Building Inspector I

City of Santa Monica•Santa Monica, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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
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
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
Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
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.
Possession of a valid Class C driver license.
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.

Nice To Haves

College-level coursework or technical training in building construction, construction technology, architecture, engineering, building inspection, code administration, or a related field is desirable.
Additional ICC inspection certifications are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

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.