Building Inspector

TOWN OF NEW CASTLE

Job Description

Job Title: Building Inspector

Reports To: Building Official                                              

Revised: 2/20/25                                                      

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $72,000-$82,000 DOE

Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, M-F, 40hrs/week

SUMMARY: Perform a variety of tasks related to the administration and enforcement of Town building & zoning codes and assists with planning and review of future land use development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conduct routine plan reviews and daily inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties for compliance with Town zoning regulations and building codes.  New Castle is currently using the 2021 ICC building codes with amendments.
2. Administer construction permits.  Explain permit requirements to the public, review permit applications for completion, and calculate necessary fees.
3. Confer with, and inform, developers, engineers, architects, property owners, HOAs, contractors, and others in regard to code requirements.
4. Investigate issues and complaints regarding building construction and code compliance.  
5. Resolve complex and sensitive customer service issues either in person, by telephone, or in writing. Maintains records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions.
6. Review current trends and developments in various construction fields as applicable to New Castle.  Prepare revisions to codes, ordinances, and local regulations as necessary.
7. Assist with annual budget of the Building Department. Ensure that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget. Will be sensitive to cost controls in their area of responsibility.
8. Provide leadership and direction in the development of short and long-range plans. Gather, interpret, and prepare data for studies, reports, and recommendations; Coordinate department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
9. Monitor reports and record keeping activities for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to policy and procedure guidelines.
10. Attain the required certifications and or credentials to perform job responsibilities.  
11. Manage the building department webpage.
12. Available to work Monday-Friday, 70% in office and 30% in the field
13. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

1. Graduation from a standard senior high school or GED equivalent, supplemented by at least one (1) year performing inspections related to commercial or residential construction OR employed at least three (3) years in a field related to commercial or residential construction.  Consideration may be given to candidates who have received a two to four (2-4) year credential related to architecture, engineering, construction management, mechanical, electrical, plumbing or other construction trades at a post-secondary college or technical institute.

2. Must possess or be able to acquire an International Code Council certification as a building inspector (either IRC or IBC) within 6 months of hire. 

    

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. General knowledge of all applicable ICC codes as adopted by the Town and familiarity with construction best practices. 

2. Ability to establish effective working relationships with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, owners, and the general public. 

3. Ability to understand various types of construction drawings.

4. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.  Can tactfully communicate requirements and recommendations to the public as well as resolve conflicts as they arise.

5. Proficiency with Outlook, MS Word, MS Xcel, Google Docs, text messaging, Zoom or Teams video conferencing, and internet search engines.

6. Adaptability to a variable work environment. 

7. Self-directed, one who can work responsibly and independently on a task.

    

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Personal computer, calculator; smartphone; 

1. Ladder or scaffolding; tape measure; 

2. CO detector; Gas leak detector;

3. Motor vehicle; A valid state driver's license is required; 

    

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Job is approximately 70% in an office setting.  30% of the job is outdoors on construction projects.
2. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, climb, walk, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
3. The employee is expected to occasionally ascend ladders, walk roofs, and stoop or crawl in confined locations during inspections.
4. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
5. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
6. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in inclement weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet, heat & cold, and/or humid conditions.
7. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderate levels on construction sites.

8. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

    Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required. 

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The absence of any specific duty does not exclude the employee from performing this duty if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job