THE POSITION
BUILDING INSPECTOR I/ BUILDING INSPECTOR II/ BUILDING INSPECTOR III
DEFINITION
To Perform Rule Specific Inspection Activities In The Review Of Plans And Inspections Of New Building Projects, Alterations, And Repairs, To Enforce a Variety Of Codes, Ordinances, And Established Standards To Achieve Compliance, And To Perform Other Duties And Responsibilities As Required. Depending On Qualifications, Incumbents May Be Assigned To Any One, Or Any Combination Of Inspection Discipline Areas As:
Building Specialty Inspection
Plumbing/Mechanical Specialty Inspection
Electrical Specialty Inspection
Roofing Combination Inspection
Residential Combination Inspection
Multi-Family Residential and Light Commercial Combination Inspection
Residential Combination & Structural Plan Review
Non-Structural Building Plan Review
Plumbing/Mechanical Plan Review
Electrical Plan Review
Project Management
Enforcement Case Management
Building Specialty Inspection assignments concern inspections of residential and commercial construction and applicable methods, practices, materials, codes, ordinances and policies used in construction work as related to building construction.
Plumbing/Mechanical Specialty Inspection assignments concern inspections of residential and commercial construction and applicable methods, practices, materials, codes, ordinances and policies used in construction work as related to plumbing and mechanical construction.
Electrical Specialty Inspection assignments concern inspections of residential and commercial construction and applicable methods, practices, materials, codes, ordinances and policies used in construction work as related to electrical construction.
Roofing Combination Inspection assignments concern inspections on roofing installations on one and two family residences, multi- family and commercial buildings, including building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections, incidental to the roofing work.
Residential Combination Inspection assignments concern inspections on building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and roofing installations on one, two, and three family residences for conformance with applicable codes and ordinances.
Multi-Family Residential and Light Commercial Combination Inspection assignments concern inspections on building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and roofing installations on specific types of building permits for multi-family and commercial buildings qualifying for inspections by Light Commercial Inspectors.
Residential Combination & Structural Plan Review assignments concern the review of all building plans and supporting materials for one, two, and three family dwellings, and the acceptance and review of building permits to ensure compliance with various codes, ordinances, and policies; responsible for the preparation of correction notices defining plan deficiencies. Inspects all work, including the most complex installations to support fast track construction and assists with other inspections, including combination inspections.
Non-Structural Building Plan Review assignments concern the review of the more complex building plans and supporting materials for commercial and multi-family buildings, and the acceptance and review of building permits to ensure compliance with various codes, ordinances and policies, responsible for the preparation of correction notices defining plan deficiencies; inspects all work, including the most complex installations to support fast track construction, and assists with other inspections disciplines as they relate to non-structural building plan review and construction.
Plumbing/Mechanical Plan Review assignments concern the review of all building plans and supporting materials for plumbing and mechanical installations, and the acceptance and review of building permits to ensure compliance with various codes, ordinances and policies; responsible for the preparation of correction notices defining plan deficiencies; inspects all work, including the most complex installations to support fast track construction and assists with other inspection disciplines as they relate to plumbing and mechanical plan review installations.
Electrical Plan Review assignments concern the review of all building plans and supporting materials for electrical installations, and the acceptance and review of building permits to ensure compliance with various codes, ordinances and policies; responsible for the preparation of correction notices defining plan deficiencies; inspects all work, including the most complex installations to support fast track construction, and assists with other inspection disciplines as they relate to electrical plan review and installations.
Project Management assignments concern the development and administration of contracts for the construction or plan review of facilities, and the inspection of construction to ensure compliance with plans and specifications, and the management and coordination of City or private venture projects. Projects are managed and coordinated from conception through completion. In addition, Project Management assignments assist the project team by coordinating and expediting project approval, plan review, permit issuance, and inspections functions with various departments and agencies.
