Building Inspector I

Building Inspector I

The City of Tracy is seeking a Building Inspector I who embodies a spirit of service, approachability, and teamwork. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about delivering excellent customer service to our diverse community. They present a friendly and professional image, are easily accessible to residents and colleagues, and take pride in being helpful and solution oriented. We're looking for someone who is self-motivated, eager to learn, and open to growth. Whether you're just starting out or transitioning into the field, our department is committed to providing comprehensive training and mentorship to help you succeed. If you enjoy working with people, solving problems, and contributing to a positive and supportive team culture, we encourage you to apply.

Under general supervision or general direction, performs routine to complex inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial building sites at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair to enforce building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and environmental codes, and other governing laws and ordinances, including basic zoning, grading, fire, and safety regulations; ensures conformance with approved plans, specifications, standards, permits, licensing, and safety standards; provides a variety of information to property owners, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors; and performs related duties, as assigned.

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This is the entry-level classification in the Building Inspector series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic experience learn City systems, operations, practices, and procedures while performing the more routine building inspection work. Assignments at this level vary based upon the specific knowledge base and skillset related to the various aspects of building systems inspection and areas of assignment broaden as incumbents gain experience with the additional aspects of building inspection work. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.

Positions in the Building Inspector class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II-level are normally filled by advancement from the I-level after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Performs field inspections of new and existing commercial, industrial, and residential properties at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair for conformance to codes, regulations, plans, specifications, standards, and architect and engineering drawings related to foundations, framing, electrical, mechanical, heating, plumbing, structure, finish, and a wide variety of other routine to complex building system elements; inspects a variety of structural member factors; examines grade, quality, and treatment of a variety of materials; performs final inspections.

Confers with legal, fire, public works, code enforcement, and other City staff regarding building, fire, life safety, zoning, and other code interpretations and applications.

Performs non-structural plan checking for completeness, accuracy, and code compliance for new construction, alterations, or remodeling of existing structures; ensures compliance with applicable codes and accepted engineering practices.

Reviews energy calculations to ensure compliance with State codes.

Performs grading inspections with an emphasis on drainable systems, compaction, subdrainage, and environmental protection.

Initiates minor field changes on contract projects not involving structural or architectural features.

Writes "stop work" notices for work being done without permits or in an unsafe manner.

Reviews plans and applications for building permits; issues building permits; makes final inspections and issues certificates of occupancy.

Investigates complaints regarding existing buildings or new construction to determine if code violations or problem conditions exist.

Reviews damaged buildings for safe occupancy after fires or other disasters and occurrences.

Consults with the Building Official and City legal staff regarding legal aspects of building inspection and other matters; attends code interpretation meetings.

Confers with and provides information to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, contractors, and others regarding code requirements and alternatives; attends pre-construction meetings; resolves complaints and problems.

Conducts follow-up inspections to ensure compliance; establishes and maintains accurate and complete case files; prepares documents and evidence for court proceedings and testifies in hearings and court proceedings, as necessary.

Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.

Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Some knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed by positions at the entry (I) level in a learning capacity :

Knowledge of :

• Principles, practices, methods, materials, techniques, and safety standards of building construction, building inspection, and structural design for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
• Building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, life safety, energy, and related codes.
• Concepts and practices of non-structural plan review.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of building inspection and construction.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including safe driving rules and practices.
• Mathematical principles including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and / or generate documentation.

Ability to :

Education and Experience :

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be : Equivalent to graduation from the twelfth (12th) grade and four (4) years of journey-level experience in craft work in the building trades, or processing permit applications and enforcing various building and / or planning codes, or two (2) years reviewing plans for compliance with regulations and codes as a jurisdictional plan reviewer.

Licenses and Certifications :