HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior Building InspectorUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Senior Building Inspector
Department: Neighborhood & Development Services
Division: Development Services
Supervisor: Development Services Coordinator
FLSA: Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 29
Job Number: 2908
Job Summary
Supervises and directs the operational, financial, and personnel activities of Building Inspection
staff. Responds to questions from builders, developers, architects and the general public
regarding building code compliance. Serves as first avenue of appeal when differences arise
between inspectors and contractors or the public.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Executes policies and procedures for all assigned functions of Building Inspections staff.
• Administers, interprets, communicates and enforces adopted regulatory codes and
ordinances pertaining to the construction and maintenance of the built environment
within the City.
• Works closely with the Development Services Coordinator for final interpretations of
safety regulations.
• Directs and evaluates program of plan review for code compliance on plans prior to
issuance of building permit.
• Directs and evaluates program of building inspections to ensure code compliance of
buildings in the field.
• Directs and evaluates program of fee collection, permit issuance, and records
maintenance for Building Inspections functions.
• Directs and evaluates program of contractor trade licensing.
• Directs and evaluates code development programs for the City, including but not limited
to, writing city ordinances and policies related to building code requirements. Prepares
and enforces such rules and regulations as required by legislative authority for the
proper exercise of the Development Divisions' responsibilities.
• Directs, and evaluates comprehensive staff training program to achieve programs goals
and objectives and provide maximum performance.
• Conducts field investigations on high profile projects and incidents.
• Meets with professional engineers, architects, contractors, etc., concerning general
technical code issues and in responding to specific project needs.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
• May represent the City during legal proceedings dealing with building safety codes i.e.,
litigation, depositions, municipal court, etc.
• Administers all activities related to the Board of Appeals
• May review plans and specifications submitted by contractors for permits.
• Develops and monitors budget for building inspections.
• Assists the Neighborhood & Development Services Director and Development Services
Coordinator in enforcing and managing the enforcement of the zoning codes.
• Assists the City Clerk in enforcement of portions of alcoholic beverage section of City
code.
• Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all
community members and coworkers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and two years of related
experience; or six years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Degree in Construction Science, Construction Management,
Architecture, Engineering, or related. Experience in construction/building trades and/or
building inspection.
• International Code Council Combination Plans Examiner (C3) certification, or Residential
Combination Inspector (R5), or Commercial Combination Inspector (C5). Valid State of
Iowa driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass
criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and three to five years of
related experience; or seven years of related experience and/or equivalent combination
of education and experience.
• International Code Council Combination Inspector (C8) certification within 12 months of
hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area,
circumference, and volume.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of
managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or
schedule form.
• Ability to perform mathematical functions in order to review building compliance issues
with standards.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals,
technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in
situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Knowledge of local zoning and building codes, state and national legislation regarding
building inspection services.
• Skill in conflict resolution, communication, and problem solving.
• Skill in observing, reading and interpreting technical materials, codes, and regulations,
and blueprints.
• Skill in the use of a variety of machines, including copiers, scanners and facsimile
machines.
• Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
Involves leadership role such as regularly guiding, training, and providing direction to
permanent staff in completing daily tasks and assignments. May perform additional supervisory
duties at the direction of the Department or Division Head to include disciplinary action,
assisting with hiring or firing, and writing or delivering performance reviews.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in
an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of
time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant
work pace pressure.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director (4/2024)
of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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