Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3j - Revisions to the Classification Specificationsx era Au.gur[ g— 5, 1903 °��unity°t STAFF REPORT Administrative Services Department DATE: September 16, 2014 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Hue C. Quach, Administrative Services Director By: Jeannette Flores, Human Resources Administrator SUBJECT: REVISIONS TO THE CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATIONS FOR COMBINATION INSPECTOR, SENIOR COMBINATION INSPECTOR, CODE SERVICES OFFICER, AND SENIOR CODE SERVICES OFFICER Recommendation: Approve SUMMARY In an effort to modernize and update position descriptions for Building Inspectors and Code Services Officers, the Development Services Department is recommending minor changes to these position descriptions. It is recommended that the City Council approve the proposed modifications to language within the attached four (4) position descriptions. The proposed changes have been agreed to by the Arcadia City Employees Association ( "ACEA ") and approved by the Human Resources Commission on August 14, 2014. DISCUSSION In response to unprecedented activity in development and construction in Arcadia, the City Council authorized two new positions in the Development Services Department in Fiscal Year 2014 -15. These positions are a Combination Building Inspector and a Code Services Officer. As part of the process of recruiting for these two new positions, the Department has reviewed the existing classification specifications and would like to make minor modifications to these positions. The changes proposed simply modernize the specifications to reflect changes that have occurred throughout the years and provide accurate references to various required certifications. None of the changes proposed significantly alter these positions or change the associated pay scales. Combination Inspector, Senior Combination Inspector, Code Services Officer, and Senior Code Services Officer Specifications September 16, 2014 Page 2 of 3 Changes to the Combination Inspector position include changing the reference from the "Uniform" Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes to the "California" Codes, as this is now the official title. The "License and Certificate" section of the classification is proposed to be modified to require possession of a driver's license and to substitute the International Code Council (ICC) certification for the previous International Council of Building Officials (ICBO) certification within one year of date of hire. The reason for the expansion in the time allotted to obtain this certification is simply due to the availability of classes, and the fact that six months is a tight timeframe within which to obtain this certification. Finally, the "Essential Duties" section has been expanded to include the following tasks: "Takes in plan reviews and works the public counter as required," and "assists Code Services with various cases." The changes to the Senior Combination Inspector position are essentially the same as the Combination Inspector except for the "Minimum Qualifications" section. In this section, the words "or equivalent position" have been added after the need for four (4) years of experience as a Combination Building Inspector. The reason for this is that the title of these positions varies from city to city and it may be that a qualified individual would have held a position with a different title. Changes to the Code Services Officer classification include a reference to the fact that this position does have some supervisory responsibility over volunteers in the Department. In addition, language is proposed that references a need for the position to review arrest records and warrants, and criminal complaints. Minor changes are proposed to the "essential qualifications" section to include the need to be able to "apply" certain skills, techniques, and tools such as nuisance abatement procedures, rather than simply "learn" them. Finally, it is suggested that the "License and Certificate" section be amended to include a time limit within which to obtain the required Penal Code 832 Powers of Arrest certificate and the Intermediate Level Certification from the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO). The changes proposed to the Senior Code Services Officer position are essentially the same as the Code Services Officer position with the exception of the License and Certificate Section which is proposed to include: "Full Code Enforcement Officer Certification from the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO)." These proposed changes were discussed and have been agreed to by the Arcadia City Employees Association ( "ACEA ") as well as approved by the Human Resources Commission on August 14, 2014. FISCAL IMPACT Revising the classifications as proposed will not have a fiscal impact. The anticipated two new hires approved by the City Council have been budgeted at $265,500 in the Fiscal Year 2014 -15 Operating Budget. Combination Inspector, Senior Combination Inspector, Code Services Officer, and Senior Code Services Officer Specifications September 16, 2014 Page 3 of 3 RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council approve the revisions to the existing classification specifications for Combination Inspector, Senior Combination Inspector, Code Services Officer, and Senior Code Services Officer. Approved: Dominic LazzarA City Manager Attachments: Combination Inspector Classification Specification Senior Combination Inspector Classification Specification Code Services Officer Classification Specification Senior Code Services Officer Classification Specification CITY OF ARCADIA COMBINATION INSPECTOR DEFINITION Under general supervision, to perform residential, commercial, and industrial building inspection duties at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair; to review plans and prepare permit documentation for residential, commercial, and industrial projects; and to provide information and assistance to the general public. