Job Opening / Building Inspector

The City of Waupaca (pop. 6,000), the county seat of Waupaca County and located in east central Wisconsin, is seeking an energetic, dynamic and self-motivated individual to be the city’s new full-time Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator.  This position is becoming available due to a reorganization of the City’s Planning & Development Department.  Currently, building inspection services are contracted and zoning administration is performed by the City’s Development Director.  The position is principally responsible for the plan review and building inspection functions for both residential and commercial projects within the city, as well as for zoning ordinance administration and enforcement.  The successful applicant will be one who is customer service oriented, embraces technology in their work, and thrives in a team-oriented work environment.  Required qualifications include Wisconsin building inspection certifications in UDC Construction, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, and Commercial – Building, a minimum of 1-3 years building inspection experience, and a knowledge of zoning ordinance administration.  This position is non-represented, hourly with a pay range of $17.08 - $22.20 per hour, with excellent benefits.  The complete job description and employment application are available on the City’s website:  www.cityofwaupaca.org, from the City Clerk’s Office, 111 South Main St., Waupaca, WI 54981, telephone (715) 258-4411, or via e-mail amielke@cityofwaupaca.org.  Applications are due by 4:00PM, CST, Friday, February 13, 2009.  Questions concerning the position should be directed to April Mielke, Development Director, at (715)258-4404.  EOE.

Job Description

Position Title:                                    Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator

Department/Location:                      City Hall

Reports To:                                                                           Development Director – Planning and Development Office

Position Classification:                    Non-represented, hourly

Employees Supervised:                   None

Interrelationships:                            This employee has frequent contact with contractors, homeowners, renters, other agency representatives and other city employees.

Position Summary:

The Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator enforces building codes (plan review, permit issuance and inspections), enforces zoning and nuisance ordinances, and performs utility inspections.  This position requires independent judgment and decision making.

Position Duties:

Essential Job Functions:

1.         Perform building inspection responsibilities as required by state law and city ordinances, resolving property inspection problems fairly and for the safety of city residents.  Examples of tasks include: interpret and enforce local and state building codes, perform plan review to ensure conformance with building and zoning codes, issue permits (i.e., building, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, sign, erosion control, occupancy and other), inspect property before/during and after construction, develop and file reports, coordinate monthly state commercial inspection visits, answer questions pertaining to building codes, attend related/requested meetings.

2.         Administer and enforce the City’s zoning ordinance.  Examples of tasks include: be familiar with zoning laws to answer questions and be a community resource, enforce City zoning, floodplain and shoreland ordinances (e.g., lot restrictions, setbacks, allowed uses, etc.), assist the Development Director with zoning ordinance amendments, attend monthly and special meetings of the City Plan Commission as requested by the Development Director, be knowledgeable about City’s Comprehensive Plan.  Prepare and advise applicant and Board of Appeals where variances to zoning code are requested, attend meeting and follow up. 

3.                  Enforce public nuisance ordinances.  Tasks include: receive complaints (junked cars, blight, unkempt yards, snow removal/sidewalk, tenant disputes, unsanitary conditions, etc.), investigate, conduct on-site observation of conditions, issue citations, answer questions and condemn buildings.  Coordinate response with other agencies as may be required.

4.                  In coordination with other City departments conduct public and private utility connection inspections and develop records documenting those inspections.

Other Duties:

1.         Attend department meetings and Committee and/or Council meetings as needed or required.  Participate actively in any work group or committee assignments.

2.         Maintain current knowledge of State building codes and changes to these codes, and coordinate with the City’s codes/ordinances. 

3.         Coordinate with City attorney and/or City Police Department where necessary.

4.         Maintain skills in operation of computer software.

5.         Provide coverage to other departments as requested. 

Qualifications:

1.                  Education: minimum high school degree, prefer a technical college degree in appropriate field.  Must maintain UDC certifications for construction, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC inspections.  Prefer commercial inspection certifications.

2.                  Maintain a valid driver’s license.    

3.         Experience: requires a minimum of 1-3 years of directly-applicable building inspection experience, and a knowledge of zoning ordinance administration (prefer previous municipal zoning experience).

Personal Attributes Required:

Must gain thorough knowledge of State of Wisconsin and City of Waupaca policies and procedures.  Must have ability to exercise sound judgment in interpreting and enforcing policies and ordinances.  Must be service oriented and have a predisposition of using technology and computers to perform the duties of the position.  Must demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships by using appropriate interpersonal skills.  Must understand the need for teamwork, timeliness, and accuracy.  Must be able to maintain self-control under stressful situations and workload pressures without exhibiting negative behaviors. Must be able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, and interact with others to accomplish tasks without arousing hostility.  Must be able to assume responsibility and work with independence.  Must have knowledge of good grammar, spelling, punctuation and basic math abilities.  Must be able to perform role of intermediary in disputes.

Essential Physical/ Mental Requirements:

1.         Must be able to sit, stand, walk or climb with or without back support.

2.         Must be able to perform work frequently lifting up to 30 pounds and infrequently lifting more than 50 pounds without assistance.

3.         Must be able to communicate effectively with employees and the public both in person and over the telephone to provide information and assistance.

4.         Must be able to move throughout facilities being inspected and from location to location within the City.

5.         Must be able to reach in all directions and bend/stoop to inspect property, store and retrieve files, use telephone, calculator and computer.

6.         Must have dexterity and hand/eye coordination necessary to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment.

7.         Visual activity requires the ability to tolerate periods of close paperwork and use of computer.

8.         Hearing activity requires the ability to participate in numerous conversations throughout the workday both in person and over the telephone.

9.         Must be able to complete job duties indoors or out of doors in an environment where some background noise and frequent interruptions are the norms.

10.       Must have the ability to maintain concentration and focus on both repetitive tasks and lengthy and sometimes complex projects.

11.       Must be able to cope effectively with periodic stress brought about by time pressures and deadlines and/or conflict situations that may arise.

12.       Must demonstrate ability to utilize basic math skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and where applicable apply these skills to maximize the use of computer-based software programs.

13.       Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, follow instructions, and be able to both comprehend and communicate complex written material or requests.

14.       Must demonstrate excellent English language skills, including spelling, grammar and proofreading.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position.  Essential job functions are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job, and other job functions include those that are considered secondary to the overall purpose of this job.

This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position.  Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management.  All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.         

 The City of Waupaca Inspection Department is the single source of contact for people and businesses needing permits to construct or remodel buildings in the City of Waupaca. Staff review building plans to ensure they comply with the City of Waupaca building code, State of Wisconsin building code, and the City of Waupaca zoning code. Staff also issues building permits.

 Building permits are required for most types of work such as additions, remodeling, electrical and plumbing work, windows/doors, siding, decks, garages/accessory buildings, sheds, satellite dishes, signs, removing/moving buildings, etc.  Heating permits are required for air conditioning and furnaces whether new or replacement.