Building Inspector I-II

Position Description

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW

Thank you for your interest in our Building Inspector I-II position. We look forward to the opportunity to consider you as an applicant.

The City of Tulare is seeking a qualified and detail-oriented Building Inspector to ensure that all construction and renovation projects meet local, state, and national building codes and safety regulations. The ideal candidate will conduct on-site inspections, review plans and applications for building permits, and work collaboratively with contractors and the public to ensure compliance.
We are currently recruiting to fill one immediate vacancy that will be staffed at either the Building Inspector I or II level depending on the qualifications of the candidate selected. Additionally, an eligible list will be established to fill any future vacancies in this classification for a period of up to six months.

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 67,834 located in the heart of California's Central Valley. The city provides a full-range of services to our citizens. The organization, staffed with 411 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.
To be considered for this outstanding career opportunity applicants must submit a detailed application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills.

In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to respond to the supplemental questions associated with the application. Responses to the supplemental questions will be used to help us evaluate applicants’ qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application or in lieu of detailed responses to the supplemental questions.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under direct or general supervision, performs routine to complex combination inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial building sites to enforce building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, housing and environmental codes, and other governing laws and ordinances including basic zoning, grading, and fire, and safety regulations; ensures conformance with approved plans, specifications, standards, permits, and licensing; provides a variety of information to property owners, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors; issues building permits; and performs related work as required.
SALARY

Building Inspector I: $5,079.53 - $6,174.21
Building Inspector II: $5,899.38 - $7,170.72

Examples of Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs field inspections of new and existing residential, commercial, and industrial properties for conformance to codes, regulations, plans, specifications, and standards related to foundations, framing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, housing, soil testing, access, life safety, and other functional elements.
• Confers with legal, fire, and public works staff regarding building, fire, life safety, zoning, and other code interpretations and applications.
• Performs final inspections on new residences and public works, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, handicap ramps, street signs, and lights.
• Reviews plans and applications for building permits; calculates appropriate fees and issues building permits.
• Confers with and provides information to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, contractors, and others regarding code requirements and alternatives; attends pre-construction site meetings; resolves complaints and problems.
• Performs plan checking of residential and commercial plans for completeness, accuracy, and code compliance for new construction, alterations, or remodeling for existing structures; ensures compliance with applicable codes and accepted engineering practices.
• Investigates complaints regarding substandard housing, existing buildings, and new construction to buildings to determine if code violations or problem conditions exist.
• Writes "stop work" orders for work being done without permits or in an unsafe manner.
• Prepares notices of violation or noncompliance and citations according to applicable codes and regulations; issues letters to property owners notifying them of violations.
• Reviews damaged buildings for safe occupancy after fires or other occurrences.
• Initiates minor field changes on contract projects not involving structural or architectural features.
• Conducts follow-up investigations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances; establishes and maintains accurate and complete case files; prepares documents and evidence for court proceedings and testifies in hearings and court proceedings, as necessary.
• Initiates contacts with residents, business representatives, and other parties to explain the nature of incurred violations and to encourage compliance with municipal codes, ordinances, and community standards; provides confirmation to public by telephone and in person regarding code regulations.
• Prepares and maintains variety of correspondence, reports, correction notices, and other written materials.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• May schedule, instruct, train, and serve as a resource for staff members.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, materials, and tools used in building construction.
• Accepted safety standards and methods used in building construction for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of building inspection and construction.
• Mathematical principles including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Basic computer applications related to work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Building Inspector II, in addition to the above:

• Building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, life safety, energy, and related codes.
• Principles and techniques of building inspection and structural design.
• Concepts and practices of non-structural plan review.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and departmental policies governing the construction of assigned projects, as well as enforcement of housing codes.
• Techniques for dealing with the engineers, developers, contractors, City staff, and representatives of other agencies in an effective manner.

Ability to:

• Learn and interpret, apply, and explain laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies governing the construction and maintenance of buildings, as well as code enforcement of housing codes.
• Learn principles and techniques of building inspection and structural design.
• Learn to review and analyze construction plans, specifications, and maps for conformance with City standards and policies.
• Detect and locate faulty materials and workmanship and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied.
• Coordinate and deal with contractors, engineers, and property owners, as well as investigate code violations and respond to inquiries and complaints in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
• Learn to read, understand, and interpret construction blueprints, plans, and specifications.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, change orders, specifications, and other written materials.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with other departments, public and private organizations, and individuals.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Maintain accurate and precise records.
• Make accurate mathematic computations.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet multiple deadlines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Building Inspector II, in addition to the above:

• Interpret, analyze, apply, and explain laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies governing the construction and maintenance of buildings, as well as code enforcement of housing codes.
• Review and analyze construction plans, specifications, and maps for conformance with City standards and policies.
• Read, understand, and interpret construction blueprints, plans, and specifications.
• Review and authorize change orders, claims, and progress payments.
• Perform the entire range of combined building inspection activities with a minimum of supervision.

REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Building Inspector I/II: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by college-level coursework in construction technology, building inspection, or a related field.

Building Inspector I: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible construction and/or building trades experience. One (1) year of building inspection experience or an Associates degree in Building Inspection is desirable.

Building Inspector II: In addition to the above, two (2) years of experience equivalent to Building Inspector I at the City of Tulare.

Licenses and Certifications:

Building Inspector I and II

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California Driver's License by time of appointment.

Building Inspector I

• Certification as a Building Inspector by the International Conference of Building Officials or the International Code Council within one (1) year of employment.

Building Inspector II

• Certification as a Combination Building Inspector by the International Conference of Building Officials or the International Code Council.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect various commercial and residential development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to attend meetings and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and to make inspections; color vision to identify materials, structures, wires, and pipes; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and partially in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to work on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55 formula with single highest year.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
• Life insurance - $20,000 coverage.
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
• 12 days sick leave per year.
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
• City sponsored employee health care clinic - Services include: general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 9/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Tulare

• 559-684-4204

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