Thank you for your interest in this position
Welcome to Fife
Directorate
I am proud to be Chief Executive of Fife Council. Working with colleagues and
councillors, together we provide vital public services for over 360,000 people and
believe our role is to help improve lives and communities.
Assistant Building
Standards Surveyor
We are ambitious for Fife but our most challenging years ever lie ahead. More and
more people need our help and we’re focussed on reducing inequalities and
increasing opportunities throughout our communities. And yet, like the rest of the
public and voluntary sector, we have less money and fewer staff to get the job
done.
These are challenging times, but it’s also an exciting time to be in local
government. We’ve got a unique opportunity to redesign the way we provide
services and make a positive difference.
We’re looking for enthusiastic people with compassion and respect for the
residents of Fife, who are ready to help us transform local services for the future.
Steve Grimmond
Chief Executive, Fife Council
If you have any queries about the job information pack or application process, please contact the Transactions Recruitment Team.
You can do this by telephoning 03451 550088, (VOIP 2000 if internal to Fife Council), or by emailing [email protected]
.The Transactions Recruitment Team are located in Fife Council, Fife House, Glenrothes, Fife, KY7 5LT. We value diversity and are
striving towards equality of opportunity. All applicants will be considered fairly and on merit.
Job Profile
Job Title:
Assistant Building Standards Surveyor
File Reference Number:
Directorate and
Service:
Enterprise & Environment/Economy, Planning & Employability Services
Reports to:
Lead Officer, Building Standards (Approval) & Operational Support
Grade:
FC06
Job Purpose:
To process and vet appropriate Building Standards applications in line with agreed risk protocols also licensing
consultations and grant applications as required as part of the Public Safety Team, Operational Support team or
Private Housing Standards team .
To support all associated enforcement activity and partnership working as directed by Service Manager or Lead
Officer.
To support the collation and verification of development based statistical information.
To assist Inspectors, Building Standards Surveyors and other team members as appropriate through the
provision of advanced technical support in the case of large/complex applications or for example enforcement
activities and by undertaking routine professional duties or project or developmental work which assists the
portfolio in the continuous delivery of professional, high quality and customer focused services.
Key Tasks &
Responsibilities:
To assist in and be part of the Building Standards (Approval and Compliance teams) or Public Safety team or
Operational Support team or Private Housing Standards team as directed assisting the associated Lead Officer
in discharging the responsibilities of that post.
To assist in the day to day technical, policy and administrative support of the Building Standards and Public
Safety function.
Applications
January 2016
Page 2 of 7
Job Profile
Process allocated Building Standards applications (e.g. small/domestic building warrants, licensing consultations
and grant application) in line with Service protocols/procedures.
Undertake limited as directed on-site inspection services and measurements or technical calculations/checks in
accordance with statutory or national agency standards/requirements and in line with the internal Service
protocols/procedures.
Ensure all paperwork and computer information is accurate and up-to-date for applications and other areas of
work.
Maintain a detailed understanding of all Building Standards and Health and Safety legislation together with an
awareness/understanding of other legislation and civil law that affects Building Standards and Public Safety.
Assist in the processing of complex/major Building Standards applications.
Consult with internal and external agents/stakeholders as appropriate.
Use various IT systems, including Uniform, Microsoft office, and Outlook, to effectively carry out the duties of the
post.
Enquiries
Deal with enquiries (telephone/email/counter) from all categories of enquirers relating to all aspects of the
application processes, e.g. explaining an application, details from an application, technical or professional advice,
etc.
Deal with general enquiries relating to building warrant, licensing, grant application or housing assistance
processes, e.g. advising over the need to apply for permission, etc.
Assist senior staff in the provision of information/advice on more complex enquiries, i.e. technical support to a
professional member of staff in terms of the collation of technical information.
January 2016
Page 3 of 7
Job Profile
Stakeholder Relations
Manage effective stakeholder relationships in line with Building Standards protocols and the Service’s Customer
Commitment.
Resolve conflict with and between stakeholders e.g. agents, architects, applicants, contractors, etc. Negotiate
with agents, Architects applicants, etc. on matters such as timescale, cost, appropriateness of design/construction
methods/practices, within clear limits of responsibility and in line with legislation and Service procedures. Maintain
an understanding of the wider issues that affect construction businesses and their clients.
The postholder will be required, on a regular basis, to mentor and provide advice and guidance to Technicians&
Building Standards Apprentices.
General Tasks &
Responsibilities:
Investigate enforcement action, including unauthorised work and dangerous buildings, and prepare paperwork as
directed by Lead Officer or Service Manager.
Assist in the administration of licensing, public safety and other consultations.
Undertake personal development and training as and when required by Fife Council.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of traditional, current and developing construction methods
and practices.
Resolve problems through critical analysis/thinking, planning and organising work, reviewing and evaluating
options/progress and assessing/managing risk.
Special Conditions:
January 2016
None.
Page 4 of 7
Person Specification
Assistant Building Standards Surveyor
Within Enterprise & Environment/Economy, Planning & Employability Services
Attributes
Essential
Desirable
Assessment
Experience
Relevant new technology experience, e.g.
word processing, spreadsheets and databases
Exercising a range of building standards
and safety duties, including policy and
process development
Application
Moderate work experience in a similar
environment
Ability to read and interpret architectural plans
Previous experience of dealing with customers
face to face and by phone/email/letter.
Interview
Working to agreed performance targets
Implementing Building Standards and
Safety legislation, regulations and service
delivery, including plan vetting site
inspections and enforcement/notices.
Negotiating with developers and agents
Education,
Qualifications
Training and
Professional
Memberships.
HNC in Building or equivalent
Skills, Abilities &
Knowledge
Knowledge of Building Construction and
Building Systems
January 2016
Certificates
Hyperlink to the SCQF Framework
www.scqf.org.uk/framework-diagram
Excellent communication skills
Good knowledge of current and proposed
Building Standards & Safety legislation,
regulations and service delivery
Rational/methodical approach to problem
solving
Good understanding of Building Standards
& Safety processes
Application
Interview
Page 5 of 7
Person Specification
Assistant Building Standards Surveyor
Within Enterprise & Environment/Economy, Planning & Employability Services
Attributes
Essential
High and consistent standards of quality and
accuracy
Desirable
Assessment
Experience of computerised management
information system e.g. Uniform
Good analytical skills
Knowledge of Private Housing Standards
Ability to meet deadlines and organise workload
Time management
Positive attitude to customer care
Good Team worker
Handling conflict/negotiation skills
Maintain and record accurate information
systems
Health & Safety awareness
Interpersonal &
Communication
Skills
Ability to deal effectively with colleagues at all
levels
Application
Interview
Dealing with sensitive issues on a private and
confidential basis
Confident in dealings with others, including
members of the public
January 2016
Page 6 of 7
Person Specification
Assistant Building Standards Surveyor
Within Enterprise & Environment/Economy, Planning & Employability Services
Attributes
Essential
Health & Physical
Attributes
Ability to provide a regular and effective
service
Pre-employment
health screening
How We Work
Matters
OD12 How We Work Matters details the
behaviours are required for successful
performance in the role.
Application
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January 2016
Desirable
Assessment
Interview
Working Together
Delivering Results
Taking Ownership
Customer Focus
Embracing Technology and Information
Page 7 of 7