Specialty Combination Inspector (Continuous)

City of Oakland; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision benefits

CalPERS retirement

Paid holidays

Vacation time

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

City of Oakland seeks experienced Specialty Combination Inspectors to support plan review, inspections, and code enforcement. Positions may be in Code Enforcement or Permit Inspection Divisions.

Candidates with a degree in construction management, civil, structural, or mechanical/electrical engineering are encouraged to apply. You will conduct site inspections, verify code compliance, and coordinate with property owners, contractors, and tenants.

Qualifications

• Two years of journey-level experience in plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or carpentry trades, with apprenticeship completion or equivalent
• Two years of experience as a Combination Dwelling Inspector or similar role
• Bachelor’s degree in civil/structural/mechanical/electrical engineering or architecture may substitute for all experience requirements

Responsibilities

• Conduct site visits and visual inspections of work in progress or completed
• Read blueprints and construction documents and verify compliance
• Verify that systems meet applicable codes and standards
• Document inspection results in permit system software
• Communicate findings and issue correction notices to ensure compliance

Skills

Attention to detail

Public-service orientation

Safety focus

Code enforcement experience

Strong communicator

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Engineering/Architecture degree substitution allowed

Tools

Inspector certifications (IAPMO/ICC/IAEI)

Job description

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

Why join the City of Oakland Planning and Building Department?

Would you like to join a dedicated and collaborative team committed to ensuring a safe and healthy community for the City of Oakland? The Bureau of Building staff are experienced public servants passionate about maintaining and improving the built environment. The Department of Planning and Building is looking to fill multiple Specialty Combination Inspector positions to support plan review, inspections, and code enforcement activities. These positions may be filled in either the Code Enforcement Division or the Permit Inspection Division. Candidates with a degree in construction management, civil engineering, structural engineering, or mechanical and electrical engineering are encouraged to apply.

We offer various positions within the Residential, Commercial, and Code Enforcement Inspection Divisions. Whether you have specialized experience in a particular trade, a comprehensive understanding of building codes and construction practices, or experience in enforcing property maintenance, local and state regulations—particularly related to development—you are encouraged to apply.

If you are committed to providing high-quality service to a diverse community and want to contribute your skills to a supportive team, we invite you to consider a role with the Planning & Building Department.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Public-Service Oriented. You demonstrate a commitment to public service and desire to contribute to making Oakland a safe, sustainable, and thriving community.
• Safety Oriented. You value safety and understand the importance of verifying that properties, structures, and their electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems are installed correctly and meet code requirements.
• Experienced in Code Enforcement. You have experience or a strong interest in code enforcement, with a clear understanding of local regulations and the ability to enforce property maintenance and development standards professionally and fairly.
• Collabrative. You enjoy working collaboratively with a diverse team of public servants and serving a diverse community with professionalism and respect.
• Flexible and Adaptable. You are able to adapt to changing priorities and work environments effectively.
• Learning Oriented. You maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate a willingness to learn, grow, and contribute to continuous process improvements.
• A Strong Communicator. You communicate clearly and effectively with property owners, tenants, construction professionals, and colleagues, ensuring that safety and quality standards are upheld.

What you will typically be responsible for:

Permit Inspection and Field Work:

• Conducting site visits and performing visual inspections of work in progress or completed.
• Reading blueprints and construction documents and verifying built elements are in compliance.
• Verifying that construction, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems are installed correctly and meet applicable codes and standards.
• Documenting inspection results accurately within permit system software.
• Communicating findings to property owners, contractors, or tenants and issuing clear and concise correction notices to ensure compliance.

