Building Standards Year of Young People: attracting young people into a career in building standards

Appendix 2 - Job adverts

Building Standards Surveyor

West Dunbartonshire Council

To contribute to the effective provision of the building standards service to all customers, including provision of high-quality professional advice and recommendations to stakeholders including customers, managers and committees, to encourage and facilitate within building developments a high level of compliance with the requirements of the building regulations, to provide excellent customer care, and contribute to the achievement of performance targets.

The Building Standards Surveyor will primarily deal with a high volume caseload of Building Warrant and related consents quickly and effectively, with particular responsibility for a large volume of applications in relation to alterations and extensions of domestic properties, small scale housing developments and minor works relating to non-domestic properties, although opportunities may arise for personal development by way of assisting Lead Building Standards Surveyors in developments of scale and/or innovation were appropriate. To contribute to the delivery of an effective integrated Regulatory Service.

Building Standards Inspector

North Lanarkshire Council

North Lanarkshire Council, as one of Scotland's largest local authorities, is leading an exciting and ambitious regeneration programme for its town centres and surrounding areas as part of its plans for inclusive economic growth. Working with a variety of partners, the Enterprise and Communities service has a key role in guiding this regeneration towards sustainable development. We are committed to creating prosperity and making North Lanarkshire a great place to live, learn, work, invest and visit.

North Lanarkshire Council is considered, by Scottish Government, as a strong performing Building Standards Verifying Authority. In recognition, our Service recently received the maximum Verification appointment period of 6 years.

You will be based in our Kildonan Street/Fleming House office and will be part of the Building Standards team dealing with a broad range of Building Standards functions. Primarily, you will be involved in site inspection activities related to building work under construction including the updating and maintenance of case records. In addition, you will assist in building warrant plan assessment as part of your core duties. Your good communication skills and proactive, customer-focussed approach will ensure you provide an excellent service to architects, developers and other customers.

You will be educated to SVQ Level 3/HNC level in a related discipline with a moderate level of experience in the construction industry. A moderate level of experience in local authority building standards is essential and a current driving licence is desirable.

Building Standards Surveyor

South Ayrshire Council

• Maintain a Best Value culture.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive working environment within which regular performance review takes place and undertake further training as appropriate.
• Ensure safe working practices in which the health, safety and welfare of colleagues are not jeopardised.
• Participate in the implementation of effective operational plans to meet the objectives of the service.
• Assist in meeting appropriate operational and other statutory targets.
• To process Building Warrant applications and applications for Completion Certificates and plans through the stages of checking, consultations and decision.
• To inspect and test site works in relation to approved Building Warrants and CCNPs and maintain accurate records of same.
• To interpret the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations and associated legislation.
• To advise the public on all aspects of the Building (Scotland) Acts and associated Regulations.
• To prepare reports and deal with matters relating to Building Standards which includes alternative solutions for compliance with the Building Regulations, requests for Ministerial Views, allocating street names and postal addresses and Licensing.
• To carry out appropriate enforcement action involving dangerous buildings, or when unauthorised work, requiring a Building Warrant, is brought to the Council's attention.
• Give advice to the public in respect of Housing Grants and process such applications, if directed.
• The post holder has a duty to report concerns about the wellbeing of children or vulnerable service users and the ability to form and maintain appropriate professional relationships with the service users.
• To carry out such other duties consistent with the post as may be required by the Building Standards Team Leader, Service Lead - Planning and Building Standards and Director - Place.

Possession of:

• A degree/HND or HNC or equivalent in an appropriate discipline.
• Corporate Membership of RICS or equivalent professional qualification would be advantageous.

Substantiated ability to:

• Recognise and report concerns about the wellbeing of children or vulnerable service users.
• Form and maintain appropriate professional relationships with services users.
• Commit to own career development and professional advancement.
• Work well under pressure, to use initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate a flexible attitude and approach.
• Ability to meet the standards of performance required under South Ayrshire Council's Competency Framework.

Demonstrable experience of:

• Building Standards work.
• Experience of working within the construction industry.
• Administration systems, technical skills and IT skills.
• Reading electronic applications and drawings, in particular e-Building Standards.
• Confidence, enthusiasm backed by a calm temperament.
• Good interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Working well under pressure, to use initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• A flexible attitude and approach.

Proven Technical Understanding of:

• Relative Building Standards experience.
• The construction industry.
• IT packages including Microsoft office.
• Knowledge of Building Standards (UNIform) system would be advantageous.