Building Inspector I/II (Certified)

City of Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Berkeley's Planning and Development Department is seeking a Certified Building Inspector I or II to enforce building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, zoning and related codes for new construction and existing buildings. You will inspect and enforce regulations, resolve issues, and travel to multiple sites as required.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, plus relevant experience or an AA in construction technology and ICC certifications.

Qualifications

• Requires standing knowledge of building codes and regulations.
• ICC Commercial and Residential Building Inspector Certification or equivalent required (or ability to obtain).
• ICC Commercial and Residential Electrical Inspector Certification or equivalent required for Building Inspector II.

Responsibilities

• Inspect buildings for compliance with building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and zoning codes.
• Resolve problems and complaints to final resolution.
• Travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley as needed.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two-year AA in construction technology or related field

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:

• Building Inspector I: https://tinyurl.com/BuildingInspectorI
• Building Inspector II: https://tinyurl.com/BuildingInspectorII

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities is:

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

• 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 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.

Application deadline: Monday, October 26, 2026 at 5 PM Pacific.