Building Inspector II

City of Santa Monica; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Job summary

City of Santa Monica is seeking a Building Inspector II to independently perform full-range combination inspections across residential, commercial, and other construction. You will review plans, enforce codes, resolve violations, and provide technical assistance to contractors, design professionals, property owners, and the public.

The role requires ICC certifications, strong diagnostic skills, and the ability to communicate technical requirements clearly.

Qualifications

• Experience performing residential and commercial inspections and enforcing codes.
• Ability to interpret plans, standards, and permit conditions.
• Excellent written and oral communication for coordination with contractors and the public.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform residential and commercial combination inspections.
• Inspect structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems for code compliance.
• Review plans and documentation in support of field inspections.
• Explain code requirements to contractors, developers, and property owners.
• Prepare inspection reports and corrective action documentation.

Skills

Building inspections

Code interpretation

Communication

Public relations

Documentation

Education

Associates degree in construction tech or related

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ICC certifications - B1/B2

Class C driver's license

Job description

DEFINITION

This classification will independently perform the full range of combination building inspection duties involving residential , commercial, and other construction; inspects building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing installations for compliance with approved plans, applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations; resolves inspection and code-compliance issues; provides technical assistance to contractors, design professionals, property owners, and the public, and performs related duties as assigned.

Note: This classification is eligible for a $15,000 signing bonus for new employees.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Building Inspector II is the experienced journey level in the Building Inspector classification series. Incumbents independently perform combination inspections involving multiple construction disciplines and are expected to exercise judgement in interpreting and applying applicable construction codes.

This classification is distinguished from Building Inspector I by the greater degree of independence, complexity of assignments, required building inspection experience, and requirement for multiple ICC commercial inspector certifications.

It is distinguished from Senior Building Inspector in that the Senior classification handles the most complex and sensitive inspection assignments, serves as a technical resource, assists in training and mentoring inspection staff, and is required to demonstrate competency in all four major commercial inspection disciplines.

SUPERVISION

Works under the general supervision of the Building Inspection Supervisor or other designated supervisory staff who outlines work assignments, occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work. May provide technical assistance and training to Building Inspector I employees. No supervision exercised.

• Independently performs combination inspections of residential and commercial buildings and structures.
• Inspects structural, building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction for compliance with approved plans and applicable codes.
• Performs inspections at various stages of construction including foundation, reinforcing steel, framing, insulation, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-resistive construction, accessibility, energy compliance, and final inspection.
• Reviews approved construction plans, specifications, engineering details, and related documents in preparation for and during field inspections.
• Determines whether construction conforms to approved plans, applicable codes, standards, ordinances, and permit conditions.
• Identifies violations and deficiencies and determines appropriate corrective action.
• Issues correction notices and, within delegated authority, stop-work or other enforcement notices.
• Conducts follow-up inspections and verifies correction of identified violations.
• Explains technical code requirements to contractors, developers, architects, engineers, property owners, and members of the public.
• Resolves routine to moderately complex disputes regarding inspection requirements and code interpretation.
• Coordinates inspection issues with plan review staff, code enforcement personnel, fire personnel, public works staff, and other agencies.
• Reviews minor field changes and construction modifications within delegated authority and refers changes requiring engineering or formal plan review to appropriate staff.
• Evaluates alternate construction conditions and refers requests for code modifications or alternate methods and materials to appropriate authority.
• Investigates complaints involving construction without permits, unsafe construction, and code violations.
• Prepares accurate inspection reports, correction notices, correspondence, and other documentation.
• Provides technical assistance and informal training to less experienced inspectors.
• Participates in continuing education and obtains additional ICC certifications in preparation for advancement to Senior Building Inspector.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND, ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, materials, and practices used in residential and commercial
• construction
• Structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction systems
• Current California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing,
• Energy, Green Building, and related codes and standards applicable to assigned duties
• Accessibility requirements applicable to building construction
• Accepted inspection practices and procedures
• Construction plans, specifications, engineering details, and technical reports
• Code enforcement methods and procedures
• Principles of documentation and evidence necessary for enforcement

proceedings

• Permit and inspection tracking systems
• Principles of effective public and customer relations

Skill in:

• Learning the correct local,stateand 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 permittracking systems

Ability to:

• Independently conduct residential and commercial combination inspections

Apply building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing requirements to field conditions

• Interpret complex construction plans and specifications
• Recognize unsafe or noncompliant construction
• Determine appropriate corrective actions
• Exercise independent judgment within delegated authority
• Resolve routine code interpretation and inspection disputes

Explain technical requirements clearly to construction professionals and the public

• Coordinate effectively with plan review and other regulatory staff
• Prepare clear, complete, and defensible inspection documentation
• Assist in training and developing less experienced inspectors

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• Two years of work experience as Building Inspector I with the City of Santa Monica or four years of paid work experience performing combination inspections, including residential and/or commercial construction inspection.

Licenses and Certifications

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid Class C driver license.

Certificates:

Possession and maintenance of the following ICC certifications is required:

• Commercial Building Inspector (B2) or Residential Building Inspector (B1). A candidate who does not possess both of these certifications at the time of hire must obtain the other certification within 12 months of hire.

Within 12 months of hire, obtain one of the following commercial certifications:

• Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2)
• Commercial Mechanical Inspector (M2)
• Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P2)

Within 12 months of hire, obtain one of the following residential certifications:

• Residential Electrical Inspector (E1)
• Residential Mechanical Inspector (M1)
• Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1)

Possession of additional ICC certifications in the remaining commercial inspection disciplines is highly desirable.

Required certifications shall be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

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!

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.