Senior Building Inspector/Plan Checker

City of Whittier, CA; Whittier (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Whittier, CA is seeking a Senior Building Inspector/Plans Examiner to lead and participate in inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial construction. You will approve plans for compliance with building, zoning, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, housing, and related codes, and prepare plan check reports.

The role requires interpreting city rules, mentoring staff, and coordinating with other departments. A strong background in building codes and plan checking is essential.

Qualifications

• Two years of increasingly responsible experience as a combination building inspector, performing duties similar to Building Inspector II; two years in building plan checking; high school diploma or equivalent with college coursework in civil engineering, architecture, or building inspection.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial construction to ensure health, safety, and welfare.
• Review and approve submitted building plans for compliance with codes and regulations; perform plan checks.
• Explain building requirements to owners, architects, engineers, contractors and the public; prepare and maintain records.
• Issue and write permits; conduct permit counter assistance and fee calculations.
• Coordinate inspection activities with other departments and outside agencies; supervise staff as needed.

Skills

Building inspection

Plan checking

Code interpretation

Public relations

Mathematics

Record keeping

Safety practices

Education

Two years building inspection experience

High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework in civil engineering/architecture/building inspection

Job description

POSITION WILL CLOSE AFTER RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 150 APPLICATIONS OR SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST

DEFINITION

Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities that are associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

Under direction, leads and participates in the inspection of residential, commercial, and industrial construction; approves submitted building plans for compliance with building, zoning, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, housing, and related codes and regulations governing the construction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and structures; prepares comprehensive plan check reports; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Senior Building Inspector/Plans Examiner is the lead class in the Building Inspector series. Incumbents perform the more complex inspections and lead supervisory duties in plan checking, technical fieldwork, and investigation in the enforcement of a broad range of building and related codes. The work requires independence and discretion in both field inspections and plan examinations. This classification differs from the next higher classification of Building Services Manager/Building Official in that the latter is responsible for overall management of the Building Division.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Building Services Manager/Building Official. Exercises functional and technical supervision over subordinate staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews, performs, and indirectly supervises the work of staff engaged in the inspection of residential, commercial, and industrial building construction, remodel, and repair field inspections to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public; performs the more complex inspections requiring discretionary interpretation and application of building codes, related regulations, and restrictions; reviews and approves submitted building plans for compliance with building, zoning, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, housing, and related codes and regulations governing the construction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and structures; performs plan checks to ensure minimum design criteria, energy standards, and that the Disabled Access Requirements are met.
• Interprets and monitors City rules, policies, and procedures pertaining to building and zoning administration; explains and provides information to owners about building applications and permits; reviews applications for completeness and researches application and permit status; explains required inspections and construction requirements to owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and the public; prepares and maintains records and files for monitoring deficiencies and status of compliance.
• Checks plans and specifications for the construction, alteration, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures; ensures that plans meet the requirements of related building codes, regulations, and restrictions; indicates corrections of structural deficiencies where required; prepares comprehensive correction lists, reviews calculations, maintains files, and records of the specifications, calculations, and other pertinent information related to submitted plans.
• Responds to verbal and written inquiries; interprets and explains requirements and restrictions relative to building codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures; develops alternative methods to comply with those requirements and restrictions; processes and approves permit applications; assesses fees in accordance with established schedules.
• Recommends service levels to the manager; performs field observations to ensure compliance with department policies, practices, and City ordinances; prepares reports for the manager related to division activities; serves as acting division manager in the absence of the Building Services Manager/Building Official.
• Provides technical assistance to subordinates, contractors, engineers, architects, and the public in regards to construction plans and specifications, projects, code interpretations, inspection requests, department policies and procedures.
• Assists at the permit counter; provides information and assistance regarding construction codes as necessary; issues and writes permits; assists in answering the more difficult questions; calculates building permits, plan checks, and developer fees.
• Files and logs current projects to track status; transmits plans to other divisions, departments, and outside consultants as appropriate.
• Conducts research and prepares reports regarding selected plans and specifications, inspections, complaints, or disputes.
• Participates in a variety of City committees, study groups and task forces; attends a variety of meetings.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, State/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

OTHER DUTIES

• Coordinates building inspection activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
• May be exposed to confidential and privileged information during the course of duties, which should be maintained as such.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRNOMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, crawling, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment, and acute hearing is required when providing phone and face-to-face service. The need to lift, carry, pull, and push tools, supplies, and other equipment weighing 25 pounds or more is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors in all weather conditions including wet, hot, and cold. The position entails working in situations that may expose the employee to fumes or airborne particles, electrical shock, or mechanical hazards. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions, and often work with constant interruptions.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Senior Building Inspector/Plans Examiner. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess two years of increasingly responsible experience as a combination building inspector, performing duties similar to that of a Building Inspector II at the City of Whittier, and least two years of responsible experience in building plan checking, and a high school diploma or equivalent supplemented by college level course work in civil engineering, architecture, or building inspection.

License/Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license. Possession of I.C.C. Building Inspection Certificate. Possession of an International Code Council (I.C.C.) Plans Examiner Certificate.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS

Knowledge of

Practices and methods used in various building construction areas, including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical; principles and practices of structural and civil engineering; operational characteristics and use of standard equipment used in building inspection and the building trades; building and construction standards and materials; construction materials and testing procedures; principles, practices, and methods used in plan checking and permit issuance; uniform codes and related engineering practices; modern methods of building construction; applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes, and regulations, including laws, ordinances, and codes related to construction plans review, building construction, and zoning; investigative principles and practices; public relations techniques and procedures; basic principles of mathematics; techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to

Apply policies, procedures, codes, and regulations pertaining to building plans and specifications; read and interpret complex plans and specifications; perform engineering computation and analyses to check design calculations; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; respond to issues and concerns from contractors, homeowner, and the community; analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to

Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.