Building Inspector I (Building)

Building Inspector I/ Building Inspector II/ Building Inspector III

This posting will be open until filled. Application cut-off dates are 01/30/2026, 02/28/2026, 03/31/2026, 04/30/2026, 05/31/2026, 06/30/2026, 07/31/2026, 08/31/2026, 09/30/2026, 10/31/2026, 11/30/2026, 12/31/2026.

To perform rule specific inspection activities in the review of plans and inspections of new building projects, alterations, and repairs, to enforce a variety of codes, ordinances, and established standards to achieve compliance, and to perform other duties and responsibilities as required. Depending on qualifications, incumbents may be assigned to any one, or any combination of inspection discipline areas as:

• Building Specialty Inspection
• Plumbing/Mechanical Specialty Inspection
• Electrical Specialty Inspection
• Roofing Combination Inspection
• Residential Combination Inspection
• Multi-Family Residential and Light Commercial Combination Inspection
• Residential Combination & Structural Plan Review
• Non-Structural Building Plan Review
• Plumbing/Mechanical Plan Review
• Electrical Plan Review
• Project Management
• Enforcement Case Management

The Building Inspector class levels are distinguished by the number of inspection disciplines an inspector is recognized to be qualified in based on certification and demonstrable abilities. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are automatically flexed to the higher level upon completion of required experience and certification as established per the discipline being flexed to. Appointment to the higher class requires that the employee be performing the full range of duties for the class and meet the qualification standards for the class.

Building Inspector I is the entry-level classification in the building inspection series requiring skill and knowledge in any one inspection discipline as illustrated. Incumbents may be assigned to perform the less difficult or complex work in other disciplines as required.

Building Inspector II is distinguished from Building Inspector I, in that the former requires the performance of complex duties within two inspection disciplines as illustrated. Incumbents may be assigned to perform the less difficult or complex work in other disciplines as required.

Building Inspector III is distinguished from Building Inspector I and II that it requires the incumbent to perform complex duties within three inspection disciplines as illustrated. Incumbents may be assigned to perform the less difficult or complex work in other disciplines as required.

Building Inspector I, II, and III is distinguished from Building Inspector IV, by the latter requiring the incumbent to perform complex duties within four inspection disciplines.

Direct and lead supervision is provided by a Supervising Building Inspector or higher-level management personnel.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Identify and enforce a variety of codes, ordinances, and standards violations for conformance with plans and specifications.
• Inspect work product and materials in building construction projects for conformance with plans and specifications, and inspect potentially substandard or dangerous buildings.
• Work with diagrams, specifications, plans, and similar documents.
• Read and interpret building construction and engineering plan specifications and codes.
• Prepare and maintain reports.
• Confer with, and assist architects, engineers, contractors, builders, homeowners, tenants and the general public in the field and office; explain and interpret requirements and restrictions, keep records and prepare reports as necessary.
• Enter information into the Automated Permit System and the computer for word processing, calendaring, and electronic mail.
• Perform basic plan review, routing and project management activities, issue permits, and fee calculations.
• Identify illegal construction activity and issues violation notices.
• May perform case or project management activities.

Qualifications include knowledge of methods, practices, and materials used in construction work relating to a particular inspection discipline, proper inspection techniques, data entry and information retrieval from various computer systems, safety rules, regulations and practices applied to construction areas and office spaces, codes, ordinances, and policies applicable to a particular inspection discipline(s). Ability to read and write the English language at a level of proficiency necessary for effective job performance, apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine work product and materials, recognize correct installations of building systems; detect defects and faults in construction work product and materials, detect deviations from plans, regulations, and read and interpret building construction and engineering plans, specifications, and codes, understand diagrams, specifications, plans, and similar documents at a level necessary for efficient job performance, establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, engineers, architects, contractors, tenants, owners, and the general public, operate a motor vehicle, operate a personal computer and other electronic equipment, including field entry devices and cellular phone, lift, carry, push, tools, equipment, supplies and plans weighing up to 50 pounds, work within confined spaces, climb ladders, work around power and noise producing equipment, work in confined spaces requiring reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, and crouching, work in all weather conditions including wet, hot, cold and windy, access construction areas within construction sites, work on uneven work surfaces, trenches, slopes, roof structures, framing, and other conditions found in a construction environment, serve on-call, work after hours, weekends and holidays, during emergency situations, and as required, anticipate issues and seek resolution through various resources, provide service to all customers with a professional and sincere attitude; be customer service oriented.

Education and experience: any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: education equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade, and one year of experience performing building inspection work within one or more inspection disciplines for a municipal or county government agency, or three years of journey level experience in the building construction field as a plumber, electrician, carpenter, roofer, or closely related field, within the discipline(s) applied. Or completion of 21 units of college level courses in building inspection, construction, or other related areas and possession of a certification issued by the I.C.C. or other approved certifying organization in the building construction or plans examiner fields, and one year of experience performing a variety of paraprofessional/technical work related to plan checking and inspections.

Proof of education should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment if education is used to qualify for this position. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable. An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.

Proof of certification and/or license should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment if certification and/or license is used to qualify for this position.

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case by case basis. Incumbents must possess certification from an approved certifying organization in their specific work discipline(s) and obtain recognition of competency within one year of appointment. Maintenance of required certifications is a condition for continued employment in this classification.

Employees must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status. In addition, incumbents in each inspection discipline must have the following knowledge, abilities, and experience and/or certification as outlined per discipline.