Building Inspector I

City of Fairfield; Fairfield (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Fairfield is seeking a Building Inspector I to join the Building Division, ensuring safety, code compliance, and quality in new and existing structures. You will inspect residential, commercial, and industrial projects for conformity with building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes, interacting with contractors and homeowners while prioritizing public safety.

Applicants should have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a CA driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade is required.
• ICBO/ICC/ACIA certifications are highly desirable.
• Associate's degree may substitute for one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Inspect residential, commercial, and industrial structures for code compliance (building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical).
• Serve as frontline representative of the City, coordinating with contractors and homeowners.
• Support public safety by ensuring adherence to codes and standards in inspections.
• Possess valid California driver's license and conduct inspections accordingly.

Skills

Building inspection

Code compliance

Communication skills

Public safety mindset

Education

Education equivalent to high school diploma

ICBO/ICC/ACIA certifications desirable

Job description

The City of Fairfield is accepting applications for a Building Inspector I within the Community Development Department!

Are you ready to play a vital role in ensuring the safety, structural integrity, and high quality of development in one of California's most vibrant communities? The City of Fairfield is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented professional to join our Building Division as a Building Inspector I. In this role, you will serve as a frontline representative of the City, working directly with contractors, developers, and homeowners to inspect residential, commercial, and industrial structures for compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes. If you possess a strong eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to public safety, Fairfield offers an exceptional environment to advance your career and make a lasting impact on our growing community.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for November 5, 2026

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily outside and may include exposure to construction noise, heights, potential electrical shock, and construction machinery. May include exposure to unsanitary conditions, odors, and hazardous chemicals. At times, work may include reviewing plans at a desk and covering front counter duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Duties may include transporting light to heavy objects (up to 50 pounds), reaching, pushing, pulling, crawling, climbing, stooping, prolonged periods of standing; walking on uneven surfaces, stepping over trenches, walking on roofs up to 8/12 pitch; climbing ladders and scaffolding two to four stories in height; using a computer keyboard / tablet for data input and typing reports. Ability to see well enough to read gauges, manufacturers' labels and fine print on plans; depth perception to climb ladders and walk on roofs and multi-level framing; ability to distinguish colors to determine correct wiring.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Building Inspector I/II/III classifications are flexibly staffed. Incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience, obtaining the required certifications and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher-level class.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXCERCISED

Supervision is received from the Building Inspector Supervisor or other management staff. Training, guidance and direction may be provided by the Senior Building Inspector. The Building Inspector III may provide limited guidance to other inspectors as needed.

Experience

One (1) full-time year of building inspection experience with a public agency inspecting all of the major trade fields (carpentry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing) is required.

OR

Four (4) full-time years of responsible and relevant journey-level experience in either one of the major trade fields or in the performance of a wide variety of building trades work performed in conformance with standard building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes are required.

An Associate's degree in Building Construction / Inspection Technology may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Education

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade is required. Related college course work and certification with the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), International Code Council (ICC), or American Construction Inspectors Association (ACIA) are highly desirable.

REQUIRED LICENSES AND / OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid California Driver's license is required.
• Certification from the ICC as a Residential Building Inspector - or equivalent certification under the ICBO legacy program - is required to be complete within the first six (6) months in the position. Certification shall be maintained as a condition of employment.

For the complete job description please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fairfield/classspecs

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best-qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination.

REFERENCE CHECKS

The City utilizes an electronic reference check process to gather references of candidates once mutual interest is established. Please note that if you include your current supervisor in the “References” section of your application, they may be contacted once you have accepted a conditional job offer from the City.

Candidates are encouraged to notify anyone they list in the “References” section to help ensure a timely response. When listing references, please identify persons who can assess your professional qualifications in the context of the workplace. Examples include former colleagues/supervisors, mentors, etc. If you have limited or no work experience, you may identify personal references familiar with your qualifications that correlate to workplace experiences. Examples include teachers, volunteer coordinators, mentors, etc.

The City of Fairfield is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism.