BUILDING INSPECTOR/COMBINATION INSPECTOR

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Huntington Beach, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 0807/0806-0126
Department: Community Development Department
Opening Date: 01/16/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Description
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The first review of applications is scheduled to occur for applications received before 5:00 PM on February 2, 2026, and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.This recruitment may close at any time after that date, once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established.
This posting is a job series in which applications will be accepted, reviewed, and considered based on the qualifications listed on the application. The candidates that meet the minimum qualifications and best meet the City's current needs will be invited to test at the appropriate job level within the series. Only ONE APPLICATION needs to be submitted to be considered for this job series.

Salary:
Building Inspector: $72,696.00- $102,273.60 Annually
Combination Inspector: $77,937.60- $109,657.60 Annually
Note: The job descriptions are currently being updated and are under review for final approval.
In Huntington Beach, we believe passionately that the key to becoming the best beach City in the world starts and ends with finding the right people to join our team. At this time, we have an outstanding career opportunity available, as we're looking for the "right person" to serve as Building Inspector/Combination Inspector in our Community Development Department.
Community Development Department
The Community Development Department is comprised of two primary areas: Development Services and Community Enhancement. Development Services is comprised of the following divisions: Planning, Building and Safety and the Permit Center. Community Enhancement is comprised of the Housing, Code Enforcement and Economic Development divisions. Inspection Services is responsible for ensuring projects are constructed pursuant to the approved plans, confirming they are compliant with the California Building Code, once a permit has been issued. The purpose of inspections is to safeguard construction in town from shoddy and unsafe work protecting the owners and occupants of buildings. Once a construction project has passed all inspections and is complete a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, in the case of non-residential buildings or the permit is finalized for residential construction. Building Inspectors most often deal directly with contractors but occasionally will interact directly with owners on an owner-builder situation.
The Positions
Building Inspector is the entry-level classification within the Building Inspection series. Incumbents at this level receive on-the-job training in order to learn and develop competencies in performing the essential functions of the job. This classification is distinguished from the Combination Inspector in that the latter is the journey level of the series, performing the full range of assigned inspection duties, with a requirement that incumbents attain designated certifications including California Residential Building Inspector and at least one other California Inspector Certification within the first year of employment.

Combination Inspector is the journey level classification within the Building Inspector series and is expected to perform the full range of building inspection duties. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This classification is distinguished from the Building Inspector in that the latter is a training classification, which does not require the acquisition of certifications. The Combination Inspector is distinguished from the Senior Combination Inspector in that the latter is an advanced journey level classification responsible for performing the more complex work assigned to the series, and which requires the acquisition of Building, Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical certifications.
Examples of Essential Duties

Building Inspector:
Within a learning and on-the-job training capacity:

• Performs inspections consistent within assignment areas to ensure compliance with adopted building and construction codes in residential and small commercial projects; adopted codes shall include, in part, the Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Codes, State Energy and Disabled Access Codes, City Ordinances and State and local laws and codes where appropriate
• Participates in ride-along training activities as directed
• Investigates properties for unpermitted construction activity, and checks existing construction for deterioration and hazardous conditions
• Assists and advises contractors, craftsmen and homeowners regarding pertinent regulations
• Assembles and writes reports
• Maintains records of work performed
• Learns to interpret multiple codes
• Answers verbal and written complaints in regards to all types of building installations as assigned
• Handles challenging interactions professionally and constructively, and consistently demonstrates ethical integrity

Click here to view the full job description for Building Inspector

Combination Inspector:

• Performs combination inspections
• Inspects structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical installations and swimming pools to ensure compliance with adopted codes in all residential and commercial projects
• Adopted codes shall include, in part, the Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Codes, State Energy and Handicapped Codes, City Ordinances and State and local laws and codes where appropriate
• Reviews and approves residential and commercial plans and layouts prior to issuance of permits
• Investigates new and existing construction for evidence of illegal practices such as construction, demolition, and alterations
• Checks existing construction for suitability of occupancy classification and for evidence of deterioration and hazardous conditions
• Meets with business and property owners with respect to certificate of occupancy, inspections, and certificates
• Assists and advises contractors, craftsmen and homeowners regarding pertinent regulations
• Assembles and writes reports including inspection reports, correction notices, reinspection fees, stop work orders, and construction site stormwater runoff reports
• Maintains records of work performed
• Makes code interpretations

Click here to view the full job description for Combination Inspector
The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. The City reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:

Building Inspector:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent certificate.
Experience: One (1) year of experience in a construction trade or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
Licenses/Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Combination Inspector:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent certificate.
Experience: Two (2) years' experience in a construction trade or an equivalent combination of experience and training performing combination inspections for a government agency or equivalent.
Licenses/Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment and throughout employment.
Certification by the International Code Council (ICC) in the following disciplines authorizing inspections for both residential and commercial properties:
California Residential and Commercial Building Inspector with:

• California Residential and Commercial Electrical inspector, or
• California Residential and Commercial Plumbing Inspector and California Residential and Commercial Mechanical Inspector.

