Supervising Code Inspector

About the role

The City of Yakima seeks a dedicated public-service professional to lead the building codes division. This administrative role involves working closely with the Building Official to guide essential municipal operations and support a high-performing, community-focused team.

Responsibilities

• Supports for day-to-day operational functions of the Code Administration Division.
• Affords assistance, mentoring, training, support and assistance to ensure work is performed efficiently and effectively, with excellent customer service and response.
• Oversees the issuance of permits and other responsibilities of permit staff.
• Provides guidance, mentoring, training, support and assistance to ensure work is performed efficiently and effectively, with excellent customer service and response.
• Coordinates recruitment efforts, and new employee training activities.
• Monitors major or highly complex construction projects for code compliance.
• Provides for assistance to Fire Department as necessary with regard to fire inspections and the work of the Community Risk Reduction Specialists.
• Supervises, reviews and assists with work of assigned staff within the Code Administration Division; trains, and develops staff in City standards and other related work; provides professional leadership and ongoing development and learning opportunities to staff.
• Completes timely subordinate performance evaluations, regularly evaluating performance thoroughly and professionally, including, but not limited to providing performance feedback, recommending employment and/or disciplinary action.
• Provides guidance, assistance and direction to staff in resolving difficult or unusual situations and problems in the field or office.
• Responsible for performance of subordinates; ensures compliance with all applicable laws, State and Federal regulations, City ordinances, policies, procedures and sound financial practices.
• Recommends improvements to department operating systems and procedure.
• Observes, promotes, trains and enforces appropriate safety practices and procedures.
• Performs field inspections to ensure compliance with City construction and compliance related codes and specifications.
• Advises and interprets codes, regulations and departmental policies to other inspectors, contractors, engineers, architects and the general public.
• Helps facilitate electronic plan review methods and procedures.
• Assists the Code Administration Manager by researching problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential building construction and code compliance.
• Promotes open and constructive communications with owners, contractors, architects, engineers and other appropriate parties.
• Researches and addresses concerns, issues and/or complaints in the field with contractors and customers.
• Assists in developing division policies and interprets policies and relevant codes and regulations to division employees and the public.
• Prepares and/or reviews written reports with Code Inspectors and/or Contractors and other customers.
• Prepares and issues notices of violation.
• Writes, edits, reviews and evaluates various reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and assists with the preparation and completion of the division budget, state and federal grants and other funding matters as necessary.
• May assist manager with grant applications and monitoring budget expenditures.
• Creates reports, memos and provides oral and/or written presentations and testimony at City Council meetings, hearings, court proceedings and committee meetings.
• Acts safely and responsibly when driving and/or operating vehicles and other motorized equipment to perform required duties.
• Work is performed in a variety of locations and work/construction sites in a timely and efficient manner.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and five (5) years' building or fire code inspection and compliance enforcement experience.
• Two (2) years’ lead or supervisory experience is preferred.
• Licenses, Registrations And/Or Certificates: Must possess/maintain valid Certified Building Official, Commercial and Residential Building Inspection Certificates from the International Code Council or the International Conference of Building Officials at time of appointment. Must obtain/possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of: applicable Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations and processing requirements; City policies and procedures; federal, state and local traffic laws, rules and regulations; national, state and local construction and fire related codes and regulations; modern developments, current literature, and sources of information in the field of building construction, building plan review, and building and fire inspection.
• Knowledge of best principles and techniques of supervision and leadership; practices and principles of work flow and systems analysis; safety practices, policies and procedures; record keeping systems, processes, and practices; best principles and practices for project and financial management; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.
• Strong working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; permitting and code compliance case tracking software; Microsoft Office Suite including Excel; report writing tools; and office equipment; professional office procedures and practices; and computerize municipal budgetary and fiscal management practices.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy/fax machine, telephone etc.
• Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to managers, staff, government officials, public and private interest groups, and other members of the public.
• Ability to: administer, oversee, coordinate and assign projects; assist with the preparation and administration of budgets; research and prepare technical reports; plan, direct, and supervise work; apply relevant laws, ordinances, standards and specifications to the work of the division; establish, facilitate and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide variety of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect, with other City employees, officials, contractors, consultants, property owners, community organizations, government agencies and the general public; communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse education and backgrounds, and with officials at all levels of government, utilizing well-developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, including, but not limited to: correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to: read, interpret and execute complex oral and written instructions, including, but not limited to, construction plans and specifications; apply extensive or obscure guidelines to a wide variety of work situations; perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, interpret and analyze technical documents and to translate analysis into reports.
• Ability to read, research, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Coordinates with other departments in the application of various City codes as needed.