Job Description

BUILDING INSPECTOR:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES : Makes inspections of the repair, construction, and maintenance of new and existing buildings and structures for compliance with the requirements of state and local building codes; enforcement of numerous local ordinances; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS : The work involves the review of construction plans and the inspection of buildings for compliance with building laws and regulations. The work also includes the inspection of existing dwellings and lots for compliance with The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, local Laws, Rules and Ordinances in the City of Kingston relating to the use and maintenance of property. The position entails a high degree of responsibility since errors in judgment might endanger the lives and property of the city’s inhabitants. Complaints and suspected violations are investigated and data is collected in such form and manner, which may be used in court proceedings. The work calls for an individual with technical experience in the building construction field and the ability to work independently.

EXAMPLES OF WORK (Illustrative Only) :

Explains requirements of state and municipal building codes to contractors and the general public.

• Reviews building construction and repair plans prior to issuing building permits.
• Inspects buildings in the process of construction in order to ascertain that code requirements for general construction practices are observed.
• Inspects existing buildings and structures, and notes general condition and safety for continued use.
• Orders corrections and improvements.
• Issues summonses and condemnation notices to owners and builders of improper or hazardous conditions.
• Investigates complaints and violations, including but not limited to The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the City of Kingston local ordinances.
• Prepares and maintains all records relating to building permits, plumbing permits, electric permits, variances, complaints, inspections, violations, court appearances and any and all correspondence relating to the above work.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS : Working knowledge of building construction, materials and structural systems; Working knowledge of plumbing, heating and electrical systems; Ability to understand, interpret and apply written regulations pertaining to buildings and land use; Ability to measure and draw scaled floor plans of buildings and dwelling units; Basic knowledge of mathematics as they relate to duties; Ability to work independently in the field and to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others; Computer skills (Microsoft Office); Tact; Good judgment; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING : 

• New York State Certified Code Enforcement Official (CEO); or
• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s degree in mechanical or construction technology or closely related field; or
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years of experience as a building contractor, or trades worker, or in the design of building or the inspection of buildings for safety and compliance codes; or
• An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) and (C).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATION:

Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must obtain CEO certification as indicated below.

To be a certified code enforcement official, an individual must successfully complete the required basic training (a minimum of 120 hours of basic training) and maintain the required yearly in-service training (24 hours annually) and any required advanced in-service training.

A person has 18 months from the first training class to complete the basic training program. If an individual is appointed as either a BSI or CEO for a municipality, they have 18 months from their appointment date to complete the basic training program. Per MSD IM-08-18 and 19NYCRR Part 1208.

We are dedicated to recruiting and retaining the most qualified people for positions in local government. Most jobs in local government fall under the Civil Service system. A "Civil Service" employee can be anyone from a secretary, Police Officer, Fire Fighter, a mechanic or a supervisor for a department. Different jobs have different requirements. Some jobs require that you take an examination to be considered for a permanent job. These are called competitive positions. There are three types of positions that have no examination requirements: Exempt positions are those where the employer decides the qualifications of applicants and chooses the person they want to hire. The process is similar to that found in private industry. Non-competitive positions have specific education and experience requirements that you must meet. Employers choose from among the qualified people who apply. Labor positions have no requirements. Employers may choose anyone for these jobs. If you are interested in a position with the City of Kingston, whether it be a tested or non-tested position, you must complete the Application for Examination and Employment which can be found on our website at

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