Building Inspector III

Butte County•Oroville, CA

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs specialized and complex building inspection work interpreting structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and related codes and regulations for new construction, remodels, and repairs of single-family and multifamily residential buildings and commercial properties. This is the advanced journey-level classification in the building inspector series, responsible for complex, difficult, sensitive, and specialized inspections. The incumbent performs the full range of assigned duties independently, using judgment and initiative, with only occasional instruction or assistance in new or unusual situations. The position exercises no direct supervision over staff and reports to the Building Inspection Supervisor. This is an Extra Help position. Extra Help may be part-time or non-permanent, and weekly hours may vary based on departmental needs. The classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027. The position is non-exempt under FLSA. Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and must complete assigned related training and return to work as ordered in an emergency.

Requirements

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
Four years of construction or building inspection experience at a level equivalent to Butte County's Building Inspector II class.
A valid U.S. driver's license upon application; must obtain a California driver's license after hire in accordance with California DMV regulations.
A valid I.C.C. Residential or Commercial Building Inspector certificate, maintained throughout employment, and two or more of the following: Commercial or Residential Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical Inspector certifications.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, and standards related to building inspection.
Knowledge of advanced principles, practices, and methods of residential, commercial, and industrial structural and building plan review and inspection work.
Knowledge of general construction and electrical and mechanical systems, structural design and engineering mathematics, occupational hazards and standard safety practices, research methods, record-keeping, correspondence, customer service, English language usage, and relevant business equipment and software.
Ability to read, analyze, and identify deviations from approved building and construction plans, diagrams, and specifications; enforce building and related codes; and conduct thorough and accurate inspections.
Ability to review and advise homeowners on corrections needed for basic residential plan checks and perform mathematical computations accurately.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear reports and written materials; collect, interpret, and analyze office and field inspection data; and apply relevant laws, codes, policies, procedures, and standards.
Ability to organize work independently, set priorities, meet deadlines, follow up on assignments, and use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment.
Ability to use relevant computer systems, software, and business equipment; communicate clearly orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

Receive inspection requests; retrieve and review permits; schedule and conduct daily field inspections for complex commercial and residential structures; check for and ensure compliance with laws and ordinances; and check plans as required.
Manage customer relations on commercial and industrial building inspection projects and deal constructively with difficult people.
Review plans and construction documents for code compliance, and work with staff and the public to address concerns arising during plan check and construction.
Work with architects, engineers, designers, contractors, and homeowners regarding deficiencies in structural and non-structural requirements.
Investigate complaints about existing buildings or new construction to determine whether code violations or problem conditions exist; interpret codes and resolve problems related to codes or structural design.
Coordinate with plan check and engineering staff on structural and safety requirements for building design; interpret codes and resolve problems.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new building construction methods and materials to determine code compliance.
Conduct special inspections of structures to be transported, substandard or hazardous structures, and changes of occupancy, and inspections to facilitate code-violation compliance.
Provide administrative support, including customer service at the work counter and by phone; receive and review permit requests; accept payment and issue permits; and catalog and maintain paperwork and related documents.
Operate and maintain a vehicle, inspect the assigned vehicle daily, document maintenance defects and malfunctions, and schedule required repairs.
Conduct inventory and order, receive, stock, and maintain supplies.
Provide training to new staff as assigned.
Perform related duties as assigned.