Building Inspector I/II

City of Escondido; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Escondido is hiring Building Inspector I/II in the Development Services Department/Building Division. Duties include inspecting construction for code compliance, performing plan checks for minor projects, issuing permits, and assisting the public at the counter and by phone.

Building Inspector I/II require knowledge of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and Title-24 requirements, plus related codes. Certification and a CA driver’s license are required for II level.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Certificate from or enrollment in a Construction Inspection Program from a Community College or university is desirable.
• One year (full-time equivalent) of experience in construction inspection or general construction experience.
• Two years (full-time equivalent) of experience in construction inspection or construction experience as a journeyman, or one year of experience as a Building Inspector I with the City of Escondido.

Responsibilities

• Inspects buildings and similar structures for compliance with building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and related codes.
• Provides plan check services for minor projects including residential additions and commercial/industrial tenant improvements.
• Keeps logs, issues permits, and assists the public with permits and code interpretations.
• Drives city vehicle for field work and testifies in court concerning code regulations.
• Performs related duties and provides vacation relief as needed.

Skills

Building inspection

Code compliance

Plan checks

Communication

Record keeping

Safety practices

Education

12th grade completion

Construction Inspection Program desirable

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position is open until filled and may close at any time without notice.

A first review of applications will take place during the week of August 17, 2026. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

Building Inspector I: $71,545 - $95,878/annual

Building Inspector II: $82,971 - $111,189/annual

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Building Inspector I/II in our Development Services Department/Building Division. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City’s website.

Under regular supervision (Building Inspector I) or general supervision (Building Inspector II), inspects building construction or alteration work for compliance with the provisions of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and zoning codes; assists the public at the permit counter and over the telephone regarding the interpretation of Building Codes and Ordinances; and provides plan check services for minor projects.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Building Inspector I

This is the entry level class in the Building Inspector series. Positions in this class have prior experience in construction inspection or general construction experience and a working knowledge of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and Title-24 accessibility and energy requirements. This level is not expected to function with the same amount of work knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Building Inspector II level. The Building Inspector I exercises less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Incumbents in this class are expected to learn the counter, office and field operations of the division under the direction of a Development Technician for counter activities and a Building Inspector II or Senior Building Inspector for field operations. Incumbents initially appointed to Building Inspector I level may progress to Building Inspector II after successfully completing one year (12 months) as a Building Inspector I with the City of Escondido, and achieving the qualifications and department requirements established for progression.

Building Inspector II

This is the journey-level class in the Building Inspector series. Positions at this level require construction inspection experience or construction experience as a journeyman, including a thorough knowledge of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and Title-24 accessibility and energy requirements. Positions at this level require demonstrated ability to perform responsible building inspections and plan checks. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Building Inspector II level are normally filled by advancement from the Building Inspector I level.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Inspects buildings and similar structures that are being constructed, altered, moved or demolished to verify that work being done complies with provisions of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and related codes, ordinances and State and Federal construction regulations, and are in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
• Provides plan check services for compliance with the above codes for minor projects, including but not limited to, residential additions and accessory structures and commercial/industrial tenant improvements.
• Maintains log books and issues permits when assigned to counter duties.
• Computes fees and issues Building Permits and other related permits.
• Assists builders, contractors, architects, artisans and the public in the clarification and interpretation of codes and ordinances.
• Verifies that tests of structural materials have been conducted and recorded.
• Inspects the quality of materials and methods of construction for footing, foundation, excavation, wood framing, concrete work, steel erection, lathing, plastering, roofing, masonry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical installation.
• Keeps a log of inspections made on active permits and action taken.
• Approves or indicates corrective action.
• Checks for construction or alterations being performed without proper permits.
• Follows up on complaints made by the public regarding improper building or structural construction.
• Observes safety practices and advises responsible party at any construction site where safety violations are observed.
• Drives a City vehicle when major assignment is field work.
• Testifies in court concerning code regulations.
• May assist in code enforcement, housing and building maintenance construction projects.
• May be assigned to perform counter plan checks and assist customers with permits.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques of building inspection.
• Requirements of the building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and related codes and ordinances.
• California vehicular laws.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Algebraic and arithmetic computations.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Principles and practices of customer service.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply the detailed provisions of building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical and related codes and ordinance.
• Keep abreast of the latest editions and changes of all codes enforced by the Building Division.
• Read and understand complex instructions such as regulatory policies.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Understand and interpret building plans and specifications; make inspections and detect deviations from approved plans and specifications.
• Detect substandard materials and workmanship.
• Keep records and make reports.
• Prepare clear, concise instructions, reports and correspondence.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public; tactfully and courteously represent the Community Development Department during public contacts.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Building Inspector I/II

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Certificate from or enrollment in a Construction Inspection Program from a Community College or university is desirable.

Building Inspector I Experience:

One year (full-time equivalent) of experience in construction inspection or general construction experience.

Building Inspector II Experience:

Two years (full-time equivalent) of experience in construction inspection or construction experience as a journeyman, or one year of experience as a Building Inspector I with the City of Escondido.

License and Other Requirements

Building Inspector I

Certification by the International Code Conference or similarly recognized organization as a Residential Building Inspector or Combination Residential Building Inspector is required within twelve months of employment. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

Building Inspector II

Possession of Combination Residential Inspector or Building Inspector certification is required. Possession of additional certifications by the International Code Conference or similarly recognized organization is highly desirable. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

NOTE:

For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City’s web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City’s receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY

The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city’s rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido’s treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE

The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.