Building Complaints Investigator (Planning)

Position Overview

This role involves collaboration with owners of commercial, industrial, and residential structures to ensure adherence to relevant codes, regulations, and ordinances. The individual will engage with the public, developers, contractors, and legal representatives to address code compliance matters. Responsibilities include investigating complaints, preparing cases for City Council, and serving as a non-attorney prosecutor in courts with proper jurisdiction. The position also requires participation as a witness in legally prosecuted building code violation and civil litigation cases.

Primary Duties

• Receive, document, investigate, and respond to complaints and inquiries related to compliance with building technical and administrative codes concerning new and existing structures.
• Conduct research into permits and property history and assess each complaint through site inspections and dialogue with involved parties such as owners, contractors, complainants, and witnesses.
• Enforce compliance through administrative and criminal procedures as necessary, issuing notices for non-compliance where applicable.
• Develop criminal cases for trial including preparation of discovery and criminal complaints after exhausting administrative remedies.
• File criminal complaints with courts of competent jurisdiction and prosecute code violation cases as a non-attorney representative.
• Provide factual testimony in court and before the City Council.
• Work closely with the City Attorney’s office and designated representatives.
• Serve as a liaison between the Building Safety Division and the State of New Mexico's Construction Industries Division as well as Code Enforcement.
• Maintain detailed inspection records and files accurately.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least eight years of experience in building inspections or construction involving commercial, industrial, and residential buildings; including a minimum of three years in supervisory roles.
• An education alternative allows substitution of up to two years of experience with 60 credit hours in building inspections or construction-related coursework from an accredited technical school or college.
• Valid New Mexico driver’s license is required.
• Obtain City Operator’s Permit within three months of hire.
• Possess or acquire State of New Mexico Building Inspector certification within 90 days of employment as a Building Complaints Investigator.
• Acquire a nationally recognized Commercial and Residential Building Inspector certification acceptable to New Mexico within one year of hire.

Working Environment and Physical Demands

The work includes office and field environments and may require travel between sites. Exposure to varying weather, noise, dust, fumes, gases, electrical hazards, moving vehicles, heat, cold, and construction equipment is common. Duties may involve working at heights on scaffolding or ladders, underground inspections, and navigating uneven or slippery surfaces.

Physical abilities needed encompass walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods; lifting moderate or light loads; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; climbing using arms and legs; and operating motorized equipment.