DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is responsible work involving inspection of buildings, both erected and under construction and repair, 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. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for review and approval of all plans and specifications submitted with applications for local building permits. Work is performed under general direction of the local legislative body or top administrative officer. Supervision over a small number of technical or clerical assistants may be required. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  (Illustrative only)

• Supervises the operation of the town or village building department;
• Reviews, checks and passes on plans and specifications submitted with the building permit applications for compliance with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, applicable Putnam County local laws, codes, rules and regulations, local zoning ordinance and applicable laws prior to issuing permits;
• Inspects buildings and structures in the process of construction or repair for compliance with approved plans and specifications and all requirements of applicable ordinances and laws;
• Issues building permits and furnishes the prescribed certificates of occupancy upon application;
• Explains the requirements of the local building code, the local zoning ordinance and the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law and other applicable laws to building 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;
• Inspects existing buildings and structures to insure their confor­mity with safety standards;
• Investigates complaints and assists in prosecuting violations of the building code and zoning ordinance;
• Maintains records of acts and decisions;
• Prepares periodic reports of buildings, and structures erected or altered, of permits issued, of fees collected and estimated costs of work covered by such permits, for presentation to the local governing body;
• 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:   Thorough knowledge of practices, principles, materials and tools used in building construction, repair or renovation, including plumbing/heating installations; good knowledge of state and local building codes and local zoning ordinances, and applicable water and sewer facility specifications; working knowledge of 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 or higher in engineering, architecture, construction management or related field 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
2. Bachelor's degree or higher and two (2) 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 in building construction, and (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
4. Possession of a plumber’s or electrician’s license and three (3) 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 four (4) 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

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.

5/86; 12/86; 11/95; 7/07; 10/12; 9/23; 10/24

Competitive Class

[Non-Competitive PT, Villages]