DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  Work involves responsibility for inspecting new building construction and building repairs to existing buildings, including installations for compliance with approved plans and specifications, as well as Putnam County local laws, codes, regulations, zoning ordinances and the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Work requires review of conditions involving authorized land usage for compliance with local zoning ordinances. General supervision is received from the Director of Codes Enforcement Supervision of others is not a responsibility of this position. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  (Illustrative only)

• Reviews plans and specifications submitted in connection with building and plumbing permit applications for compliance with New York State building code, applicable Putnam County local laws, codes, rules and regulations, local zoning ordinance and applicable laws prior to permits being issued;
• Inspects buildings and structures in the process of construction or repair for compliance with approved plans and specifications and all requirements of applicable zoning ordinances and laws;
• Inspects piping, traps, fixtures and drainage to ensure that work is performed in accordance with approved plans and applica­tions and applicable ordinances and laws;
• Investigates complaints and assists in prosecuting violations of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention, building code, local zoning ordinance, and the New York State Multiple Dwelling  law and other applicable laws  ;
• Explains the requirements of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention, building code, the  local zoning ordinance, and the New York State Multiple Dwelling  law and other applicable laws  to building and plumbing contractors and to the general public;
• Provides for removal of illegal or unsafe conditions and secures the necessary safeguards during construction;
• Orders unsafe conditions in existing structures to be removed and arranges for condemnation notices to owners and builders of improper or hazardous structures;
• Investigates complaints and may assist in prosecuting violations of the building code and zoning ordinances;
• Maintains files and records and makes reports of department activities;
• Assists with the preparation of periodic reports relative to all actions and decisions, including but not limited to alterations of buildings and structures, permits issued, fees collected, cost estimates, etc., for presentation to the local governing body;
• May present, make reports, and/or provide information to the local governing body;
• Directs callers to the proper person or office and gives informa­tion of a routine nature;
• Performs a variety of related duties in accordance with the department and/or division assigned.
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:   Good knowledge of practices, principles, materials and tools used in building construction, repair or renovation, including plumbing/heating installations; working knowledge of state and local building codes and local zoning ordinances, and applicable water and sewer facility specifications; familiarity with the New York State multiple residence law; knowledge of fundamentals of the principles of engineering and architecture; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with public officials, building contractors and the general public; ability to read and interpret plans and specifications; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to be firm but courteous; honesty and integrity; thoroughness; tact; good judgment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Either

1. Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture or a related field;
2. Bachelor's degree or higher and one (1) year of experience involving residential, commercial, or industrial structural design, including planning, construction, and/or supervision of construction of buildings, roads, sewer and/or water facilities, or electrical, plumbing, or related infrastructure systems; or
3. Associate's degree, in engineering, architecture, construction management or related field, or completion of two (2) years of full‑time technical or trade school training in building construction, and one (1) year of experience involving residential, commercial, or industrial structural design, planning, construction, and/or supervision of construction of buildings, roads, sewer and/or water facilities, and/or electrical, plumbing and/or related infrastructure systems;
4. Possession of a plumber’s or electrician’s license and two (2) years of experience involving residential, commercial, or industrial structural design, including planning, construction, and/or supervision of construction of buildings, roads, sewer and/or water facilities, or electrical, plumbing, or related infrastructure systems; or
5. Graduation from high school or possession of a comparable diploma and three (3) years of experience as described in a) above; or
6. An equivalent combination of training and experience.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Building safety inspectors and code enforcement officials designated by local governments, counties or State agencies for administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code, Energy Code, or portions thereof, shall be certified pursuant to 1208-3.1 or 1208-5.4 of 19 CRR-NY 1208. A local government, county or State agency responsible for administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code and/or the Energy Code shall provide the opportunity for training and certification for the designated building inspector and/or code enforcement official pursuant to this Part. The certified basic training program, including all required subject areas as set forth in 1208-2.1 must be completed within the shorter of either 18 months after the date on which they attended the first training course or eighteen months after the date of their initial appointment as a building inspector or code enforcement official.
2. All personnel conducting code enforcement as defined in 1208-1.2 shall annually receive a minimum of 24 hours of in-service training as set forth in Title 19 (NYCRR) Part 1208-3.3 in each calendar year following the year in which certified basic training was successfully completed.
3. All personnel conducting only Building Safety Inspection duties as defined in 1208-1.2 shall annually receive a minimum of 6 hours of in-service training as set forth in Title 19 (NYCRR) Part 1208-3.3 in each calendar year following the year in which certified basic training was successfully completed.
4. Access to transportation is required to meet work requirements in a timely and efficient manner.

3/96; 9/97; 4/01; 5/07; 10/12; 8/23; 10/24

Competitive Class