CSC: 8/08
Ad. Board - 9/08
Latest Spec Rev.:
CSC –9/14
Ad. Board – 11/14
Consolidated with 6H90:
CSC – 10/15
Ad. Board – 10/15
Re-establishment of class:
CSC – 12/15
Ad. Board – 12/15