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Construction and Building Inspectors
Also called : Building Inspection Engineer, Building Inspector, Building Official, Code Enforcement Officer, Combination Building Inspector, Construction Inspector, Elevator Inspector, Home Inspector, Plumbing Ins
What they do
Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
On the job, one would
- Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Approve building plans that meet required specifications.
- Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.
- Inspect bridges, dams, highways, buildings, wiring, plumbing, electrical circuits, sewers, heating systems, or foundations during and after construction for structural quality, general safety, or conformance to specifications and codes.
- Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.
KNOWLEDGE
- Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
SKILLS
- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
ABILITIES
- Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
TECHNOLOGY
- Accounting software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Compliance software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Data base reporting software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Electronic mail software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Geographic information system
- Internet browser software
- Map creation software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
Training in vocational schools or an Associate deg
- Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
- Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.