The City of Basehor is hiring for a Building Inspector. Basehor is a growing city in the southeast corner of Leavenworth County and is uniquely positioned with great accessibility to the Greater Kansas City Metro Area. Basehor is the 2^nd fastest growing city in Kansas with a population of 5,000 or more. The population in Basehor is 6,896 residents and has increased in population by 48.9% in the last 10 years. Basehor is also the 2^nd safest city in Kansas.

Immediate Supervisor:  Municipal Services Director

Department:  Municipal Services

FLSA Classification:  Non-Exempt

Status Classification:  Full Time (40 hrs/week, evening meeting attendance may be required)

Education:  High School Diploma/GED, Completion of a vocational course in one or more building trades, or an Associates Degree in Drafting, AutoCAD, or related construction trades.

Out-of-Town Travel:  May be required to attend out-of-town training and meetings.

Introductory Period:  One year or as stipulated at time of hire

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Municipal Services Director, the Building Inspector is responsible for the enforcement of the codes and ordinances of the city that pertain to building and construction, health and welfare, and zoning.  Responsible for the administration and inspection of the demolition, and occupancy of all buildings and structures within the city.  Responsible for the administration and enforcement of city building codes, ordinances, and all regulations adopted by the City of Basehor.

This position is expected to perform technical inspection work in enforcing compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, housing, environmental, and all other applicable codes, regulations and ordinances as adopted by the City of Basehor; to work with developers, superintendents, and contractors to maintain requirements for building codes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Inspects industrial, commercial, and residential buildings and structures during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances and regulations, including the International Building, mechanical, plumbing and electrical codes, applicable housing and environmental codes, and the city’s ordinances relative to mobile homes, signs, fences, street, trees, and other related areas.
• Conducts follow-up inspections of all permits issued for compliance with zoning, subdivision, and sign regulations.
• Assists with general clerical duties including data input, filing, photocopying, receiving customers, and answering the telephone.
• Utilizes the appropriate safety equipment and observes relevant safety procedures at all times.
• Assists in the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area.
• Perform plan review of commercial and residential building plans; make recommendations to resolve problems or violations.
• Enter data utilizing a computer for inspections status and determinations.
• Respond to and resolve issues concerning area builders and developers; assess building trends and planned developments in the community.
• Participate in the preparation and administration of department’s budget relative to building inspection activities and operations; make recommendations for resource need projections; prepare specifications for materials and equipment.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of building and development.
• Assist the public in completing permit applications. Instruct applicants on department procedures and requirements; approve and issue permits.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public, real estate agents, bankers, contractors, architects and homeowners regarding applicable codes, ordinances and related issues; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Provide staff support to assigned boards and commissions.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Inspect existing buildings and premises for change of use, occupancy, or compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
• Inspect foundation, concrete, steel, masonry, wood construction, framing, plastering, and a large variety of other complex and routine building system elements.
• Issues “notices to comply” concerning violations; maintain background records for possible legal actions.
• Maintain files and reports regarding inspection activities.
• Confer with inspectors and personnel from other departments and divisions to ensure consistent code and ordinance enforcement.
• Prepare correspondence as required to homeowners, contractors, and others in violation of codes and ordinances.
• Ensure safety at job sites; check for right of way obstructions; ensure that city streets at construction sites from tracking are cleared of mud and debris on city streets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Experience: This is a staff position, experience in Construction and Building Code Enforcement.  ICC Certification as a Building, Plumbing, Electrical and/or Mechanical Inspector is desired or ability to obtain certifications within two years.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or GED, with experience in the building construction industry, completion of a vocational course in one or more building trades, or an Associate’s Degree in Drafting, AutoCAD, or related construction trade preferred. Two years’ experience preferred as a construction inspector or plans examiner. Any equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Technical Skills: This employee must be knowledgeable of the building environment to include Urban Planning and Development, Storm Water Management, and pertinent Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations from design through construction with the ability to read blueprints and understand engineering concepts and principles.  A thorough knowledge or ability to learn applicable laws and ordinances, including the International Building codes, Basehor City Code, and the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations of the City.  Knowledge of carpentry work, electrical work, plumbing work, and cement work.  Knowledge of construction codes and ordinances, and a strong mechanical and technical aptitude.  Ability to read instructions, perform inspections, interpret written instructions, maps, blueprints, draft plans, and manuals.  Must possess strong organizational and communication skills, both orally and in writing with architects, engineers, developers, real estate professionals, property owners, staff members, and public officials.  The ability to anticipate problems, conduct research, and prepare correspondence.  Must be able to conduct research and prepare correspondence.  Decision-making is required in this position.  This employee should possess excellent public relations skills, ability to operate computers, cameras, typewriters, copy and fax machines, and other department equipment.  This employee must possess a valid State of Kansas Drivers License.  Must possess or be able to obtain a minimum of two ICBO Inspector Certifications within two years of employment.

Problem Solving: This employee must respond to and resolve difficult, and sensitive inquiries of complaints.

Decision Making: Independent decision-making is essential in this position.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in a combination of a normal office environment and outdoor conditions such as construction sites. The employee is occasionally required to carry, lift, move or push up to 25 pounds. This job may require occasional bending, squatting and twisting. This job includes frequent use of manual dexterity and visualization of a computer screen throughout the day. Conditions have the possibility of becoming adverse when dealing with citizen complaints and enforcement.   Attendance at overnight seminars and conferences may also be required.

Physical Requirements: Must possess eye/hand/foot coordination and have the ability to perform light physical work to include lifting a minimum of 40 pounds, stand, walk, sit, bend, ride, grasp, push, pull, kneel, climb stairs or ladders, crawl in confined spaces, traverse uneven, cluttered terrain, and perform other similar body movements. Safety equipment is required, including but not limited to: steel toe safety shoes (provided); PPE’s issued by the City of Basehor; mandatory vehicle seat belt usage.

Additional Information: The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job

Salary: The salary range for this position starts at $46,896 with consideration of previous experience and qualifications. The City of Basehor offers a generous benefits package including retirement contributions, Medical, Dental, Vision, and paid time off (PTO). The City of Basehor does not participate in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) for City staff.

How to Apply: Submit an application and any additional application materials to Kathy Renn, City Clerk, at krenn@cityofbasehor.org. This position will remain open until the position is filled.