Building Inspector I

City of Santa Monica; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santa Monica is seeking a Building Inspector I to perform inspections of routine residential and less complex commercial construction for code compliance. You will inspect structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, review plans, and explain required corrections to property owners and contractors.

Under supervision, you will accumulate experience, pursue ICC certifications, maintain inspection records, and coordinate with city staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Desirable coursework in building construction or related field.
• Experience in building inspection or trainee program preferred.
• Possession of valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Perform field inspections of residential and light commercial construction.
• Verify compliance with approved plans and applicable codes.
• Issue inspection correction notices and document results.
• Maintain accurate records using permit management systems.
• Explain inspection requirements to owners, contractors and the public.

Skills

Regulatory codes

Plan interpretation

Inspection procedures

Effective communication

Recordkeeping

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Technical training in building inspection

Tools

Computerized permit tracking systems

Office software

Job description

DEFINITION

This classification performs building inspection work of routine to moderate difficulty involving residential and less complex commercial construction, inspects construction, alteration, repair, and demolition work for compliance with approved plans, applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, green building, accessibility, and related codes and regulations; provides information and assistance to property owners, contractors, design professionals, and the public; maintains inspection records; and performs related duties assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Building Inspector I is the developmental level in the Building Inspector classification series. Incumbents perform inspections of routine residential and less complex commercial construction while developing competency in multiple inspection disciplines. Initially, work is performed under closer supervision, with assignments becoming more independent as experience, technical knowledge, and required certifications are obtained.

This classification is distinguished from Building Inspector II in that the latter independently performs the full range of combination inspections involving building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems and is required to possess a higher level of ICC certification and inspection experience.

SUPERVISION

Works under the direct to general supervision of the Building Inspection Supervisor or other supervisory or designated staff who outlines work assignments, reviews both work in progress and completed work. This classification does not provide any supervision.

Performs field inspections of new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, and demolition work.

Inspects residential and less complex commercial construction for compliance with approved plans, specifications, permits, codes, ordinances, and regulations.

Performs inspections involving building, structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction within the employee’s demonstrated level of competency.

Verifies setbacks, foundations, framing, fire-resistive construction, means of egress, accessibility features, energy requirements.

Reviews approved construction plans and specifications in preparation for inspections.

Identifies construction that does not comply with approved plans or applicable codes and explains required corrections.

Issues inspection correction notices and documents inspection results.

Performs follow-up inspections to verify completion of required corrections

Provided routine information regarding building codes, inspection procedures, permit requirements, and construction standards.

Assists property owners, contractors, architects, engineers, and members of the public and members of the public in understanding applicable inspection requirements.

Maintains accurate inspection records using the city’s permit and inspection management systems.

Investigates routine complaints regarding construction activity and refers complex matters to higher-level staff.

Coordinates inspection activities with other city staff and outside agencies when necessary.

Participates in training and continuing education to develop competency in building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspection.

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of

• Basic principles, practices, methods, materials, and terminology used in building construction
• Basic principles of building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems
• Applicable provisions of the California Building Standards Code
• Building inspection methods and procedures
• Construction plans, specifications, and standard construction documents
• Basic mathematics used in building inspection
• Occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions
• Principles of effective custom service
• Basic recordkeeping and report preparation

Skill in

• Learning the correct local, state and federal regulatory codes and standards
• Understanding and interpreting plans and specifications
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing
• Using standard office equipment, software applications, and computerized permit tracking systems

Ability to

• Learn, interpret and apply applicable building and construction codes
• Read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and details
• Inspect construction workmanship and materials
• Recognize deviations from approved plans and applicable codes
• Explain inspection requirements and correction notices clearly and professionally
• Exercise sound judgment within established guidelines
• Main accurate electronic and written records
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with contractors, design professionals, property owners, coworkers, and the public
• Safety access construction sites, including ladders, stairs, scaffolding, uneven surfaces, and confined areas as required

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
• College-level coursework or technical training in building construction, construction technology, architecture, engineering, building inspection, code administration, or a related field is desirable.

Experience

• One year of experience as Building Inspector Trainee with the City of Santa Monica or two years of work experience performing building or construction inspection.

Licenses and Certifications

Licenses

• Possession of a valid Class C driver license.

ICC Certifications

Possession of at least one current (valid) International Code Council (ICC) Inspector certification in one of the following disciplines is required:

• Residential Building Inspector (B1), or
• Commercial Building Inspector (B2)

The required certification shall be maintained as a condition of continued employment. Additional ICC inspection certifications are highly desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Some work is generally performed indoors. On occasion when inspections are being conducted will shadow/train with experienced staff at construction sites, abandoned buildings, and outdoor work sites, learning building codes, ordinances and documentation standards.

Physical demands include standing, bending, stooping, crawling, lifting up to 25 pounds, climbing ladders and flights of stairs, walking and sitting. Counter work and working in front of a computer terminal is also required. Exposure to dust, direct, odors, noise, vibrations and other outdoor elements may be encountered.

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call [phone]. TDD [phone] (Hearing Impaired Only). Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three works days prior to the examination.