Code Enforcement:

• Verifying, identifying, and addressing violations related to property maintenance, zoning, or development standards.
• Conducting proactive rental inspections.
• Working with property owners and tenants to resolve safety hazards and ensure compliance with local regulations.
• Participating in code discussions and recommending process improvements to enhance enforcement efficiency.
• Enforcing property maintenance standards and ensuring properties are safe, healthy, and compliant with relevant codes and ordinances.
• Issuing notices from verified violations, including stop work orders, placards, citations, and orders to abate.
• Documenting inspections and interactions pertinent to a code enforcement case and conducting case management.
• Collaborating with various departments, including those involved in the relocation program.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will join a supportive team that encourages professional development and growth.
• You will make a meaningful impact on the community by ensuring properties meet health and safety standards.
• You will receive a competitive salary, comprehensive employment benefits, and a healthy work-life balance.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will conduct inspections and site visits to verify that work performed or existing conditions comply with adopted codes and regulations.
• You will communicate and collaborate effectively with fellow Inspectors and Supervisors to ensure consistent and uniform service delivery.
• You will engage with contractors, property owners, and residents to communicate code requirements and assist in achieving compliance.

Competencies Required:

• Attention to Detail:Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Building & Maintaining Relationships:Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Critical Thinking:Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Fact Finding:Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• General Physical Ability:Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
• Handling & Resolving Conflict:Managing interpersonally strained situations
• Handling Stress:Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation:Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Mechanical Insight:Comprehending how mechanical, electrical, and structural systems operate and interact
• Professional & Technical Expertise:Applying technical subject matter expertise to the job
• Professional Integrity & Ethics:Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Safety Focus:Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Using Technology:Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Valuing Diversity:Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Writing:Communicating effectively in writing

Read the complete job description by clicking Specialty Combination Inspector.

Watch this video on what it's like to work for the City of Oakland.

This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process.

This is a public contact position.

The City highly encourages all bilingual candidates to apply! Some positions may require bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Under the authority of Civil Service Rules Section 5.03, if a position requires bilingual language skills, only those candidates who have indicated they are bilingual in the required language(s) will be referred. Bilingual candidates will be required to successfully pass a language proficiency test if selected for hire.

Education

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience

• Two (2) years of recent full-time journey level experience in the plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or carpentry trade and completion of a recognized apprenticeship program in one or more of these disciplines. Five (5) years of varied recent, full-time journey level experience in the plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or carpentry trade may be substituted for the apprenticeship.
• Two (2) years of recent full-time experience as a Combination Dwelling Inspector.
• One (1) year of experience as a Combination Inspector in a position comparable to that of the City of Oakland or a Specialty Inspector at the City of Oakland.
• A Bachelor's degree in civil, structural, mechanical, electrical engineering, or architecture from an accredited college or university may be substituted for all experience requirements.

License or Certificate / Other Requirements

One certification as an Inspector related to assigned job functions from a nationally or state recognized agency (such as IAPMO or ICC or IAEI) must be obtained within 12 months of appointment to this position, unless the appointee is otherwise exempted based on California Building Standards Code 18949.28. The Specialty Combination Inspector is required to maintain valid inspector certification throughout his or her employment with the City of Oakland. Failure to maintain this certificate may result in dismissal from employment.

Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of three (3) or more specific trades such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or structural systems
• Experience in the building industry, including construction, regulation, or design of building projects
• Experience with code enforcement practices, including identifying violations and ensuring compliance with property maintenance standards.
• Education or certifications related to building codes, architectural design, construction management, code enforcement, or technical fields

Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas. Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications. In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.

For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be sent a writing exercise (weighted 100%), which will then be evaluated and rated by subject matter experts.

Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you’re applying to a “restricted” posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.

The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

This is a continuous recruitment. This recruitment may close without notice once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Tentative Schedule

• Application Submitted: April 6, 2026 - May 31, 2026 | Written Exam Sent to Qualified Candidates: Week of June 8, 2026
• June 1, 2026 - July 31, 2026 | Week of August 10, 2026
• August 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026 | Week of October 12, 2026
• October 1, 2026 - November 30, 2026 | Week of December 7, 2026

What’s in it for you?

• 40-hour work week
• 15 paid holidays
• Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
• Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
• Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
• Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
• Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
• Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training.

Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.

Disaster Service Workers

All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.