Certifications by other approved model code organizations in the categories indicated may be accepted if they are determined by the Director to be equivalent.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Employees regularly assigned/required to drive a city or personal vehicle in the course and scope of work, shall be required to participate in the DMV Pull Notice Program.

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all Huntington Beach City employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

• An online application must be fully completed
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate that they meet the minimum education, experience, license and/or certification requirements to be considered. Applicants whose qualifications best meet the City's needs will be invited to participate in a virtual oral examination (weighted 100%), which will be scheduled once a sufficiently qualified applicant pool has been established.
• Selection Interview
• Appointment

The City of Huntington Beach offers a comprehensive benefit package to Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters (formerly MEA) members, including:

The SALARY RANGE is composed of seven steps. Merit step increases are based on satisfactory performance.

PROMOTIONS within the City are based upon the merit system principles emphasizing individual ability and utilizing competitive examinations.

TWELVE PAID HOLIDAYS provided per year.

GENERAL LEAVE with pay of 176 hours is granted to regular full-time employees. After four years' service additional general leave hours are earned, up to 256 hours after fifteen years' service.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PLANS are available for eligible employees to develop their knowledge and abilities.

GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAMS are available to eligible City employees. These programs include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurances.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS are available where employees use pre-tax salary to pay for regular child care, adult dependent care and/or medical expenses.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS are provided by the California Public Employee's Retirement System. Every regular employee becomes a member immediately upon employment. Effective January 1, 2013, the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act will apply to new members of CalPERS. A new member is defined as a new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after 1/1/13 and has no prior membership in a California public retirement system; is not eligible for reciprocity with another California public retirement system; or is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six (6) months. All employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be subject to CalPERS membership review for applicability of PEPRA. Employees enrolled in CalPERS prior to January 1, 2013 are considered classic members.

The benefit formula, final compensation period, and member contribution rate is as represented below:

Classic Miscellaneous Members:
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2.5% at age 55
Final Compensation Period 1-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 9.0% of Reportable Compensation

New Miscellaneous Members under PEPRA:
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2% at age 62
Final Compensation Period 3-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 8.25% of Reportable Compensation (eff. 7/1/23)

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Two voluntary deferred compensation 457 plans are available.

CREDIT UNION membership is available to all City employees and provides access to low interest loans.

FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULES: Employees will have the option of working a 5/40 or 9/80 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. Employees assigned to the Police Department shall retain the option of working the 4/10 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. In order to maintain service to the public, departmental effectiveness, productivity and/or efficiency, a Department Head may assign an employee a different work schedule that is in compliance with the requirements of FLSA with City Manager approval.

An Agency Shop Agreement exists between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters (HBMT). As a result, employees in classifications represented by the HBMT are required, no later than 30 days after commencing employment, to either opt out or become a dues paying HBMT member. All dues are collected via payroll deduction and distributed directly to HBMT for processing.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.

For a more detailed overview of the benefits, review the Memorandum of Understanding and Side Letters at: Click on the links under "Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters" or "Municipal Employees' Association".
01

Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent certificate?

• Yes
• No

02

Indicate the years of experience you possess in a construction trade or an equivalent combination of experience or training.

• None
• Less than one (1) year
• At least one (1) year but less than two (2) years
• At least two (2) years but less than three (3) years
• Three (3) years or more

03

Indicate your experience performing combination inspections for a government agency or equivalent.

• None
• Less than (1) year
• At least one (1) year but less than two (2) years
• At least two (2) years but less than three (3) years
• Three (3) years or more

04

Select the International Code Council (ICC) certifications you currently hold from the list below, or choose "None" if you do not have any.

• California Residential Building Inspector
• California Commercial Building Inspector
• California Residential Electrical Inspector
• California Commercial Electrical Inspector
• California Residential Plumbing Inspector
• California Commercial Plumbing Inspector
• California Residential Mechanical Inspector
• California Commercial Mechanical Inspector
• None

05

Are you a CalPERS Retired Annuitant?

• Yes
• No

Required Question