Building Inspector II (Building Inspector I/II)

City of Costa Mesa (CA)•Costa Mesa, CA

50d

About The Position

The City of Costa Mesa is seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Building Inspector to ensure that construction projects meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and excellence. Join our talented team and help shape the safety and quality of our community's built environment! This is skilled inspection work in securing compliance with all aspects of building, zoning, planning, federal, state, and municipal codes and regulations governing new and existing construction and involving any combination of the following: installation and operation of electrical systems and allied equipment; plumbing, heating, and mechanical installations; building construction, alteration, and repair; and housing compliance investigation. Duties also include the enforcement of all applicable mandated regulations; and performs related duties as required. Work is performed in both the field and office as it involves physical inspections and the documentation and communication of those inspection results. Structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems are inspected to verify compliance with applicable codes and approved construction documents. Work requires knowledge of all aspects of the building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades with an emphasis on requirements, installation techniques, assembly methods, and industry practices. An incumbent shall be able to investigate alleged violations and recommend of acceptable alternatives; which meet the intent of all applicable state and municipal codes. Work is subject to general supervision from the Chief of Inspection and periodic checks and reviews by a technical superior. Building Inspector II: As the second class in this series, incumbents at this level are distinguished from the Building Inspector I by their performance of the full range of combination inspections (building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical) on a variety of residential and commercial projects and by their depth of knowledge and understanding of the laws, rules, ordinances and code provisions pertaining to building construction. Incumbents at this level are expected to conduct the more advanced and complex multi-family, commercial, and accessibility inspections. Incumbents at this level exhibit a thorough understanding of the California Accessibility Codes (CBC 11a & 11b). Incumbents in this position are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Incumbents may provide technical assistance, training and guidance to employees in lower level classifications.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent. College course work in Construction Technology or Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Electrical or Mechanical engineering or a related field is desirable.
Three (3) years of experience at the journey level in building inspection or as a superintendent in a construction trade.
Must possess and maintain a valid Class C California Driver's License.
International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Residential or Commercial Combination Inspector.
Certification as a Combination Building Inspector is required within one (1) year of initial appointment.
Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local codes, regulations and ordinances relating to all aspects of construction.
Considerable knowledge of the methods and practices involved in installing, repairing, and maintaining a variety of building systems.
Considerable knowledge of plumbing, heating, and mechanical equipment and appliances.
Considerable knowledge of possible defects and faults in the above systems and appliances, and of standard testing of devices and effective corrective measures.
Knowledge of permitting, inspecting, or other related software applications.
Skill in using current technology including, but not limited to, modern office equipment, smart phones and tablets.
Ability to detect and locate defective installations.
Ability to contact and interact with tenants, building owners, contractors, craftsmen, architects, engineers, co-workers, and others, to effect and maintain satisfactory working relationships.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, blueprints and diagrams.
Ability to maintain accurate and up to date inspection records and permit files.
Ability to confer with architects, contractors, builders and the general public while promoting and providing quality customer service.
Ability to interpret plans, deliver corrections, and enforce the codes with firmness, tact and impartiality.
Ability to handle challenging interactions tactfully, professionally, courteously and constructively.
Ability to work irregular hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays and be scheduled for standby duty.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of experience in building inspection for a public agency is desirable.
A California Contractor's License in good standing (active or inactive) is desirable.
ICC Certification(s) in any related discipline or as a Certified Accessibility Specialist (CASp) is desirable.

Responsibilities

Securing compliance with all aspects of building, zoning, planning, federal, state, and municipal codes and regulations governing new and existing construction
Installation and operation of electrical systems and allied equipment
Plumbing, heating, and mechanical installations
Building construction, alteration, and repair
Housing compliance investigation
Enforcement of all applicable mandated regulations
Performing physical inspections
Documenting and communicating inspection results
Inspecting structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems to verify compliance with applicable codes and approved construction documents
Investigating alleged violations and recommend acceptable alternatives that meet the intent of all applicable state and municipal codes
Conducting the more advanced and complex multi-family, commercial, and accessibility inspections
Providing technical assistance, training and guidance to employees in lower level classifications