Building Inspector

City of La Habra • La Habra, CA

9d

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Chief Building Official, the Building Inspector conducts technical building inspections to enforce compliance with building codes, regulations, and ordinances. The role researches construction materials and methods, provides information to the public, and collaborates with others to resolve issues. It also performs code enforcement duties, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) inspections, and related fieldwork.

The position reviews routine building plans, inspects construction and remodeling at various stages, performs combination inspections across building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical trades, and issues permits. It provides technical guidance to project professionals and the public, documents inspections and corrections, conducts post-disaster evaluations, and performs Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) inspections. The role serves in office, field, and construction-site environments and requires travel between sites. City employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties during emergencies or disasters.

Requirements

• Two years of construction trade experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• High school completion supplemented by construction-code classes and other related codes, such as California building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and Title 24.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver's license.
• Knowledge of building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical codes; code enforcement best practices; NPDES regulations; FOG requirements; and California Energy and Accessibility regulations.
• Knowledge of general zoning and land-use laws; building inspection and plans examination; structural design and engineering mathematics; construction safety standards and methods; applicable laws and regulations; English usage; safe work practices; and customer service techniques.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; read and interpret complex plans, specifications, and codes; perform combination inspections; identify and document code violations; conduct Best Management Practice and FOG inspections; prepare records and reports; use relevant computer software; communicate clearly and courteously; and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Ability to safely operate motorized vehicles and perform the physical activities described for the role.
• Ability to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in an emergency or disaster.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of an International Code Council Combination Inspector certificate or equivalent is desirable.
• Ability to acquire International Code Council Residential Building Inspector and Commercial Building Inspector certifications within one year of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret construction plans and specifications.
• Check routine building plans for conformance with City codes, currently adopted model building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical codes, and California Energy and Accessibility regulations.
• Inspect buildings and other structures during construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Perform combination inspections in building (structural and fire and life safety), plumbing, electrical, and mechanical trades.
• Issue permits for work to be performed.
• Provide technical information about code requirements to architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, developers, and others.
• Maintain records of inspections and corrections.
• Conduct post-disaster evaluations.
• Perform building-code enforcement duties.
• Perform NPDES inspections and routine Best Management Practice inspections to confirm compliance with approved Water Quality Management Plans.
• Conduct FOG inspections to confirm compliance with City requirements.
• Create and maintain accurate records, databases, and files; prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports and correspondence.
• Use computer software for recordkeeping, scheduling, word processing, and other building-regulation enforcement processes.
• Provide quality customer service and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and City staff.
• Perform assigned disaster service worker duties during emergencies or disasters.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED