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Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties
and responsibilities to this job anytime.
DUTIES Serves as Building Code Inspector in the Building Codes/Environmental Department,
Office of Engineering, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (Airports Authority).
Performs building code inspections for new construction and renovations for all Airports
Authority projects at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles
International Airport (IAD), the Dulles Toll Road (DTR), and the Dulles Corridor Metrorail
Project (Metrorail). Reviews plans and specifications and inspects work on site to ensure
compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), National Electric
Code (NEC), Virginia Construction Code (VCC) or other building standards and codes such as
the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Virginia Mechanical Code (VMC), and the
Virginia Plumbing Code (VPC), as applicable. Performs related functions.
--Gathers technical data and other construction-related information for the preparation of notices
or orders to correct unsafe conditions or practices. Monitors appropriate safeguards during
construction and to ensure compliance with all VUSBC requirements for the health, safety and
general welfare of the public. Provides assistance to the Airports Authority’s Building Code
Plans Examiner in the preparation of notices/orders for code-related issues. Helps develop and
coordinate code training programs for Airports Authority staff.
--Performs periodic and spot check inspections of construction to verify building code
compliance and issues written report to contractors.
--Witnesses the inspection of elevators and escalators by third party inspectors to ensure
inspections are conducted properly and according to standards.
--Conducts or participates in final building code inspections; verifies code compliance and
prepares the Certificate of Occupancy for signature by the Building Code Official.
--Maintains project files including records for Construction Permits, Certificate of Use and
Occupancy, inspection certificates and inspector certifications. Prepares clear, complete and
concise reports of inspections performed. Prepares notices, as required, city specific violations
and referencing applicable sections of the VUSBC, NEC, NFPA, VMC, VPC or other standards.
--Coordinates inspection efforts with other Airports Authority inspectors or engineers to
implement appropriate changes when building code violations have been reported.
--Drives a vehicle on and off Airports Authority property, airside and landside, to/from
construction sites to conduct inspections, attend meetings, and perform other functions.
--Communicates and interacts effectively with internal and external business contacts including
but not limited to other members of the unit/team, other Airports Authority employees (such as
managers, supervisors, professionals, and support staff), contract inspectors, subcontractors, and
vendors.
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--Uses a computer and (a) modern office suite software (such as MS Office) to communicate
(email), plan, schedule, word process, and conduct research; (b) enterprise software for
requisitioning, time and attendance reporting, and other functions; and (c) special
systems/software used in the Department.
--*Performs related duties on own initiative, or as assigned.*
Critical features of this job are described under the headings below. They may be subject to
change through reasonable accommodation or otherwise.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQs)
To be rated qualified for this job, an applicant must meet all of the MQs listed below at the time
of vacancy announcement closure.
1. A high school diploma, a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED), or an
equivalent combination of education, experience and training.
2. Eight years (post high school) of progressively responsible experience in building code
inspection that includes substantive work in the range of DUTIES in this job description
including, but not limited to, (a) conducting onsite code inspections of construction projects;
(b) reviewing construction plans and specifications for code compliance; and (c) providing
technical advice to internal and external construction officials on code compliance issues.
A fully equivalent combination of education and training beyond what is needed to satisfy
MQ 1 may be substituted for up to four of these eight years of experience. One example is a
Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field may be substituted for four
years of experience.
3. Certification by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
(VDHCD) as a Commercial Building Inspector and Commercial Electrical Inspector, or
ability to obtain certification within one year of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.
4. Ability to obtain at least two additional certifications within three years of placement in the
job in any of the following categories: Commercial Plumbing Inspector, Commercial
Mechanical Inspector, or Certified Fire Inspector.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The qualifications listed below (if any) are preferred and may be considered in the selection
process, but they are not required to be rated qualified for this job.
1. Certification by the VDHCD as a Combination Commercial Inspector.
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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER FACTORS (KSAOs)
The following KSAOs are required for successful performance of this job and are a basis for
rating and ranking applicants who are found to meet the MQs. Local, Federal, airport industry
or Airports Authority specific bodies of knowledge listed below may be acquired on the job,
typically; ability to rapidly acquire them is required at the time of vacancy announcement
closure.
1. Thorough knowledge of the USBC and NEC, and knowledge of VCC, VMC, VPC and NFPA
codes and standards to detect and advise on building code compliance and improper or
inappropriate practices of construction workers and crews.
2. Knowledge of construction industry standards and practices (e.g., civil and structural
construction, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and elevator) sufficient to understand,
review, and verify details in construction drawings and specifications, and ensure compliance
with applicable building codes.
