Senior Building Control Surveyor - Planning

Description

JOB PURPOSE 

• To undertake the role of a Building Control Surveyor within the Building Control section of Regeneration and Economic Development Service Area.
• To undertake technical assessments/activities based on their professional competency and make decisions on those assessments, using skills that would have been gained through qualifications and practical experience, to effectively deliver the Building Control function throughout the Council’s jurisdiction and as part of any partnering or similar scheme, ensuring buildings comply with the relevant regulatory standards in terms of health, safety, sustainability, energy conservation, accessibility and design.
• The postholder will also assess dangerous structures and implement immediate remedial works.
• The post holder must only carry out unsupervised functions and/or activities that are within the limits of their competence, unless supervised.
• The post-holder will work within a Service Area dealing with a range of building control and integrated planning and development duties.

 

Key Result Areas 

• To carry out all duties in accordance with the Council’s Building Control Policy Document. Candidates will be required to possess or obtain relevant level of certification in accordance with the requirements of the Building Safety Regulator.
• Checking of submitted full plan applications; examining Building Notices to determine validity; and the checking and verification of certificates submitted by approved persons/approved inspectors, which have been submitted to show compliance with relative Building standards etc. incl. allied legislation.
• To examine plans to determine if the estimate of the cost of building work shown is reasonable and the deposited fee correct.
• Inspections of construction work at various stages during the construction process within the limits of the post holder’s competence including keeping accurate records of inspections/completions. The number of visits to depend on the size and complexity of the building/building site and number of problems arising.
• Either inside the band of competence, or outside of it but under supervision, advising building contractors, architects, Elected Members and the general public on technical matters relating to the requirements of the Building Regulations and general construction matters. Provide practical regulatory solutions to design and construction problems, including in relation to fire engineering solutions.
• Dealing with complaints from the public on matters relating to buildings and structures.
• In the case of dangerous buildings to decide on the degree of danger and take the appropriate action including the issuing of notices, to ensure compliance with appropriate legislation and the Council’s obligations under the Building Act 1984 and be available to partake in the “Out of Hours” rota.

 

 

 Job Description

• Promoting the Council’s Building Control services to existing and potential customers and other initiatives introduced by LABC.
• Control of demolition to ensure protection to the public by requiring the proper erection and retention of hoardings and scaffolding and that correct methods of demolition are employed.
• Inspection of scaffolding erected on the highway to ensure public safety and the issuing of such licenses.
• Assisting the Council’s Solicitor in preparation of Court cases, when necessary, in respect of enforcement action and prosecutions for dangerous building related matters and representing the Council in such matters; also appearing in Court as a specialist witness in Civil Action.
• Dealing efficiently and courteously with enquiries from clients and customers, whether by letter, email, virtually, telephone call or personal call.
• To carry out further functions appropriate to the grade and designation of the post to include supervision and mentoring less experience staff providing guidance as necessary.
• Taking reasonable care of own and others safety; to co-operate with managers/ supervisors in complying with statutory health & safety duties; to report incidents, accidents, faults etc
• This job description sets out the main result areas of the post at the date when it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility. Such
• variations are a common occurrence and cannot in themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

Qualifications:

 

• HND/HNC in a construction related subject
• Minimum Band A validation

 

Knowledge: 

• Working towards professional membership of RICS or CABE
• Practical knowledge & understanding of legislation and statutory obligations which affect the provision/delivery of a quality customer focused Building Control service

 

Experience: 

• Experience or qualification in Building Control environment or in a closely related discipline within the construction industry
• Demonstrate computer literacy with commitment to the use of GIS and computerised databases
• Experience of dealing with people

 

Aptitude & Skills: 

• Able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with colleagues, outside agencies and customers.
• Able to understand and ensure compliance with policies, procedures and statutory regulations.
• To be customer orientated in delivery of the service
• Commitment to continuous professional development
• Competence and confidence in dealing with customers (users of the service)
• Flexible approach to people and work
• Able to schedule own workload in order to meet essential deadlines.
• Willingness to assist other team members and colleagues when necessary.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, able to professionally express views and advice in written and oral forms
• Be a good team player with a willingness to learn and support colleagues
• Able to handle a wide range of documentation and maintain accurate and timely records
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Have strong analytical and judgement skills
• Ability to work under minimum supervision.

 

DESIRABLE

Qualifications:

 

• Degree in a construction related subject
• Working towards Band B registration.

 

Knowledge: 

• Professional membership of RICS or CABE

 

Experience: 

• Previous experience of the Building Control function
• Experience of working in a team to necessary deadlines

 

Expected Behaviours & Values

• Organise, allocate and check work. Demonstrate trust in others knowing when to support and when to step back.
• Seek, encourage and recognise ideas, initiatives and improvements to deliver better services. Encourage and support others to think differently, to question and to try new ways of doing things.
• Communicate in a straightforward way. Confidently handle challenging conversations. Encourage and be open to developmental feedback from others
• Consider implications and make decisions / recommendations based on evidence and consultation.
• Honestly reflect on my personal style and its impact on others and develop my skills so I can adapt my style as appropriate.
• Undertake all mandatory training relevant to the role and be responsible for your own Continuing Professional Development.

 

Training

Equal Opportunities 

• Understand and demonstrate a willingness to promote positively the Strategic Equality Plan of Newport City Council

 

Welsh Language Requirements

• The Authority is committed to delivering an equally high quality service in Welsh and English and will support staff in providing this. All posts have to be assessed in respect of the Welsh Language requirements and will either be Welsh Essential or Welsh Desirable.
• Welsh requirements for this post (see Welsh Language Skills Assessment for skill levels):

 

Welsh Language Skills Desirable 

• Listening / Speaking Skills 1
• Writing Skills 1
• Reading / Understanding Skills 1

 

 

Other (including physical demands and working conditions): 

• Hold a current, full, UK driving license and able to undertake site visits and attend meetings.
• Be available to work flexibly in respect of the requirements of the Development Management service generally and assist as required members of the team in the performance of their service function.
• The Building Control section operates an out of hours stand by rota for response to reports of dangerous structures and property security, for which stand by payments are made.
• Work out of normal office hours from time to time, for which the equivalent time off in lieu will be given.