Job Details

Building Inspector

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2026. Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Definition: Under general supervision, performs specialized and complex building inspection work in the interpretation of structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and related codes and regulations pertaining to new construction, remodels, and repair of single family and multi-family residential buildings and commercial properties; and performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives general supervision from the Building Inspection Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Class Characteristics: This is the advanced journey-level classification in the building inspector series responsible for performing the more complex inspections assigned to the series. Positions at this level exercise judgement and initiative in their assigned tasks and handle difficult, sensitive, and specialized building inspections. The incumbent performs the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. 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.

Essential Job Functions

Examples of typical job functions:

• Receives inspection requests; retrieves and reviews permits; schedules and conducts daily field inspections for complex commercial and residential structures; checks for and assures compliance with laws and ordinances and check plans as required.
• Manages customer relations on all commercial and industrial building inspection projects; deals with difficult people in a constructive manner.
• Reviews plans and construction documents for code compliance; works with and responds to staff and the public to address and correct areas of concern that arise during plan check and construction activities.
• Works closely with architects, engineers, designers, contractors, and homeowners concerning deficiencies with structural and non-structural requirements.
• Investigates complaints regarding existing buildings or new construction to determine if code violations or problem conditions exist; makes code interpretations; resolves problems that arise due to code or structural design.
• Works closely with plan check and engineering regarding structural and safety requirements for building design; interprets codes and resolves problems.
• Researches, analyzes, and evaluates new building construction methods and materials; determines compliance with codes.
• Conducts special inspections on structures to be transported, on substandard or hazardous structures, on change of occupancy, and to facilitate code violation compliance.
• Performs administrative support duties such as providing customer service at the work counter and answering phones, receiving and reviewing requests for permits, accepting payment and issuing permits, and cataloging and maintaining incoming paperwork and related documents.
• Operates and maintains vehicle; performs daily inspection of assigned vehicle; documents maintenance defects and malfunctions; schedules vehicle for required repairs as needed.
• Conducts inventory and orders, receives, stocks, and maintains supplies.
• Provides training to new staff as assigned.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, and standards related to building inspection.
• Advanced principles, practices, and methods of residential, commercial, and industrial structural and building plan review and inspection work.
• Advanced principles and practices in general construction and electrical and mechanical systems.
• Advanced principles of structural design and engineering mathematics.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of building inspection and construction.
• Research methods and sources of information related to building inspection.
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping and preparation of correspondence.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County 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, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Read, analyze, and interpret and detect deviations from approved building and construction plans, diagrams, and specifications.
• Enforce a wide range of building and related codes and regulations.
• Perform thorough and accurate inspections of the construction, alteration, or repair of buildings and site development.
• Review and advise homeowners of corrections required for basic residential plan checks.
• Perform required mathematical computations with accuracy.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written material.
• Collect, interpret, and analyze office and field inspection data accurately.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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 completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and

Four (4) years of construction or building inspection experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Building Inspector II.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Possess and maintain a valid I.C.C. Residential or Commercial Building Inspector certificate and two or more of the following: Commercial or Residential Electrical, Plumbing or Mechanical Inspector.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

Physical Demands:

• When assigned to an office environment: Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 35 pounds. Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
• When assigned to field inspection: Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites. Strength and stamina to perform light to medium physical work; lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 5 pounds and weighing up to 35 pounds, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.

Working Conditions:

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Equipment and Tools Utilized: Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.