ABOUT COLUMBIA COUNTY

Columbia County is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets, with pockets of quiet and peaceful springs. Columbia County is the home of Florida’s Springlands, with multiple natural springs, lakes, rivers, and nine beautiful state parks. In 2022, the US Census Bureau QuickFacts estimated Columbia County has a population of 72,000 residents. Columbia County is a southeast sports destination and hosts multiple tournaments and camps. Columbia County requires a diverse and dedicated workforce to provide services for Columbia County residents to live and work and for the visitors who experience our piece of the Florida playground. Consider applying for a position with us today.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This position performs complex technical work in the enforcement of the Florida Building Code. Work involves the inspection of all phases of building construction and alteration (structural, plumbing, electrical and mechanical) including sites, buildings, structures and facilities to insure compliance with codes. The employee reports to and works under the general direction of the Building Official.

Training and Experience

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma; and is at least 18 years of age; and five (5) years’ experience in the trades or as a building inspector, builder, engineer, architect, superintendent, foreman, or competent mechanic in charge of construction or post-secondary education and experience which totals four (4) years, with one (1) year of such experience in construction building experience.

Professional Licenses/mandatory requirements

Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license. Must be able to obtain certification from the Florida Department of Professional Regulation in the trade in which that inspector shall conduct inspections, which is minimally a residential inspector. Provisional certificates acquired for any trade shall be converted to a standard certificate, as prescribed by law, as a condition of continued employment. Final rate of pay is determined by level of experience and licensure.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Inspects for structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical of buildings, structures and facilities in protection of the public health, safety and welfare pursuant to the enforcement of adopted codes and ordinances in accordance with licensure held
• Inspects for structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical of buildings, structures and facilities in the process of construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or demolition and upon completion for compliance with the approved plans
• Inspects mobile homes for positioning, blocking, leveling, supporting and tying down and the connection of utility systems
• Processes applications and confers with the Building Official on questions and policies, other inspection issues and code interpretations
• Advises and confers with contractors, engineers, architects, and others regarding construction codes and building plans
• Investigates complaints and enforces corrective actions
• Maintains records and makes reports
• Daily use of computer equipment and software for up-to-the-minute data entry of inspection results, comments, uploading images and adding documents into the permit system
• Establish and maintain harmonious relationships with other employees and the general public
• Must be able to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form
• Attends hearings, meetings and conferences as needed
• In emergency conditions will conduct building damage assessment inspections or other assigned duties
• Regular physical attendance and punctuality is essential to completing job duties

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs other tasks as required.
• May be assigned to assists in training and evaluating newly hired employees.
• Must be available to work overtime as necessary. 
• Assists as assigned in times of crisis or disaster for the county emergency operations center

[These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.  Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.]

SALARY: $33.85 per hour plus benefits

DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS:  10/08/2024

Each applicant is required to submit a complete County Application for Employment. Applications are available on-line www.columbiacountyfla.com/Jobs.asp . Successful applicant must be able to pass a pre-employment medical exam, physical agilities, criminal history background check, driver’s license check and drug screening. Applications can be emailed to: hr@columbiacountyfla.com or by mail, FedEx, or UPS to:

HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

POST OFFICE BOX 1529

LAKE CITY, FLORIDA 32056-1529

(386) 758-3351; TDD (386) 758-2139

An AA/EEO/ADA/VP Employer

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to use considerable initiative and independent judgment in conducting field inspections

Knowledge of modern practices of structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical construction and inspection techniques

Knowledge of all aspects of building construction methods and materials

Ability to read and interpret, construction plans, specifications, and other drawings

Skills and ability to meet with and deal effectively with the public while establishing and maintaining professional relationships with the general public, fellow employees and outside professional associates

Ability to clearly answer questions, enforce fairly and impartially the adopted codes, rules and policies

Ability to work independently in carrying out assignments to completion

Ability to access, input and retrieve information from a computer

Skilled in the operation of standard office equipment including but not limited to a document scanner and a personal computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties

Ability to gain knowledge of county ordinances, permitting and licensing procedures and processes

Ability to resolve complex and sensitive customer service issues, either personally, by telephone or in writing

Ability to research, prepare and maintain accurate records and to make necessary reports in writing or using a computer 

Ability to work under pressure with interruptions and meet challenging deadlines

Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments 

Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance

Skills in map reading, general travel directions and navigation

Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner

Ability to physically perform inspections

Work Environment

Works inside and outside in varying weather conditions with noise, slippery and uneven surfaces, and heights up to 50 feet. Must be available to work overtime as necessary.

Essential Physical Skills/Demands

Acceptable eyesight and hearing to safely perform essential functions. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Extended sitting and standing and intermittent walking, bending, crawling, stooping, and kneeling. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Manual dexterity while standing, sitting, bending or twisting

NOTE: The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations.