Building Inspector

We invite applications for the position of: Building Inspector

This recruitment will remain Open Until Filled. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. This recruitment may close at any time, once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established.

Under general supervision, reviews plans and construction documents for compliance with building codes and regulations; conducts thorough inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties; enforces building codes and related regulations; completes accurate documentation of inspection findings; and performs related duties as assigned.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will possess integrity; adaptability and a solution-oriented focus; the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships; strong communication skills; an ability to relate well to the public, management, and other City employees. Exemplify an enthusiastic and effective customer service attitude by providing high level customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, motivated, and flexible; demonstrate a proactive and creative approach to addressing challenges. The Building Inspector must have knowledge interpreting, applying, and explaining laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies governing the construction and maintenance of buildings using tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines. Must be skilled in exercising investigations and inspections; and have the ability to work under minimal supervision.

• Receives inspection requests, retrieves and reviews permits, and schedules daily field inspections for various types of properties, including single-family residential dwellings, multi-family residential properties, and commercial or industrial properties.

• Interprets and enforces compliance with building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other related codes, and regulations during field inspections; conducts non-structural plan checks to ensure adherence to applicable codes and regulations.

• Responds to and addresses questions and concerns related to field inspections promptly and professionally.

• Consults with architects, engineers, designers, contractors, and homeowners regarding structural and non-structural deficiencies; provides expert guidance and support throughout the compliance process.

• Investigates complaints concerning existing buildings or new construction, determines code violations or problem conditions, and takes necessary actions to address and resolve issues; conducts assessments on damaged buildings post-fire or natural disasters.

• Conducts building safety assessments on both commercial and residential properties following disasters, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of buildings.

• Writes and issues stop work orders for activities being carried out without proper permits or in an unsafe manner, safeguarding public safety.

• Conducts final inspections and issues certificates of occupancy for compliant buildings, verifying that all necessary requirements have been met.

• Provides administrative support by offering customer service at the work counter, answering phones, reviewing permit requests, accepting payments, issuing permits, and maintaining accurate records and documentation.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by specialized training in building inspection, construction management, engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience:

Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in building inspection, construction management, or a related field.

• Certification as a Combination Building Inspector issued by the International Code Council (ICC) or other approved certifying agency.

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record, to be maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge of:

• Building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, life safety, energy, and related codes, as well as familiarity with their application in residential and commercial construction projects.

• Construction methods, materials, tools, and equipment commonly used in residential and commercial construction, including their proper installation and usage.

• Practices and techniques for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and carrying through.

• Codes, ordinances, and regulations, including safety standards relevant to building inspection and construction activities.

• Concepts and practices of non-structural plan review.

• Relevant mathematical principles.

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.

• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• 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, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Read, analyze, interpret, and detect deviations from approved building and construction plans, diagrams, and specifications.

• Enforce a wide range of building and related codes and regulations effectively.

• Perform thorough and accurate inspections of construction, alteration, or repair activities for buildings and site development projects and identify potential issues.

• Providing clear and concise guidance to facilitate compliance with building codes and regulations.

• Perform mathematical computations with precision.

• Collect, interpret, and analyze data accurately.

• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.

• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

• 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. 

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.