6H90
PAY RANGE: CPM 20-25
L&I BUILDING INSPECTOR
(Bilingual)
(General)
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is technical construction code inspection work conducting building site inspections for conformance with all construction and zoning codes and applicable ordinances. This career progression classification encompasses positions in the Department of Licenses and Inspections from the entry level to the full performance level. Employees are required to expand their knowledge of construction codes as they progress through this career progression class. Work includes reviewing and interpreting approved plans, specifications and diagrams for conformance to related codes, ordinances and permits. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
· Positions must conduct building site inspections for conformance with the appropriate municipal codes, regulations, ordinances and standards.
· Positions in this class must work in the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
· Employees hired or promoted into this class must acquire all certifications within eighteen (18) months in order to maintain civil service status in this class. See Career Progression section below
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Performs the duties shown below with members of the English language speaking and designated non-English language speaking populations.
Both Specialties
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.
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.
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.
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, findings and actions taken; 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.
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, if required by work assignment.
· 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
· departmental functions and organization as they relate to the application and enforcement of the various codes
· personal computers and software
SKILL IN:
· detecting deficiencies in building construction and structural instability, if required by work assignment.
· recognizing deviations from approved blueprints, plans, diagrams, and specifications
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
· provide expert code interpretation and technical advice
· read and interpret construction plans, wiring diagrams, blueprints and specifications
· conduct visual and physical inspections to detect structural instability, defects and other potential life and safety hazards
· enforce codes and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially
· maintain manual and computerized records and prepare reports
· express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
· apply independent judgment based on sound reasoning and logical thinking
· learn to use the department’s designated software
· operate a personal computer and mobile computer device to accurately input and retrieve data
· use and manipulate any tools or testing equipment associated with conducting an inspection
· develop and maintain a professional image
· establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors and the public
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement 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 5/21.)
OPTION 1:
EDUCATION:
Completion of an associate’s degree program with major course work in construction management or a related field at an accredited college or university, or other technical institute.
OR
OPTION 2:
EDUCATION:
Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
EXPERIENCE:
Four years of building trades experience in one of the following recognized building trades:
Boilermaker, HVAC mechanic, carpenter, electrician, glazier, ironworker, skilled construction laborer (skilled in using pneumatic tools, hand tools, blasting, and smaller heavy equipment), mason (brick, block, stone, concrete), pile driver, plumber, pipefitter/steamfitter, sheet metal worker, fire sprinkler installer, water proofer or welder.
OR
Three years of building trades experience, one year of which has been as a Construction Trades Inspector.
NOTE: Completion of diploma or certificate program in the related building trades area at a technical school or institute may substitute for two years of experience.
NOTE: Additional full-time building trades experience, in excess of that required, can be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the post-high school education requirement.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE BILINGUAL SPECIALTY
Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to understand and speak fluently and clearly in English and the designated non-English language.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
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.
Possession of the certifications listed in the Career Progression section below during tenure of employment.
Completion of course work or continuing education credits necessary to maintain certification during tenure of employment.
NOTE: As a condition of employment, new City employees who are hired as L+I Building Inspectors must acquire all certifications within eighteen (18) months from the date of appointment. Employees who do not obtain the certifications within this specified period will have their employment terminated without right to appeal, grieve, litigate or otherwise contest the termination.
Employees who had permanent civil service status in another class at time of promotion or consolidation to the L&I Building Inspector class who do not obtain the required certifications within eighteen (18) months from the date of appointment will have their pay reduced to the appropriate next lower step in the pay range for the class based on the number of certifications possessed without right to appeal, grieve, litigate or otherwise contest the restoration.
For a list of the required certifications, please see Career Progression section below.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
SALARY RANGE: CAREER PROGRESSION - CPM 20-25
Initial appointment rates and subsequent progression through the career progression pay range will be determined in accordance with Civil Service Regulations (including regulations 5.025, 6.092, 6.0954, 6.099) and Office of Human Resources policies and procedures.
Career Progression
Employees progress through the pay range with seniority, a satisfactory performance rating and possession of certifications. The following professional certifications, as issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, are required within eighteen (18) months of hire, promotion or consolidation:
· Commercial Building Inspector
· Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner
· Commercial Mechanical Inspector
· Commercial Energy Inspector
· Commercial Plumbing Inspector
The employee’s pay rate will be reduced to the appropriate pay step if the employee does not maintain required professional certifications.
Effect On Pay Rates For Employees Appointed, Promoted or Reassigned to a Career Progression Class Represented By District Council 33
Upon appointment to a career progression class represented by District Council 33 each employee shall be paid at the same base pay rate as the employee was paid in his or her previous classification. Employees promoting to the class on or after July 31, 2017 shall be paid at the appropriate step in the broadband pay range based on his/her permanent Civil Service status in his/her previous class in accordance with Regulation 6.092. New employees will be appointed at Step 1. The employee shall continue to receive that same pay rate until the employee is eligible for an earned pay step increase and progression through the broadband pay range.
When the employee is eligible for the earned pay step increase, the employee's salary will be increased to the pay step in the broadband pay range for the broadband class in accordance with the criteria for certifications, seniority, and performance rating for progression through the broadband pay range as defined below and the provisions of Regulation 6.099.
Career Progression Table
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PROGRESSION Note: All progressions to the next highest step in the pay range require one year of experience at the next lower step in the pay range of the class, the certifications outlined below, and the provisions of Regulation 6.099 for earned pay increases including but not limited to a Satisfactory performance rating and a maximum of one earned pay step increase during a twelve (12) month period. |
CERTIFICATIONS from PA Dept. of Labor and Industry, unless otherwise noted.
Note: Certifications #1 through #5 are required within 18 months of appointment. |
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Progression from Step 1 to Step 2 after 1 year of experience in the class.
Step 3 certifications #1 through #5. |
1. Commercial Building Inspector 2. Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner 3. Commercial Mechanical Inspector 4. Commercial Energy Inspector 5. Commercial Plumbing Inspector |
|
Step 4 certifications #1 through #6.
Step 5 certifications #1 through #7. |
6. OSHA 30 (issued from an OSHA authorized training provider) 7. OSHA 3500 or equivalent demolition course under 29 CFR Standard 1926 (issued from an OSHA authorized training provider) |
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CPM 20-25 |
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Pay Step |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
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Number of Certifications Required as outlined in the table above |
5 |
6 |
7 |
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6H34
Spec. Revision and Change in Class Code: CSC – 05/02; Ad. Board – 09/02
Spec Rev.: CSC: 8/08; Ad. Board – 9/08
Latest Spec Rev.: CSC –9/14; Ad. Board – 11/14
Class established and consolidated with 6H33 and 6H34: CSC – 10/15; Ad. Board – 10/15
Abolition of class: CSC – 2/16; Ad. Board – 4/16
Class re-established and consolidated with 6H34: CSC – 4/16; Ad. Board – 5/16
Spec. Revision: CSC – 5/17; Ad. Board – 6/17
Spec. Revision: CSC – 9/17; Ad. Board – 10/17
Latest Spec. Revision: CSC -4/21; Ad. Board – 5/21
SA