Building Inspector I/II (Certified)

City of Berkeley, CA; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Berkeley is seeking a Building Inspector I/II to enforce building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, zoning and related codes for new construction and existing buildings. You will inspect, interpret code requirements and resolve issues to ensure safe, compliant outcomes.

Building Inspector I and II differ in supervision and complexity; candidates must meet defined experience and certification requirements, including ICC credentials, and be able to travel as needed within the city.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from high school and experience as specified below.

Responsibilities

• Enforce building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, zoning and related codes and regulations that govern new building and housing construction, additions, alterations, repairs and use of existing buildings.
• Resolve problems and complaints to final resolution.

Education

AA program in construction technology or related field and four ICC certificates including building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical

Job description

Join the City of Berkeley's Planning and Development Department in its effort to protect the health, safety, and welfare of citizens by enforcing building codes and regulations. As a Certified Building Inspector I or II, you will perform skilled inspection work in the enforcement of building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, zoning and related codes and regulations that govern new building and housing construction, additions, alterations, repairs and use of existing buildings. This work includes resolving problems and complaints to final resolution.

These classifications differ in that the Building Inspector I works under closer supervision and performs less complex inspection work than the Building Inspector II.

See the full job class specifications: https://tinyurl.com/BuildingInspectorI and https://tinyurl.com/BuildingInspectorII.

Equivalent to graduation from high school and experience as specified below.

Application Deadline

Monday, October 26, 2026 at 5 PM Pacific.

Qualifications

• Building Inspector I:
  • One year of full-time experience as a building inspector with a public agency, OR
  • Four years of full-time experience as a journey level carpenter, electrician, plumber, building plans examiner, public works inspector or permit specialist, OR
  • Three years of full-time experience in the building construction field as a licensed general, plumbing, electrical or mechanical contractor, OR
  • Completion of a two year AA program or equivalent in construction technology or a related field and a minimum of four ICC certificates including building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical.
• Building Inspector II:
  • Three years of full time experience in building inspection work with a public agency.

Other Requirements

• Other requirements include possession of a valid International Code Council (ICC) Commercial and Residential Building Inspector Certificate or equivalent. In addition, Building Inspector II requires possession of a valid ICC Commercial and Residential Electrical Inspector Certification or equivalent. Equivalency shall be determined by the building official in accordance with state law. Required certifications must be maintained as a condition of employment.
• Incumbents in both positions must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities.
• When driving on City business, maintenance of a valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record is required.

Exam Process

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the application period close date)

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews.