Building Inspector I/II/III

County of Ventura; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Educational incentive

Flexible workweek

Sick leave and vacation accrual

Health insurance and dental/vision

Retirement plan and 401(k) match

Job summary

County of Ventura's Resource Management Agency seeks Building Inspector I–III to inspect residential and commercial constructions for compliance with California codes, local ordinances, and state/federal laws. Candidates should have strong customer service and the ability to work across multiple sites using mobile technology.

Ideal applicants hold ICC certifications and construction inspection experience, with familiarity in electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as an inspector or journeyman in the building trades or building construction.
• Certification as an inspector by a recognized organization (e.g., ICC) is preferred.
• Ability to work on computer databases and permit/land-use management tracking software.

Responsibilities

• Inspect buildings and structures for compliance with codes and laws across construction stages.
• Explain code requirements to the public, builders, and other county personnel.
• Perform related duties as required across inspector levels.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Computer skills

Education

ICC certification

Tools

Permit tracking software

Job description

Posting number: 1130RMA-26AA (DS)

Department: Resource Management Agency

Job classification: BUILDING INSPECTOR I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Building & Safety, Code Enforcement, Engineering, Land Use, Community Development, Construction Maintenance, Construction Trades

Summary

BE PART OF SOMETHING AMAZING

The County of Ventura offers attractive compensation and benefits package:

• General Salary Increase- 3.5% effective December 20, 2026, and on December 19, 2027.
• Educational Incentive- An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate's degree.
• Bilingual Incentive- Proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level Ill).
• Flexible Workweek– We support work life balance by offering a compressed work schedule (e.g., 9/80 workweek).
• Sick Leave- Full-time regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods.
• Vacation Accrual- New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked.
• Vacation Redemption- After 10,400 hours of continuous County service (approximately five (5) years), an employee may elect to “cash in” or redeem up to 120 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
• Deferred Compensation- Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Health Insurance- Full-time regular employees are provided an annual flexible credit allowance of up to$26,626.86 to help offset the cost of medical insurance for themselves and their eligible dependents.
  • Employee only - $487.15 per biweekly pay period
  • Employee plus one dependent - $875.98 per biweekly pay period
  • Employee plus family - $1,075.25 per biweekly pay period.
• Dental and Vision- The County will pay 100% of dental and vision premium for all eligible employees who enroll in a County-sponsored coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts- Choice of participation in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increase spending power through reimbursement of pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
• Pension Plan- Participation in the County’s defined benefit plan, which has reciprocity with CalPERS.
• Holidays- 13 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
• Additional Benefits-Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Wellness Program.

VENTURA COUNTY

Ventura County is located on California's "Gold Coast," about 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. Residents enjoy rolling hills and wide ocean views in a nearly perfect Mediterranean climate, with an average annual temperature of 74.2 degrees. The beautiful scenery and pleasant weather, along with a high quality of life, are the main reasons why our residents choose to call Ventura County "home."

THE AGENCY

The primary goal of the Resource Management Agency (RMA) is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public through the administration and enforcement of County ordinances, Board policy, and state and federal laws regarding land use, and commercial and environmental regulation. The agency includes five divisions: Environmental Health, Building & Safety, Code Compliance, Operations, and Planning. RMA also plays an important role in economic development by assisting County residents and businesses in obtaining permits needed to construct new or reconfigured buildings, start new businesses such as home occupations, restaurants and food service establishments, and agricultural enterprises.

RMA recognizes the value of having a diverse and inclusive workforce at all levels of our Agency to best serve our clients and be representative of the community we serve and is committed to being an active participant in removing barriers to ensure equitable access and opportunities for success. The Agency is dedicated to attracting, hiring, developing, retaining, and valuing quality employees fully empowered to protect everyone’s health, safety, and the environment, and committed to providing excellent customer service through the efficient, accurate, and consistent application of laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies.

THE DIVISION

The key responsibility of the Building & Safety Division is to enforce various requirements associated with fire safety, structural safety, energy conservation, water conservation, sustainability, accessibility for disabled persons, and various other aspects that make the buildings in our community safe to use and occupy. The Ventura County Building Code contains references to the State Codes that are used in the State of California and lists those local construction standards used in Ventura County.

THE POSITION(S):

Under general supervision, inspects buildings and structures in all stages of construction for compliance with governing laws, local ordinances, and adopted state and model codes, and standards, and takes appropriate action to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and laws.

The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service skills as well as strong interpersonal skills which allow them to successfully work with a diverse customer base including home and business owners, builders, contractors, trades people, designers, and general public. The ideal candidate will also have recent construction experience with working knowledge of current construction methods and materials, including work experience in mechanical, plumbing, and electrical installations; ability to work under direction and/or independently with the use of mobile technology at various work sites throughout the County. Additional trade certifications from the International Code Council (ICC) are highly desired.

Building Inspector I and II: Under general supervision (I and II), inspects buildings and structures in all stages of construction for compliance with governing laws, local ordinances, and adopted state and model codes, and standards, and takes appropriate action to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and laws. Performs related duties as required.

Building Inspector III: Under direction, inspects buildings and structures in all stages of construction related to the assigned area of specialty for compliance with governing laws, local ordinances, and adopted state and model codes and standards. Takes appropriate action to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and laws. Trains inspection staff in the assigned area of specialty and performs related work as required. Where technically qualified, the Building Inspector III may be assigned to inspect complex commercial and industrial electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Building Inspector I is the entry level in the Building Inspector job series. The Building Inspector I differs from the Building Inspector II in that the latter requires ICC (International Code Council) certification.