3. Skill in problem solving to select, organize and logically process relevant information (verbal,
numerical or abstract) to solve a problem. This includes the ability to recognize subtle aspects
of problems, identify relevant information and make balanced recommendations and
decisions. Examples include applying a variety of mathematical concepts in the review of
construction plans (including calculations to determine area, occupant loads, and cubic feet
per minute (CFM) watts, amperage, and voltage); determining and applying the appropriate
building code in the review of drawings, specifications, and reports in construction permit
applications, and applying construction inspection techniques when conducting code
inspections.
4. Skill in oral communication to understand verbal information (including facts, descriptions,
ideas, and concepts) and to express such information verbally so that others will understand.
Examples include discussing permit plan applications with contractors; conducting training on
code updates to other members of Department staff; and providing technical advice, code
interpretations, and code references with Building Code Official.
5. Skill in written communication to understand written information (including facts,
descriptions, ideas, and concepts) and to express such information in writing so that others
will understand. Examples include providing written comments on permit application
packages; reading and interpreting code reference materials and writing briefly about similar
types of matters; and reviewing blue prints, schematics, diagrams, and drawings for code
compliance.
6. Interpersonal skills to interact with business contacts in a businesslike, customer serviceoriented manner.
7. Skill in using a computer and (a) modern office suite software (such as MS Office) to
communicate (email), plan, schedule, word process, and conduct research; (b) enterprise
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software for requisitioning, time and attendance reporting, and other functions; and (c) special
systems/software used in the Department.
RESPONSIBILITY Is responsible for providing technical assistance on building code-related
issues for construction projects at the Airports Authority. Conducts code inspections;
coordinates the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy; and determines code exemptions.
Remains current in code regulations; may provide training and guidance to other Department
employees. Work directly impacts the Airports Authority's compliance with the USBC and other
pertinent codes, and ensures all construction projects meet safety standards.
Reports to the Manager, Building Codes and Environmental Department (Supervisor). The
Supervisor makes initial assignments in the form of functional responsibilities together with
broad overall objectives and priorities. The incumbent works independently according to
established policies and procedures; plans, carries out, and reports on inspections. Keeps the
Supervisor informed of critical situations in progress and potentially controversial or highly
sensitive matters. Completed work is subject to review in terms of quantity, quality, timeliness,
customer service, teamwork, adherence to requirements, and other factors, including attainment
of specified performance management goals and objectives.
Guidelines include, but are not limited to, Airports Authority policies, regulations, and manuals
related to building codes, design, safety, and construction, etc.; USBC, NEC, NFPA, IBC, IPC,
and IMC codes and standards; and engineering and construction reference manuals. The
incumbent applies these guidelines to identify problems and violations; uses judgment to make
interpretations of guidelines as warranted.
EFFORT Works is primarily sedentary and typically requires light physical effort as in
opening/closing file drawers, lifting and carrying files/reports, etc.; however, also requires
walking or moving about to visit Airports Authority offices, construction sites, and work sites
while conducting inspections. Occasionally stoops, bends or otherwise positions self while
inspecting hard-to-reach places or cramped areas; ascends/descends and supports self on ladders
to inspect hard-to-access places. Frequently exchanges information by telephone regularly uses a
computer and other office equipment. Reviews technical manuals, diagrams, schematics and
similar materials that contain small print. Inspects building components and distinguishes
electrical wiring and other color-coded building materials. Identifies potential hazards in
unfinished areas in order to avoid injury to self while working on site. Responds to alarms of
backing construction or service vehicles while in the field. In driving, operates a vehicle using
judgment in consideration of weather, traffic, and other factors.
WORKING CONDITIONS Works primarily in an adequately lighted, ventilated, and
temperature-controlled office. While in the field, is subject to some adverse weather and dust/
grease/dirt when conducting inspection on construction sites. When airside, is subject to aircraft
noise. Wears hard hat, safety glasses, ear protection, boots or safety shoes and other personal
protective gear, as necessary. Follows established safety practices to eliminate, avoid or
minimize potential hazards to self, as appropriate to work site and circumstances. Is subject to
job pressures and frustrations related to the sometimes confrontational nature of the building
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code program, e.g., Airports Authority or tenant offices seeking modifications to or exemptions
from building code requirements.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT JOB ASPECTS May be required to work nights and weekends due to
construction contractor’s schedule and other reasons related to the inspection process. Must
maintain all required VDHCD, NFPA, and NAESA certifications. Required to take 16 hours of
continuing education units (CEU) every two years and 20 hours of training during the triennial
USBC update cycle.