Enforcement Case Management assignments concern complaint investigations for determination of code deficiencies, not necessarily related to active construction; management of contracts to demolish or repair structures with identified deficiencies, and coordination with various organizations and agencies in managing cases.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Building Inspector class levels are distinguished by the number of inspection disciplines an inspector is recognized to be qualified in based on certification and demonstrable abilities.
Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are automatically flexed to the higher level upon completion of required experience and certification as established per the discipline being flexed to. Appointment to the higher class requires that the employee be performing the full range of duties for the class and meet the qualification standards for the class.
Building InspectorI is the entry-level classification in the building inspection series requiring skill and knowledge in any one inspection discipline as illustrated. Incumbents may be assigned to perform the less difficult or complex work in other disciplines as required.
Building InspectorII is distinguished from Building Inspector I, in that the former requires the performance of complex duties within two inspection disciplines as illustrated. Incumbents may be assigned to perform the less difficult or complex work in other disciplines as required.
Building InspectorIII is distinguished from Building Inspector I andII that it requires the incumbent to perform complex duties within three inspection disciplines as illustrated. Incumbents may be assigned to perform the less difficult or complex work in other disciplines as required.
Building Inspector I, II, andIII is distinguished from Building Inspector IV, by the latter requiring the incumbent to perform complex duties within four inspection disciplines.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXCERCISED
Direct and lead supervision is provided by a Supervising Building Inspector or higher-level management personnel.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identify and enforce a variety of codes, ordinances, and standards violations for conformance with plans and specifications.
- Inspect work product and materials in building construction projects for conformance with plans and specifications, and inspect potentially substandard or dangerous buildings.
- Work with diagrams, specifications, plans, and similar documents.
- Read and interpret building construction and engineering plan specifications and codes.
- Prepare and maintain reports.
- Confer with, and assist architects, engineers, contractors, builders, homeowners, tenants and the general public in the field and office; explain and interpret requirements and restrictions, keep records and prepare reports as necessary.
- Enter information into the Automated Permit System and the computer for word processing, calendaring, and electronic mail.
- Perform basic plan review, routing and project management activities, issue permits, and fee calculations.
- Identify illegal construction activity and issues violation notices.
- May perform case or project management activities.
- Other duties may be performed, not all duties may be performed by each individual holding this classification.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Methods, practices, and materials used in construction work relating to a particular inspection discipline.
- Proper inspection techniques to examine work product and materials.
- Data entry and information retrieval from various computer systems necessary for duties.
- Safety rules, regulations and practices applied to construction areas and office spaces.
- Codes, ordinances, and policies applicable to a particular inspection discipline(s).
Ability To:
- Read and write the English language at a level of proficiency necessary for effective job performance.
- Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine work product and materials.
- Recognize correct installations of building systems; detect defects and faults in construction work product and materials.
- Detect deviations from plans, regulations, and read and interpret building construction and engineering plans, specifications, and codes.
- Understand diagrams, specifications, plans, and similar documents at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, engineers, architects, contractors, tenants, owners, and the general public.
- Operate a motor vehicle.
- Operate a personal computer and other electronic equipment, including field entry devices and cellular phone.
- Lift, carry, push, tools, equipment, supplies and plans weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Work within confined spaces, climb ladders, work around power and noise producing equipment, work in confined spaces requiring reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, and crouching.
- Work in all weather conditions including wet, hot, cold and windy.
- Access construction areas within construction sites.
Ability To:
- Work on uneven work surfaces, trenches, slopes, roof structures, framing, and other conditions found in a construction environment.
- Serve on-call, work after hours, weekends and holidays, during emergency situations, and as required.
- Anticipate issues and seek resolution through various resources.
- Provide service to all customers with a professional and sincere attitude; be customer service oriented.
Education And Experience:
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education:
Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.
Experience:
One year of experience performing building inspection work within one or more inspection disciplines for a municipal or county government agency, or three years of journey level experience in the building construction field as a plumber, electrician, carpenter, roofer, or closely related field, within the discipline(s) applied.
