Building Inspector & Plans Examiner - Choctaw
Building Inspector/Plans Examiner Revised 08/21/2025
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Building Inspector & Plans Examiner
Department: Development Services
Reports to: Development and Planning Director
FLSA Status: Full Time Non-Exempt
Salary: Salary Range $52,435 Annually with benefits
Revised: August 21, 2025
JOB SUMMARY
This position serves as the primary inspector of building structures (existing structures and those under construction, alteration, or repair) to make sure the structure and/or property complies with applicable requirements, regulations, ordinances, and codes. The Building Inspector is not limited to inspections additional duties and tasks may be assigned based upon certifications, experience, and additional qualifications. This position also serves as the primary back-up role for the plan reviewer position and has a forward face to serving the community.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Include and not limited the following. Other duties may be assigned.
1. Inspect properties for compliance with building code, plumbing code, electrical and mechanical code as directed by the Department Administrators or City Manager.
2. Coordinate inspections and recommendations with contractors and other individuals involved in construction and remodeling.
3. Coordinate inspections and recommendations with other City agencies and work closely with the Plans Examiner and Development Services Director.
4. Keep track of work in progress to make sure codes, regulations, and sound construction practices are being observed.
5. Inspect proposed building plans to assure compliance with International Building Code, International Plumbing Code, National Electrical Code, Gas Piping Code, International Residential Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Mechanical Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and City adopted ordinances.
6. Maintain accurate records of construction, results of inspections, and compliance with applicable codes.
7. Prepare written reports for the department, owners, architects, engineers, contractors, general public and other City agencies.
Building Inspector/Plans Examiner Revised 08/21/2025
8. Communicate effectively with building owners, contractors, and the public to explain codes, why the codes exist, and how the public benefits from their enforcement.
9. Inspect structures damaged by natural and other causes, such as fire, high wind, or tornado, where there are life and safety concerns.
10. As appropriate, devise and recommend improved tools, methods, and procedures to accomplish work assignments.
11. At all times perform work in accordance with sound safety practices and make recommendations for improved safety.
12. May perform portions of the work of higher classified positions occasionally, as assigned.
13. May perform duties of similar complexity in any City department as required or assigned.
14. Regular attendance of scheduled work hours is required.
Level of Authority:
Performs regular and recurring duties with only general supervision, and exercises good judgment in the application of general procedures and policies. Receives closer supervision when performing new and more complex work. This position will work under and directly report to Development Services & Planning Director.
Work Environment: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. Incumbent may be outdoors for extended periods of time in all kinds of weather conditions. This position is a full-time position requiring a minimum of forty (40) hours per week.
This classification is a “safety sensitive” position as defined by the United States Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act and/or Oklahoma Medical Marijuana laws. As a “safety sensitive” classification, you will be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing. Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening. Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse you from the testing process, or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty as listed satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education & License:
• High school graduate or equivalent
Revised 08/21/2025 Building Inspector/Plans Examiner
• Must have Residential or Commercial building inspector certification and licensed through CIB.
• Must possess a valid Oklahoma driver’s license.
Experience
• Three (3) to five (5) years’ experience in building construction, preferred.
• Experience conducting building inspections is desirable.
• Experience and/or training as a building inspector with a jurisdiction.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Knowledge
• Must have considerable knowledge of the various Codes applicable to the duties of the job as adopted by the City.
Skills & Ability
• Must be able to read and understand blueprints, ordinances, and building codes.
• Must be able to make access into, under, and around structures by crawling in confined spaces, climbing, navigating difficult terrain, and stooping for prolonged periods as necessary to conduct a thorough inspection.
• Must be able to apply the provisions of the applicable codes to residential, commercial and industrial buildings in the field and in the office.
• Must be able to read and interpret plans and specifications.
• Must have ability to make difficult complex decisions.
• Must be able to solve problems using deductive reasoning.
• Must be able to assess unsafe worksites and take the necessary safety precautions to protect oneself.
• Must be able to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships with associates and the general public.
• Must be able to exercise judgment under stress.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of critical information.
• Must be able to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
Revised 08/21/2025 Building Inspector/Plans Examiner
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Environment: Work is performed in an indoor office setting, in City vehicles, outdoors, and at construction sites. The noise level may be moderately loud out at sites while generally quiet in the office. Work sites can be muddy, dirty, icy, snowy, rainy and cold; may be exposed to noise, dust, and inclement weather conditions. Incumbent often works alone, traveling to and from sites
Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk extensively and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close- and long-range vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to traverse rough, rutty, muddy, snow covered, and icy terrain. Must be able to climb ladders and scaffold, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. Must be able to step over or navigate around construction materials and construction debris in tightly confined spaces.
DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:
• Long term focus-visionary-able to see the end result.
• Obvious involvement in self-education and development.
• Team behavior through willingness to contribute to the greater good at the expense of personal gain.
• A focus on the quality process.
• Customer focused behavior.
• Ability to work with other people, team skills, with a positive work attitude.
• High standards of integrity and personal work ethic.
• Willingly assumes responsibility and ownership.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
City of Choctaw Application must be completed, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The City of Choctaw is an equal opportunity employer and does not
Revised 08/21/2025 Building Inspector/Plans Examiner
discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.