Chief Electrical Inspector

Summary

The purpose of this classification is to perform administrative and supervisory/specialized work functions associated with the inspections of electrical work conducted within city jurisdictions to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and regulations that apply to the electrical trade. Work is performed with latitude for independent judgment and action and is reviewed by the Director of Building and Inspections.

Authorized to act on behalf of the Director of Building and Inspections in his/her absence.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the position.

Coordinates the daily external operations of the Building and Inspection Division alongside other Chief Inspectors.

Supervises, directs and evaluates assigned staff in the performance of inspection tasks; assigns work and coordinates routes; maintains standards; approves time off and maintains efficient work force daily; processes employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining and completing employee performance appraisals and ensuring employees meet required continuing education units (CEUs).

Inspects electrical wiring of construction projects to ensure compliance with city codes/regulations and other trade inspections when necessary and/or qualified.

Prepares and/or receives plans, forms, blueprints, schematics, letters of certification, permits, tickets, violation tags, logs, memos, deeds, maps, and related materials or documentation; reviews, completes, processes, files, and/or forwards; maintains records.

Operates a service truck to conduct inspections; inspects assigned vehicle for proper operations and maintains fluid levels; delivers truck to fleet maintenance for repairs and scheduled maintenance.

Attends hearings and meetings as necessary; provides expert witness testimony.

Consults with supervisors, engineers, inspectors, contractors, architects, developers, and other agency officials to review departmental operations, review plans, discuss problems, coordinate activities, provide technical expertise, and receive advice/direction.

Communicates via telephone, email, test message, and/or any other communication devises; provides information; takes and relays messages; responds to requests for service.

Interprets regulatory codes and responds to requests for information from employees, officials, contractors, and the public.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations; research construction materials and methods; attends training seminars and workshops; maintains continuing education units (CEUs) for required certifications.

Inspects and condemns houses and other structures; issues and approves certificate of occupancy, inspections, and permits; declares buildings or systems safe/unsafe.

Assists in training new employees.

Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the department.

Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree, Associates degree, or Vocational/technical diploma in Electrical, Industrial Wiring or related field preferred; five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in electrical work, inspection, or related field required; possession of professional construction trade licenses or cards preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must have or be willing to obtain the following ICC Certifications: Electrical Plan Examiner, Residential Electrical Inspector, and Commercial Electrical Inspector. In lieu of the previously listed certifications, an ICC Certified Building Official Certification is acceptable. Must obtain two certifications in the first year and one certification per year after until the requirement is met. Supervisory experience related to construction preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid Alabama driver's license. Must attend continuing education classes to maintain certification renewal requirements.

Minimum Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions

The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a service truck and a variety of electrical and automated office equipment including a calculator, copiers, telephone, meters, testing kits, hand tools, etc. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for light work.

DATA COMPREHENSION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include forms, blueprints, schematic, code books, operational manuals, and procedural manuals.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange legal, electrical, architectural, engineering, mechanical, and plumbing information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with the general public.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of legal, electrical, architectural, engineering, mechanical, and plumbing documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write basic job-related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex legal, electrical, architectural, engineering, mechanical, and plumbing principles, and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.

VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, calculate decimals/percentages, utilize basic algebraic, geometric, and trigonometric formulas, and determine time.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment which may include testing kits and standard measuring devices.

MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using electrical tools and automated office equipment and to operate a motor vehicle.

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, electrical tools and automated office equipment, control knobs, meters, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DIFFERENTIATION: Requires the ability to discern color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.