Building Inspector I

Job Description

Job Summary

DEFINITION

This classification performs building inspection work of routine to moderate difficulty involving residential and less complex commercial construction, inspects construction, alteration, repair, and demolition work for compliance with approved plans, applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, green building, accessibility, and related codes and regulations; provides information and assistance to property owners, contractors, design professionals, and the public; maintains inspection records; and performs related duties assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Building Inspector I is the developmental level in the Building Inspector classification series. Incumbents perform inspections of routine residential and less complex commercial construction while developing competency in multiple inspection disciplines. Initially, work is performed under closer supervision, with assignments becoming more independent as experience, technical knowledge, and required certifications are obtained.

This classification is distinguished from Building Inspector II in that the latter independently performs the full range of combination inspections involving building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems and is required to possess a higher level of ICC certification and inspection experience.

SUPERVISION

Works under the direct to general supervision of the Building Inspection Supervisor or other supervisory or designated staff who outlines work assignments, reviews both work in progress and completed work. This classification does not provide any supervision.

Representative Duties

Performs field inspections of new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, and demolition work.

Inspects residential and less complex commercial construction for compliance with approved plans, specifications, permits, codes, ordinances, and regulations.

Performs inspections involving building, structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction within the employee’s demonstrated level of competency.

Verifies setbacks, foundations, framing, fire-resistive construction, means of egress, accessibility features, energy requirements.

Reviews approved construction plans and specifications in preparation for inspections.

Identifies construction that does not comply with approved plans or applicable codes and explains required corrections.

Issues inspection correction notices and documents inspection results.

Performs follow-up inspections to verify completion of required corrections

Provided routine information regarding building codes, inspection procedures, permit requirements, and construction standards.

Assists property owners, contractors, architects, engineers, and members of the public and members of the public in understanding applicable inspection requirements.

Maintains accurate inspection records using the city’s permit and inspection management systems.

Investigates routine complaints regarding construction activity and refers complex matters to higher-level staff.

Coordinates inspection activities with other city staff and outside agencies when necessary.

Participates in training and continuing education to develop competency in building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspection.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND, ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Basic principles, practices, methods, materials, and terminology used in building construction

Basic principles of building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems

Applicable provisions of the California Building Standards Code

Building inspection methods and procedures

Construction plans, specifications, and standard construction documents

Basic mathematics used in building inspection

Occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions

Principles of effective custom service

Basic recordkeeping and report preparation

Skill in:

Learning the correct local, state and 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 permit tracking systems

Ability to:

Learn, interpret and apply applicable building and construction codes

Read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and details

Inspect construction workmanship and materials

Recognize deviations from approved plans and applicable codes

Explain inspection requirements and correction notices clearly and professionally

Exercise sound judgment within established guidelines

Main accurate electronic and written records

Communicate effectively orally and in writing

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with contractors, design professionals, property owners, coworkers, and the public

Safety access construction sites, including ladders, stairs, scaffolding, uneven surfaces, and confined areas as required

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

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

Experience:

• One year of experience as Building Inspector Trainee with the City of Santa Monica or two years of work experience performing building or construction inspection.

Licenses and Certifications:

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid Class C driver license.

ICC Certifications

Possession of at least one current (valid) International Code Council (ICC) Inspector certification in one of the following disciplines is required:

• Residential Building Inspector (B1), or
• Commercial Building Inspector (B2)

The required certification shall be maintained as a condition of continued employment. Additional ICC inspection certifications are highly desirable.

Supplemental Information

H OW TO APPLY : Applicants must file a clear, concise and complete City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma, if applicable and copies of your certificates from the International Code Council with your application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.

SELECTION PROCESS : All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of the following:

• Oral Interview: 100%

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS : Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

NOTE : If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

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!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246. TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three works days prior to the examination.

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.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 10/29/2026 5:30 PM Pacific