Building Inspector

The City of Lead offers an opportunity to serve a historic and growing community in the northern Black Hills.  This position provides meaningful, hands-on involvement in development, public safety, historic preservation, and community planning.  The City values practical experience, professionalism, and a collaborative approach to public service.

The City of Lead Building Inspector is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable building codes, zoning regulations, safety standards, and City ordinances. This position performs inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure projects during all phases of construction and occupancy. The Building Inspector also provides plan review, code enforcement, public guidance, and administrative support related to development, land use, and community safety.

The position requires a high degree of technical knowledge, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively with City staff, elected officials, contractors, property owners, and the general public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Building Inspector performs the following duties, including but not limited to:

Inspections and Code Enforcement

• Inspect residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings during and after construction to ensure compliance with adopted building codes, City ordinances, zoning regulations, safety standards, and approved plans.

• Identify, document, and report code violations, unsafe conditions, or noncompliant construction practices.

• Issue notices, correction orders, and stop-work orders as authorized, and track compliance through follow-up inspections.

• Examine buildings and structures for damage following fires, floods, severe weather, or other emergencies and determine necessary remediation or restrictions on occupancy.

• Enforce City of Lead ordinances in coordination with the Police Department and other City departments.

Plan Review and Permitting

• Review building plans, site plans, and related construction documents to verify compliance with applicable codes, zoning regulations, and City requirements.

• Research legal descriptions for plats, variances, deeds, conditional use permits, and other land-use actions.

• Prepare documents and materials for official consideration, approval, and filing.

• Ensure compliance with public notice requirements for permits, variances, and land-use processes.

Planning, Zoning, and Historic Preservation

• Provide technical support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, including agenda preparation, meeting attendance, and staff reporting.

• Work with Lead Historic Preservation and attend monthly meetings to support preservation goals and objectives.

• Apply and implement the City of Lead Comprehensive Plan in development review.

Communication and Public Engagement

• Communicate clearly and professionally with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, property owners, and the public regarding regulations, requirements, and corrective actions.

• Prepare clear, accurate written inspection reports, notices, and correspondence.

• Attend public meetings and hearings to address questions or concerns related to construction, zoning, and code enforcement.

Emergency Response and Special Assignments

• Respond to emergency situations, including but not limited to fires, flooding, severe weather events, and other disasters.

• Perform inspections in unique or hazardous environments, including underground facilities (South Dakota Science and Technology Authority property).
• Participate in emergency management activities as required.

Administrative and City Departmental Support

• Maintains accurate inspection records, permits, and reports using City systems and procedures.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

To perform this position successfully, an individual must possess the following:

• In-depth knowledge of building codes, zoning laws, land-use regulations, and inspection practices.

• Strong understanding of health and safety regulations.

• Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and legal descriptions.

• Knowledge of City Ordinances and regulatory enforcement procedures.

• Ability to prepare detailed, accurate reports and maintain thorough records.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound judgment.

• Ability to work collaboratively with City staff, boards, commissions, and the public.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new software systems quickly.

CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Residential Building Inspector certification preferred, ability to obtain within 12 months of hire required.

• Certified Building Official (CBO) and/or Certified Construction Inspector (CCI) preferred or similar experience.

• Knowledge of or certification related to NFPA, OSHA and MSHA standards.

• FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) certifications will be provided and must be completed within established timelines after hire.

• ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800.

• Must be available for on-call response, weekend work, and emergency deployment as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in building inspection, construction management, code enforcement, or a related field preferred. 

• Thorough knowledge of local, state, and national building codes and regulations.

• Familiarity with inspection techniques, construction methods, and safety principles.

• Equivalent combinations of experience and training may be considered.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; degree in a related field preferred.

• Valid South Dakota driver’s license required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:

• Residency Requirement: Must reside within 13 miles of City Hall within 90 days of employment.

• Work Schedule: Forty (40) hours per week, with additional hours as situations demand. Flexibility is required to attend meetings, training sessions, emergencies, and other City-related activities outside of normal business hours.

• Work Environment: Combination of office work and frequent field inspections, including construction sites, outdoor environments, and hazardous or confined spaces.

• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, and perform inspections in varied conditions and weather.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• The building inspector’s salary begins at $65,000 and depends on experience.

• The City of Lead offers a competitive benefit package including SD Retirement System retirement matching, health insurance as well and dental and vision insurance. 

• Life insurance package.

• Supportive paid time off including vacation time, sick leave and personal days along with flexible scheduling.

• The City of Lead also provides additional training support and paid certification opportunities.  We support continuing education, certification training and professional development. 

Salary/Compensation: $31.25 per hour

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