-OR-
Education:
Completion of 21 units of college level courses in building inspection, construction, or other related areas and possession of a certification issued by the I.C.C. or other approved certifying organization in the building construction or plans examiner fields
-AND-
Experience:
One year of experience performing a variety of paraprofessional/technical work related to plan checking and inspections.
PROOF OF EDUCATION
Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment . Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.
PROOF OF CERTIFICATION
Should certification and/or license be used to qualify for this position, then proof of said certification and /or license should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment .
Special Qualifications
DRIVER LICENSE:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case by case basis.
Certification:
Incumbents must possess certification from an approved certifying organization in their specific work discipline(s) and obtain recognition of competency within one year of appointment. Maintenance of required certifications is a condition for continued employment in this classification.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Employees must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status. In addition, incumbents in each inspection discipline must have the following knowledge, abilities, and experience and/or certification as outlined per discipline. Once appointed, inspectors may qualify and perform work in other disciplines.
Building Specialty Inspection, Plumbing/Mechanical Specialty Inspection, or Electrical Specialty Inspection
Knowledge Of:
- Methods, practices, codes, ordinances, policies, and materials used in construction work as it relates to the specialty area, and applies to both residential and commercial construction.
Ability To:
- Inspect all work, including the more complex or difficult installations within the specialty.
Experience And Certification:
- Three years of experience as a journey-level craft person in the specialty area, or a closely related discipline, and a working knowledge of building construction.
- Certification by I.C.C. or other approved certifying organization in the appropriate specialty categories.
- Recognition by the Chief Building Official of the competency to perform both residential and commercial building inspections.
Roofing Combination Inspection
Knowledge Of:
- Methods, practices, and materials used in roofing as applied to both residential and commercial construction.
- Codes, ordinances and policies that are applied to roofing and all other disciplines that are incidental to roofing work.
Ability To:
- Recognize correct installation of roofing systems.
- Inspect all work, including the more complex and difficult roofing systems.
Experience And Certification:
- Three years of experience as a journey-level crafts person in the roofing discipline, or a closely related discipline, and working knowledge of roofing construction, including all incidental disciplines associated with roofs.
- Certification by I.C.C. or other approved certifying organization as a Building Inspector.
- Completion of an approved testing or training program in combination roofing inspection.
- Recognition by the Chief Building Official of the competency to perform both residential and commercial inspections within the specialty.
Residential Combination Inspection
Knowledge Of:
- Methods, practices, codes, ordinances, policies, and materials used in construction work applied to one, two, and three family residential construction.
Ability To:
- Recognize correct installation of building, plumbing and mechanical, electrical and roofing systems.
Experience And Certification:
- Certification by I.C.C. or other certifying organization in Combination
- Dwelling Inspector and completion of an approved testing Program.
- One year as a Building Inspector for another municipal or county government agency performing residential combination inspections.
- Recognition by the Chief Building Official of the competency to perform residential combination inspections.
-OR-
- Completion of a formalized City training Program in residential combination inspections. Renewal of city certification required every three years.
- Recognition by the Chief Building Official of the competency to perform residential combination inspections.
Multi-Family Residential and Light Commercial Combination Inspection
Knowledge Of:
- Methods, practices, codes, ordinances, policies, and materials used in construction work applied to multi-family and commercial buildings qualifying for inspection by Light Commercial Inspectors.
Ability To:
- Recognize correct installation of building, plumbing and mechanical, electrical and roofing systems as applied to multi- family and commercial buildings qualifying for inspection by Light Commercial Inspectors.
Certification:
- Certification by I.C.C. or other approved certifying organization in Commercial Combination Inspections, or Building Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, and Electrical Inspector.
- Completion of an approved testing or formalized training program in Commercial Combination Inspections.
- Recognition by the Chief Building Official of the competency to perform multi-family residential and light commercial inspections.
Residential Combination & Structural Plan Review
Knowledge Of:
- Standard construction drawings, plans, specifications, methods and materials applied to one, two, and three family residential structures.