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Exercises technical and functional supervision over lower level staff. EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Inspect industrial, commercial, and residential buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations. Examine plans and specifications of new construction, additions, and alterations to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to determine compliance with the provisions of the construction codes, ordinances, and regulations. Review specifications and other exhibits submitted for plan check compliance with acceptance criteria and regulations. Inspect existing buildings for change of use or occupancy for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances. Inspect foundation, concrete, steel, masonry and wood construction, framing, plastering, plumbing, heating, and electrical installations and a large variety of other complex and routine building system elements. Issue notices to comply on violations; maintain records of history of facts for possible legal actions. Approve the issuance of building and occupancy permits. Confer with architects, contractors, builders, and general public in the field and office; explain and interpret requirements and restrictions. Maintain detailed records and prepare reports. City of Arcadia Combination Inspector (Continued) Page 2 of 4 Assists at the public counter as required, and assists Code Services with building code_- - - Formatted: Font: CG Times violations. OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. Building related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City including the UDifo x California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes. Principles and techniques of building inspection and plans examination work. Standard types of building construction, materials, and methods. Recent developments, current literature, sources of information, and research techniques related to building code enforcement. Principles and procedures of record keeping and report preparation. Modem office practices, methods, and computer equipment. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of building inspection. Principles and practices used in dealing with the public. Basic mathematical principles. English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. Safe driving principles and practices. Skill to: Operate modem office equipment including computer equipment. Operate a motor vehicle safely. City of Arcadia Combination Inspector (Continued) Page 3 of 4 Ability to: Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices. Read, interpret, and apply a wide variety of technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, blueprints, and schematics. Advise on standard construction methods and requirements for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions. Respond to requests and inquiries for information regarding building policies and procedures. Perform accurate mathematical computations. Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact. Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records. Prepare clear and concise reports. Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Work independently in the absence of supervision. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Minimum Qualifications: Experience: Five years of journey level experience in the building trades. City of Arcadia Combination Inspector (Continued) Page 4 of 4 Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in building codes. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license. Possession of 1.��OICC certification as a Building Inspector within done year of date of hire_ Special Requirements: Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to work in a standard office environment including the ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, and climb; exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations. Effective Date: January, 1999 Revicerl: CITY OF ARCADIA SENIOR COMBINATION INSPECTOR DEFINITION Under direction, oversees and participates in the more complex and difficult work of staff, responsible for performing technical building inspections work; and involved in enforcing compliance with building codes, regulations and ordinances. Exercises technical and functional supervision over lower level staff. ID/IU51W11Df,Y0aILA1013' III \►YII \UQDMI1B1►YY /\aIIIlWI*i Plans, directs, and reviews the work of staff responsible for performing technical building inspection work involved in enforcing compliance with building codes, regulations and ordinances; ensure workload is balanced between all staff, verify work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable codes, policies, procedures, and standards. Reviews plans, specifications and calculations for compliance with City and State building and safety codes, ordinances, regulations and laws. Assist in planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the building inspection and plan review process. Has an understanding and knowledge of the permit issuance functions of the City. Acts as the Building Official in his or her absence. Responds to technical questions from building inspection staff in the field and in the office; as necessary, meet with developers and contractors to resolve issues and concerns. Identifies controversial and troublesome projects; keeps the Building Official apprised of all projects and potentially problematic concerns and issues. Reviews plans and permits in preparation of field inspections; inspects industrial, commercial and residential buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances and regulations including Uni€nan California Building Code, California Plumbing Code, T4ri€44=m California Mechanical Code, NRtiAPRI California Electrical Code, Uniform Housing Code, Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Building Code, City ordinances, and other applicable City requirements; check plans for special conditions or requirements. City ofArcadia Senior Combination Inspector (Continued) Page 2 of Takes in plan reviews and works the public counter as required. Receives complaints of building, plumbing, electrical, housing, dangerous building and mechanical code and ordinance violations; investigate or forward complaint to appropriate personnel. Identif es code violations; obtains and prepares evidence; issues notices to comply on violations; - - - Formatted: Font: Not Bold follows -up on correction notices to ensure required corrections have been performed; maintain records of history of facts for possible legal action. Coordinates inspection activities with other City departments and divisions as required; ensures all departments' requirements are met before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy. Assists Code Services with various cases. Reviews building construction plans for plan compliance with City and State building codes, ordinances and laws. Approves the issuance of building and occupancy permits and accepts plans for plan check. Confers with architects, contractors, builders and the general public in the field and office; explains and interprets code requirements and restrictions. - - Formatted: Font: Not Bold Maintains files and reports regarding inspection activities and findings. OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a building inspection program. Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation. Complex principles and techniques of building inspection and plans examining work. Principles of structural design and engineering mathematics. City ofArcadia Senior Combination Inspector (Continued) Page 3 of 5 Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, ordinances and regulations enforced by the City, including the TW4�Ri=m California — Building, Housing, Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes and the National Electrical Code. Major types of building construction materials and methods. Accepted safety standards and methods used in building construction for commercial, industrial and residential buildings. Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment, including the City's permit issuing system. Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting. Safe driving principles and practices. Skill to: Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment. Operate a motor vehicle safely. Ability to: Plan, organize and review the work of building inspection and permit technician staff. Provide lead supervision and training to assigned staff. Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations. Read and interpret complex building plans, specifications and building codes. Determine if construction systems conform to City Code requirements. Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices. Advise contractors and developers on standard construction methods and requirements for residential, commercial and industrial buildings. City ofArcadia Senior Combination Inspector (Continued) Page 4 of 5 Makes mathematical computations rapidly and accurately. Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact. Prepares and maintains accurate and complete records. Prepare clear and concise reports. Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Minimum Qualifications: Experience: Four (4) years of experience as a Combination Building Inspector or an equivalent Osp ition. - - Comment [jl]: Such as a Building Inspector or position with similar expertise /experience. Training: Equivalent to a high school diploma. Supplemental courses in engineering, architecture, or construction is desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of of ability to obtaiH-, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Possession of an IEB9 ICC certification as a Building Inspector. Possession of IEB9 ICC Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical Inspection and Plan Review certification are desirable. Special Requirements: Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: City ofArcadia Senior Combination Inspector (Continued) Page 5 of Ability to work in a standard office environment including the ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, and climb; exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations. Effective Date: September 2001 Revised: CITY OF ARCADIA CODE SERVICES OFFICER DEFINITION Under general supervision, to enforce municipal codes and State and Federal laws and regulations related to municipal land use, zoning, nuisances, public safety, property maintenance, sanitation and health, building, and abatement; and to provide assistance to homeowners, tenants, and the business community. SUPERVISION EXERCISED EX&MiSeS HO May exercise technical and functional supervision of volunteers. EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Receive, record, and investigate complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of municipal codes, ordinances, standards, and health and safety regulations; document violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; research ownership records, prior complaints, municipal codes and ordinances, and State regulations to establish whether a violation has occurred. Initiate contacts with residents, business representatives, and other parties to explain the nature of incurred violations and to encourage compliance with municipal codes, zoning and land use ordinances, and community standards. Prepare notices of violation or noncompliance and citations according to applicable codes and regulations; issue letters to property owners notifying them of violation. Coordinate and conduct follow -up abatement procedures including the preparation of additional correspondence, site visits, and communication with property owners and attorneys; conduct follow -up investigations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances; prepare non - compliance cases for legal action and administrative hearings; present testimony at hearings in court. Meet with planning, building, engineering, fire, police, and legal counsel staff and regulatory agencies regarding complaints; coordinate activities with other staff and enforcement personnel. Ciiyof Arcadia Code Services Officer ((ontinued) Page 2 of 4 Provide information to violators, the general public, business community, and other government agencies regarding codes, laws, and ordinances; respond to questions, complaints, and inquiries. Maintain files and records related to citations and violations; prepare a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence. Administer graffiti removal program. Enforce a variety of occupancy, public nuisance, zoning, and land use regulations. Respond to complaints of alleged violations, review criminal complaints and arrest warrants and records. Investigate suspected violations of health, safety, zoning, public nuisance, or other code violations and take follow -up actions as necessary to ensure compliance. OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of code enforcement. Principles and practices used in dealing with the public. Principles of record keeping, case management, and reporting. Basic mathematical principles. English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. City of Arcadia Code Services Officer ((ontinued) Page 3 of 4 Safe driving principles and practices. Skill to: Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment. Operate a motor vehicle safely. Abilitv to: Learn and apply principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigation and enforcement. Learn and apply methods and procedures used in code enforcement including citation issuance procedures, criminal, civil, and administrative remedies, methods used to obtain various types of inspection warrants, nuisance abatement procedures, and principles used to prepare legal documents. Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions. Read and interpret maps, plans, and legal descriptions. Maintain and update records, logs, and reports. Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful and timely manner. Work independently in the absence of supervision. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Minimum Qualifications: City of Arcadia Code Services Officer ((ontinued) Page 4 of 4 Experience: Three years of experience in investigation, enforcement, public contact, or related experience. Training: Education equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade, supplemented by specialized training in planning, zoning, inspection, law enforcement, or related field. An Associate's degree is highly desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of, ^r ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license. Possession of, or ability to tain at time within six months of date of hire, active PFPenal Code —832 Powers of Arrest through the Peace Officers Standard Training (POST) issued by the State of California. Possession of, or obtain within one year of date of hire, Intermediate Level Certification from the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers CA( CEO). Special Requirements: Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, stoop, squat, and lift 25 lbs.; exposure to outdoors; ability to travel to different sites and locations. Effective Date: _January, 1999 Revised: Apn'�2900 CITY OF ARCADIA SENIOR CODE SERVICES OFFICER DEFINITION Under general supervision, to coordinate complex code services issues, to enforce municipal codes and State and Federal laws and regulations related to municipal land use, zoning, nuisances, public safety, property maintenance, sanitation and health, building, and abatement; and to provide assistance to homeowners, tenants, and the business community. SUPERVISION EXERCISED May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff and volunteers. EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Receive, record, and investigate complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of municipal codes, ordinances, standards, and health and safety regulations; document violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; research ownership records, prior complaints, municipal codes and ordinances, and State regulations to establish whether a violation has occurred. Initiate contacts with residents, business representatives, and other parties to explain the nature of incurred violations and to encourage compliance with municipal codes, zoning and land use ordinances, and community standards. Prepare notices of violation or noncompliance and citations according to applicable codes and regulations; issue letters to property owners notifying them of violation. Coordinate and conduct follow -up abatement procedures including the preparation of additional correspondence, site visits, and communication with property owners and attorneys; conduct follow -up investigations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances; prepare non - compliance cases for legal action and administrative hearings; present testimony at hearings in court. Meet with planning, building, engineering, fire, police, and legal counsel staff and regulatory agencies regarding complaints; coordinate activities with other staff and enforcement personnel. 01y of Arcadia Senior Code Services Officer ((ontinued) Page 2 of S Provide information to violators, the general public, business community, and other government agencies regarding codes, laws, and ordinances; respond to questions, complaints, and inquiries. Maintain files and records related to citations and violations; prepare a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence. Administer graffiti removal program and monitor contracts. Enforce a variety of occupancy, public nuisance, zoning, and land use regulations. Respond to complaints of alleged violations; review criminal complaints and arrest warrants and records. Investigate suspected violations of health, safety, zoning, public nuisance, or other code violations and take follow -up actions as necessary to ensure compliance. Make presentations to citizen groups addressing commercial and association compliance issues. Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets. Conduct surveys and perform research and statistical analyses on various code enforcement matters; draft code amendments as needed. Serve as a liaison to the City Attorney; assist the City Attorney with trial preparation and courtroom testimony for code services related cases. Coordinate the code services volunteer program; prepare schedules and provide volunteer training. OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: City of Arcadia Senior Code Services Officer ((ontinued) Page 3 of S Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment andPregr-wns. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of code enforcement. Principles and practices used in dealing with the public. Principles of record keeping, case management, and reporting. Basic mathematical principles. English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. Safe driving principles and practices. Skill to: Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment. Operate a motor vehicle safely. Ability to: Leam-Apply principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigation and enforcement. 1m-Apply methods and procedures used in code enforcement including citation issuance procedures, criminal, civil, and administrative remedies, methods used to obtain various types of inspection warrants, nuisance abatement procedures, and principles used to prepare legal documents. Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions. Read and interpret maps, plans, and legal descriptions. Maintain and update records, logs, and reports. 01y of Arcadia Senior Code Services Officer ((ontinued) Page 4 of S Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful and timely manner. Work independently in the absence of supervision. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Minimum Qualifications: Experience: Five years of municipal code enforcement experience with increasing responsibilities in investigation, enforcement, or public contact. Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, zoning, inspection, law enforcement, public administration, or related field. License or Certificate: Possession of, OF ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license. Valid Penal Code POST 832 Powers of Arrest certificate through the Peace Officers Standard Training (POST) issued by the State of California. Full Code Enforcement Officer Certification from the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO). City of Arcadia Senior Code Services Officer ((ontinued) Page 5 of 5 Special Requirements: Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, stoop, squat, and lift 25 lbs.; exposure to outdoors; ability to travel to different sites and locations. Effective Date: December 2004 Revised: