SENIOR BUILDING INSPECTOR

City of Torrance, CA; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Building Inspector to enhance community development. This role involves inspecting complex buildings and structures throughout all construction phases, ensuring compliance with local and state regulations. Ideal candidates will have extensive knowledge in building safety and code enforcement, along with strong communication and organizational skills. Join a dedicated team committed to fostering a safe and sustainable environment, where your expertise will contribute to significant community projects and initiatives.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Sick Leave

Educational Incentive Premiums

Flexible Work Schedule

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in building trade construction work.
• 1 year experience as a building inspector for a municipal or county building department.

Responsibilities

• Inspect buildings for adherence to plans and compliance with codes.
• Assist in training general building inspectors.

Skills

Building Inspection

Blueprint Reading

Code Enforcement

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

ICC Certification

Inspection Technology Certification

Job description

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING

AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.

The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today. The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Senior Building Inspector to be apart of the Community Development Team !

The Department

Advancing a Safe, Accessible and Sustainable Built Environment

The Community Development Department oversees and initiates plans for : economic growth; commercial, industrial, and residential development and re-development; zoning; code enforcement; permitting; and building inspections. The main purpose of the Building & Safety Division is to protect and promote public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. To accomplish this purpose, the Building & Safety Division provides inspections for new construction, buildings and remodeling of structures for compliance with the local, state and federal laws. One of the primary goals of the Building & Safety Division is to provide guidance to the public on safe building construction practices and to serve as a resource for building code and design issues.

The Division

The main purpose of the Building & Safety Division is to protect and promote public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. To accomplish this purpose, the Building & Safety Division provides inspections for new construction, buildings and remodeling of structures for compliance with the local, state and federal laws. One of the primary goals of the Building & Safety Division is to provide guidance to the public on safe building construction practices and to serve as a resource for building code and design issues.

The Position

The Community Development Department is seeking an experienced Senior Building Inspector to join their team. Under general supervision, Senior Building Inspectors will make inspections of buildings and structures of more than average size and complexity in all phases of construction, alteration and repair, for adherence to plans, specifications, and for compliance to the City codes and applicable State laws. Incumbents will also assist in the training of general building inspectors.

For a full a job description,

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and abilities required is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be :

Five years of experience in building trade construction work and one year of experience as a building inspector for a municipal or county building department; or six years of experience as a building inspector for a municipal or county building department. An International Conference of Building Officials Building Inspector Certificate or certification of inspection technology is desirable.

Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Licenses and / or Certificates

A valid Class 3 California Driver's License.

Ideal Candidate

Successful candidates will possess the following :

• ICC Certification in at least two inspection areas (building, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical);
• Extensive building and safety knowledge;
• Experience working in the trades field;
• Knowledge of building permit issuance guidelines;
• Thorough understanding of effective code enforcement;
• Demonstrated ability to read blueprints, interpret building codes, and effectively work with minimal supervision;
• Flexibility in adapting to changing demands and managing conflicting priorities effectively;
• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Strong organizational skills and self-motivation; and
• Proven ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, the public, contractors, utility providers, and public agencies.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS

Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov / Jobs. Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. First review of applications will be those received by Monday, May 5, 2025 at 11 : 59 p.m. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.

Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of the following components :

Written Exam : Qualifying (Tentatively scheduled on May 15, 2025 )

Performance Exam : Weighted 30% (Tentatively scheduled on May 28, 2025)

Panel Interview : Weighted 70% (Tentatively scheduled on May 28, 2025 )

The tentative test dates will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.

SPECIAL NOTES

Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about our Community.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resource prior to the examination dates. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at [phone] rpior to the test date.

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

City of Torrance Inclusion Statement

The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative 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. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!

BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR ENGINEERS & TORRANCE FISCAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (TFEA)

Note : Not all benefits listed may be applicable to all positions with in the unit. Please refer to the MOU for specifics.

Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance (sec.4.9)

The City's monthly contribution for health insurance effective 1 / 6 / 19 is as follows :

EE Only EE +1 EE +2 or more

Full time EE's $597.68 $1,140.36 $1,595.96

Part- time

hired prior to 1 / 1 / 08) $493.11 $924.91 $1,277.43

Part-time

hired after 1 / 1 / 08) $362.57 $628.31 $847.19

The City's monthly contribution for vision insurance is $3.33

The City's monthly contribution for dental insurance is $33.71 / EE only and $67.42 / EE +1 or more

The City provides a Cash In-Lieu payment of $400 per month for eligible full-time employees for as long as the employee opts-out of medical coverage

City provides a $50,000 life insurance policy

Varies by position and assignment. (See section 3.1 and 3.2)

Night Shift Differential (sec.3.2.1 and 3.5.1)

Full time employees paid 5% above base hourly pay when ½ or more of the shift is scheduled to work after 5 : 00 p.m. or before 7 : 30 a.m.

Educational Incentive Premiums (sec. 3.6.1)

ENGINEERS : (Premiums paid above base pay, per hour. Total educational premiums not to exceed 12% combined)

2% for each additional certificate, maximum of 12%

Loss of 2% for each year's delay for failure to maintain certification

LEED AP certificates (LEED AP, LEED AP BD+C, LED AP Homes, LEED AP ND) : 2.5%

Build It Green Certification (Green Point Advisor, Green Point Rater) : 2.5%

13 paid holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday directly following Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve)

Vacation / Annual Leave (Sec. 4.2)

Engineers (Accrual rate per month) :

Year 1 : 6.58 hours; Year 2 : 7.21 hours; Year 3 : 7.87 hours; Year 4 : 8.54 hours; Years 5-6 : 10.54 hours; Years 7 -9 : 11.21 hours; Years 10 -20 : 14.56 hours; Years 21 - 24 : 15.88 hours; Year 25+ : 18.54 hours

Year 1 : 6.57 hours; Year 2 : 7.51 hours; Year 3 : 8.17 hours; Year 4 : 8.84 hours; Years 5-9 : 10.84 hours; Years 10 -20 : 14.19 hours; Years 21 - 24 : 15.51 hours; Year 25+ : 16.17 hours

Sick Leave / Personal Leave (sec.4.3)

Accrual rate is 6 (six) hours per month to a maximum of 600 hours accrued sick leave.

• Two work shifts of sick / vacation leave may be used for personal leave.

Bereavement Leave (sec 4.6)

Three (3) working shifts with pay (Additional leave, up to 2 additional working shifts for travel 300 miles or more for eligible family members)

Disability Insurance (sec 4.9)

Employee receives 2 / 3 base pay after elimination period (14 consecutive days for STD and 180 consecutive days for LTD)

Retiree Insurance (Sec. 4.9)

TFEA only : City will pay $51 / month for retirees who continue health insurance coverage in one of the PERS health insurance plans

Retirement (sec. 4.10)

PERS 2%@55 ,

Employees hired before 1 / 11 / 2011, City pays 7% EPMC

Employees hired on or after 1 / 11 / 2011 pay 7% EPMC

• Employer Paid Member Contribution (EPMC)

PERS 2@62

New members hired on or after January 1, 2013, pay (50%) of normal cost with three year average final compensation.

FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER & SENIOR FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER ONLY :

107.50 every 6 months (Paid June and December).

Tool and Educational Materials Allowance (sec.4.12.1)

ENGINEERS ONLY :

175 per year (Paid in February).

Licenses and Certificates (sec. 4.14.1)

ENGINEERS ONLY :

220 / year for license / certificates with recurrent fees : Registered Professional Engineer, Licensed Land Surveyor, and American Institute of Certified Planners.

Shoe Allowance (4.15.1)

ENGINEERS ONLY :

135 per year (Paid in September) for employees required to wear safety shoes or boots

Deferred Compensation Plan (Sec. 4.13.B)

A voluntarily 457 plan is available to all employees.

Employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(a) plan upon completion of one year service.

Retirement Health Savings Plan (sec 4.13.C)

Any hours under or equal to 600 (sick) and 600 (vacation) will be deposited into the ICMA-RC RHSP Plan, for retiring and separating employees. The remaining balance up to limits allowed by law will be disbursed into the City's 457 plan or be paid in cash.

The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state see resume or see application to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?

I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history. I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job. I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application. I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification / title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application. I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.

What is your highest level of education completed?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College Coursework
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or above

How many years of experience do you have working as a Building Inspector for a Municipal or County Building Department?

• None
• Less than two years
• More than two years, but less than three years
• More than three years, but less than five years
• More than five years

How many years of building trades construction work experience do you have, including building, electrical, plumbing, and / or mechanical?

• None
• Less than two years
• More than two years but less than three years
• More than three years but less than five years
• More than five years

Please mark which area(s) of the building trades you have experience :

• Air Conditioning
• Building / Structural
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Painting
• Plumbing

How many years of experience do you have working a public counter in a municipal or county building department responsible for enforcing codes or municipal laws and processing permits?

• None
• Less than two years
• More than two years, but less than three years
• More than three years, but less than five years
• More than five years

Indicate which ICC California Building Inspector certification(s) you possess.

• None

Indicate which ICC California certification(s) you possess.

• California Electrical Inspector
• California Mechanical Inspector
• None

Required Question

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