Building Control Surveyor

Position Building Control Surveyor (Career Grade – Levels 1–2) – Wirral Council Reporting Reports to: Team Leader – Building Control Job Purpose Assist in the provision and delivery of a customer orientated Building Control Service, which ensures the health, safety and welfare of people in and around the built environment, in accordance with the council’s policy, aims and objectives, business plan and marketing strategy. Key Tasks In the interests of public safety and protection, undertake any reasonable action to protect the public from dangerous structures, unauthorised works, demolition work and works that form obstructions to the public highway. Participate in an out of hours emergency call out rota providing a 24‑hour rapid response service for dangerous structure incidents throughout the borough. Ensure that applications are checked for compliance against the requirements of the Building Regulations and associated legislation efficiently, speedily and professionally within statutory timescales and as directed within the service plan and policy documents. Undertake statutory and other site inspections in connection with plans and building notices deposited with the council under the Building Regulations and under the powers set out in Section 32 of the Building Act 1984 and as directed within the service plan and policy documents. Liaise with builders and owners to ensure materials, construction practices etc. comply with all current legislation and codes of practice. Be prepared to instigate enforcement procedures as per Building Control and the council’s enforcement policies, preparing reports and statements for the council’s solicitor and appearing in court as a witness as required. Check, assess and analyse basic structural calculations and details submitted with full plans applications and building notices. Consult with internal and external bodies as appropriate and communicate with applicants and agents the findings of those consultations with regards to their submission. Support the marketing and promotion of the services and the development of any new business opportunities, working within the confines of a competitive market. Undertake all duties and maintenance of accurate records in accordance with any assigned Quality Management Systems or other procedural guidance. Deliver a high-quality service and level of performance which contributes to achieving any agreed service targets and improvement objectives, contained within the service plans and policy documents. Conduct all duties with due regard to the council’s corporate personnel policies and practices including for example, the officers’ code of conduct, health and safety policy, performance standards, safe systems of work and procedures. Key Responsibilities People able to provide readily understood professional building regulation and associated legislation advice to elected members, applicants, agents, members of other council departments and all stakeholders on all matters related to the Building Control Service. Recognise health and safety is a responsibility of every employee, to take reasonable care of self and others and to comply with the council’s health and safety policy and any service‑specific procedures or rules that apply to this role. Work as an integrated and flexible member of the Building Control team to assist other team members during periods of high workload to achieve the corporate objectives affecting Building Control. Demonstrate people‑management skills such as tact, negotiation, diplomacy and sensitivity to guard against hostilities and potentially high levels of conflict with some service users, when having to deal with difficult situations, which could lead to intimidation, abuse, threats and offensive language. Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills Essential Criteria Qualifications: Appointment and progression is dependent on an individual meeting the criteria as set out in Wirral Council’s Career Grade Progression Scheme for Building Control Surveyors, as determined through the performance appraisal process. Knowledge and Skills: Competent user of IT, its application and potential application within a local government environment e.g. specialist back office system, Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, Outlook. Understanding of the requirements of the role and the function of Building Control and have a sound knowledge of the Building Regulations, Approved Documents, allied legislation and technical documents associated with the building control function. An awareness of relevant health & safety legislation in order to ensure your own safety and the safety of more junior staff under your supervision. Experience Building Control Surveyor: 2 years (required) OR18882: 1 year (required) Employment Full-time, Contract #J-18808-Ljbffr