- Codes, ordinances, and policies that apply to Plumbing/Mechanical, electrical, and structural.
- Methods and formulas for calculating various development fees.
- Automated systems for tracking permits, calculating fees, and recording corrections, issuing permits, accepting plans, and performing technical plan review tasks.
- State and City requirements to obtaining building permits.
Ability To:
- Read and interpret all levels of building construction and engineering plans, and specifications to determine code compliance related to one, two, and three family residential construction.
- Calculate processing and impact fees.
- Advise and assist customers on building permit requirements, and issue building permits using the City's automated permit system.
- Use various computer software programs to research properties and buildings, enter permit and plan check information, calculate fees, and perform calculations.
Certification:
- Certification by I.C.C. or other recognized certifying organization in combination dwelling inspector and building inspector categories.
- Completion of an approved testing or formalized training program in residential combination and structural plan review
- Recognition by the Chief Building Official of the competency to perform all required duties.
Non-Structural Building Plan Review
Knowledge Of:
- Standard commercial drawings, plans, specifications, methods and materials as applied to multi-family and commercial structures.
- Codes, ordinances, and policies that apply to non-structural, egress, and life safety.
- Methods and formulas for calculating various development fees.
- Automated systems for tracking permits, calculating fees, recording corrections, issuing permits, accepting plans, and performing technical plan review tasks.
- State and City requirements relating to obtaining permits.
Ability To:
- Read and interpret all levels of building construction plans and specifications to determine code compliance related to multi-family and commercial structures.
- Calculate processing and impact fees.
- Advise customers of building permit requirements and issue building permits using the City's automated permit system.
- Use various computer software programs to research properties and buildings, enter permit and plan check information, calculate fees, and perform calculations.
Certification:
- Certification by I.C.C. or other recognized certifying organization in Plans Examiner and building inspector categories
- Completion of an approved testing or formalized training program in non-structural building plan review.
- Recognition by the Chief Building Official of the competency to perform all required duties.
Plumbing/Mechanical Plan Review
Knowledge Of:
- Standard commercial drawings, plans, specifications, methods and materials as applied to multi-family and commercial structures.
- Codes, ordinances, and policies that apply to Plumbing/Mechanical installations.
- Methods and formulas for calculating various development fees.
- Automated systems for tracking permits, calculating fees, recording corrections, issuing permits, accepting plans, and performing technical plan review tasks.
- State and City requirements relating to obtaining permits.
Ability To:
- Read and interpret all levels of building construction plans and engineering plans and specifications to determine code compliance related to multi-family and commercial structures.
- Calculate processing and impact fees.
- Advise customers of building permit requirements and issue building permits using the City's automated permit system.
- Use various computer software programs to research properties and buildings, enter permit and plan check information, calculate fees, and perform calculations.
Certification:
- Certification by I.C.C. or other recognized certifying organization in plumbing inspector and mechanical inspector categories.
- Completion of an approved testing or formalized training program in plumbing/mechanical review.
- Recognition by the Chief Building Official of the competency to perform all required duties.
Electrical Plan Review
Knowledge Of:
- Standard commercial drawings, plans, specifications, methods and materials as applied to multi-family and commercial structures.
- Codes, ordinances, and policies that apply to electrical installations.
- Methods and formulas for calculating various development fees.
- Automated systems for tracking permits, calculating fees, recording corrections, issuing permits, accepting plans, and performing technical plan review tasks.
- State and City requirements relating to obtaining permits.
Certification:
- Certification by I.C.C. or other recognized certifying organization in the electrical inspector category.
- Completion of an approved testing or formalized training program in electrical plan review.
- Recognition by the Chief Building Official of the competency to perform all required duties.
Project Management (Public or Private Buildings)
Knowledge Of:
- Contract management as it relates to construction and plan review contracts.
- Software used for contract management purposes.
- Non-code related materials and methods used in construction projects.
- Permitting processes and systems utilized on complex
