Building Inspector/Senior Building Inspector

The City of Lake Forest is seeking qualified candidates for two (2) full-time Building Inspector or Senior Building Inspector positions in the Building Division of the Community Development Department. Depending on the qualifications of the selected candidates, the positions may be filled at either the Building Inspector or Senior Building Inspector level.

Application Deadline: October 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

THE ROLE:

Building Inspector

Under general supervision, performs a variety of building inspection duties involved in the inspection of building systems at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair for compliance with applicable state and local laws, ordinances, and codes; and provides information and assistance to architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and the general public.

Senior Building Inspector

Under direction, performs a full range of advanced journey level duties in support of the Building Services Division; leads, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for the inspection of building systems at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair for compliance with applicable state and local laws, ordinances, and codes; acts as a technical expert and provides a variety of support duties often involving interdepartmental coordination; and provides information and assistance to architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and the general public.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities is described below for each level.

Building Inspector

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• Two years of work experience involving building inspection and considerable public contact, preferably in a governmental Building Safety department involving building inspection responsibilities
• Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Residential Building Inspector at time of appointment. 
• Valid Class C California Driver’s License and ability to maintain insurability under the City’s Vehicle Insurance Policy

Senior Building Inspector

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• Three years of work experience involving building inspection and considerable public contact, preferably in a governmental Building Safety department involving building inspection responsibilities
• Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Commercial Building Inspector at time of appointment.
• Valid Class C California Driver’s License and ability to maintain insurability under the City’s Vehicle Insurance Policy

Positions may be filled at either the Building Inspector or Senior Building Inspector level based on the qualifications, certifications, experience, and demonstrated ability of the selected candidates.

The annual salary range for the Building Inspector position is $85,572 - $111,240 (DOQ)

The annual salary range for the Senior Building Inspector position is $94,452 - $122,796 (DOQ) 

VIEW THE COMPLETE JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

Building Inspector | Senior Building Inspector

RECRUITMENT TIMELINE:

First Round Interviews: Week of October 26.
Second Round Interviews: Week of November 9.

Dates are tentative and subject to change. Candidates are encouraged to plan accordingly, as these are currently the anticipated interview dates.