Building Inspector II differs from Building Inspector I in that the latter is the entry level position in the job series. Building Inspector II differs from Building Inspector III in that the latter is assigned to the more advanced specialist functions and may supervise specific functions or programs.

Building Inspector III may be assigned the responsibility of performing the duties of the assigned specialty in a branch office of Building and Safety, or may be assigned to all branch offices on a periodic rotating basis. Incumbents are expected to effectively resolve difficult problems associated with inspection, plan review or permit processing in accordance with their assigned specialty, Building Inspector III functions at a more advanced level than a Building Inspector II, but does not have full supervisory authority withing a branch office as does a Building Inspector IV.

Building Inspector III performs complex structural, architectural, plumbing, mechanical or electrical inspections and/or plan reviews; and may oversee and supervise permit processing and clerical staff of a customer service counter.

PAYROLL TITLES AND APPROXIMATE SALARIES

Building Inspector I - $32.10 -$47.21 Hourly

Building Inspector II - $33.67 -$49.59 Hourly

Building Inspector III - $35.33 -$52.04 Hourly

Building Inspectors I/II/III are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed Term), Intermittent, and Extra Help vacancies. There is currently one (1) Regular vacancy within the Resource Management Agency - Building & Safey Division.

Note: If appointed at the lower level, incumbents may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with business needs of the department.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

OPENING DATE: 10/27/26

CLOSING DATE: 11/16/26

Examples of duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Building Inspector I

• Drives to various location and inspects the construction of residential, some commercial and other structures and related equipment for compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and laws.
• Approves acceptable work or indicates in writing corrections necessary to comply with codes and ordinances.
• Explains code and ordinance requirements to county personnel, builders, architects, contractors, and the public.
• Issues written notices of violations when required.
• Provides written or electronic inspection notices.
• Maintains accurate permit and construction support files for the assigned geographical area.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Building Inspector II

In addition to the duties above, the Building Inspector II may include any combination of the following:

• Performs simple plan reviews for minor residential additions, alterations, and remodels.
• May appear as an expert witness at legal hearings and court proceedings.

Building Inspector III

In addition to the duties above, the Building Inspector III may include any combination of the following:

Generalist Inspector, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical Specialist:

• Inspects complex structural and architectural systems including the installation, alteration, repair, and maintenance of electrical, plumbing and/or mechanical equipment, apparatus and systems.
• Reviews plans and related documents and calculations for compliance with Ventura County ordinances and laws.
• Establishes and prepares training programs in basic to complex inspections as required in the various specialties. Assists building inspection staff on complex inspections.
• Explains codes and ordinance requirements for proper installation of equipment, materials and systems to county personnel, builders, architects, contractors, and the public.
• May appear as an expert witness at legal hearings and court proceedings.
• Maintains accurate permit and construction support files of all assigned projects.
• Recommends and advises the Building Official on proposed changes to the adopted codes.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Building Inspector I

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through two (2) years of experience as an inspector or a journeyman in the building trades or building construction. Certification as an inspector by a nationally recognized organization, such as the International Code Council, is preferred.

Building Inspector II

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through three (3) years as an inspector or a journeyman in the major building trades.

Substitution (I/II): Satisfactory completion of directly related college coursework may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. Other special training/experience pertinent to the specific tasks may be considered if appropriate to the position required.

Building Inspector III

Generalist Inspector, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical Specialist:

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through four (4) years as an inspector or a journeyman in the major construction trades, one (1) year of which has been with a local governmental agency in the appropriate technical specialty.

Substitution (III): Satisfactory completion of directly-related college coursework may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required experience, excluding the required government experience, on a year-for-year basis.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver License.
• All employees in this classification are subject to the provisions of Health & Safety Code 18949.25 et seq. which mandates certification and continuing education. Exemptions to certification requirements may be allowed as provided for in the above code sections. The certification will be from a recognized state, national, or international association as determined by the local agency, (County of Ventura, Resource Management Agency). All employees in this classification “shall complete a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education for every three (3) year period, with at least eight (8) hours regarding disability access requirements with providers determined by the local agency (County of Ventura, Resource Management).”

Building Inspector II: Must possess at the time of hire at least one current ICC (International Code Council) certificate from the “Residential Inspector” Series, “Commercial Inspector” Series, or “Plans Examiner” Series. Other job-related certification pertinent to job duties may be substituted subject to approval by the Personnel Department.

Building Inspector III - Generalist/Specialist: Must possess at least one ICC (International Code Council) certificate from the “Residential Inspector” Series, “Commercial Inspector” Series, or “Plans Examiner” Series, PLUS ONE additional recognized certificate in the appropriate discipline.

Able and willing to perform work both in the office and outdoors.

Able and willing to perform strenuous tasks including lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds with or without accommodation.

Able and willing to frequently bend, crawl, climb, reach, crouch, and kneel.

Experience working on computer databases or permit and land-use management tracking software.

DESIRED:

• International Code Council (ICC) certifications: Plumbing, Mechanical or Electrical inspector.
• Recent construction inspection experience.
• Recent education or training at a college level in Construction Technology or Building Inspection Technology.
• Experience in analyzing and interpreting complex mechanical and plumbing plans and applying practical knowledge to achieve safe installations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Some to Comprehensive knowledge of the following:

• Methods (I) and materials (II/III) of construction and building materials and specialty codes, governing laws, and policies appropriate to the area of responsibility.
• Fundamental tools, practices, and techniques of building construction, repair, and alteration.
• Inspection techniques and procedures.
• Basic (I) and more complex