Senior Building Inspector

City of San Jacinto•San Jacinto, CA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general direction of the Community Development Manager, the Senior Building Inspector performs advanced technical, inspection, plan review, enforcement, and lead-level work involving residential, commercial, and industrial construction, alteration, remodeling, repair, and occupancy. The position performs difficult and complex building inspections; reviews plans and specifications for compliance with applicable building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, accessibility, housing, fire/life-safety, and related codes and regulations; provides technical guidance and training to Building Inspectors. Incumbents are expected to independently perform complex field inspections, plan reviews, technical investigations, code enforcement, and related administrative activities. The position requires extensive knowledge of construction practices and applicable codes, as well as sound judgment in resolving complex technical and regulatory issues.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by college or vocational coursework in construction technology, architecture, construction management, civil engineering, building inspection, structural design, or a related field
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building inspection, construction, plan checking, structural design, or related activities, including substantial experience with residential and commercial construction.
Experience providing lead direction, technical guidance, training, or coordination of inspection or related personnel is desirable.
Possession of a recognized Building Inspector or Combination Building Inspector certification issued by the International Code Council (ICC), formerly the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), or another recognized state, national, or international code-development organization.
Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and maintain a clean driving record for insurability through the City of San Jacinto.
Must complete post-offer/pre-employment Department of Justice finger printing and background screening.
Work authorization as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is mandatory within three business days of hire.
Knowledge of principles, practices, methods, materials, techniques, and safety standards of residential, commercial, and industrial building construction, alteration, remodeling, repair, and maintenance.
Knowledge of structural design principles and basic civil and structural engineering concepts.
Knowledge of building inspection and plan-check principles, practices, procedures, and methods.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, administrative orders, and standards governing building construction, alteration, rehabilitation, use, occupancy, and maintenance.
Knowledge of California Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Energy, Housing, Zoning, and related codes and regulations.
Knowledge of National Electrical Code requirements and applicable accessibility requirements, including California accessibility standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Knowledge of construction practices and methods associated with carpentry, structural systems, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and related trades.
Knowledge of principles and practices of code enforcement, permit processing, plan review, and building inspection.
Knowledge of construction and occupational safety standards, hazards, and appropriate safety practices.
Knowledge of principles and practices of lead direction, training, and work assignment scheduling.
Knowledge of customer service principles and techniques for dealing effectively with the public, contractors, developers, design professionals, vendors, and City staff.
Knowledge of basic mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, and engineering computations applicable to plan review and inspection.
Knowledge of modern office practices, recordkeeping methods, computer equipment, databases, and software applications used in building inspection and permitting.
Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and effective written communication.
Knowledge of City and department policies, procedures, practices, and organizational requirements.
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and make appropriate decisions within established legal, regulatory, and policy guidelines.
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally, both orally and in writing.
Ability to read, interpret, and evaluate complex construction plans, specifications, drawings, calculations, and technical documents.
Ability to apply and interpret building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, accessibility, housing, structural, and related codes and regulations.
Ability to conduct accurate and effective plan reviews and complex building inspections.
Ability to identify construction deficiencies, code violations, unsafe conditions, and discrepancies between approved plans and work completed.
Ability to perform engineering computations and analyses necessary to evaluate design calculations and construction requirements.
Ability to determine appropriate corrective or enforcement actions in response to code violations and noncompliant construction.
Ability to enforce codes firmly, fairly, tactfully, consistently, and impartially.
Ability to provide lead direction, technical guidance, and training to Building Inspectors.
Ability to assign, coordinate, review, and monitor assigned work activities.
Ability to explain complex construction and code requirements in a manner that is readily understood by others.
Ability to resolve difficult technical issues, complaints, disputes, and customer concerns professionally and effectively.
Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects, assignments, inspections, plan reviews, and deadlines.
Ability to complete detailed work accurately and efficiently within established deadlines.
Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative and discretion while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
Ability to maintain professionalism, courtesy, tact, and composure when dealing with stressful, confrontational, or contentious situations.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, construction conditions, regulations, technology, and departmental requirements.
Ability to operate personal computers, permit systems, databases, office equipment, and software applications necessary to perform assigned duties.
Ability to represent the City effectively in meetings and dealings with governmental agencies, professional organizations, community groups, businesses, and members of the public.
Ability to perform emergency services functions when assigned.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Plans Examination is highly desirable.
Additional certifications in specialized disciplines such as Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, or Plans Examiner are desirable.
Certified Access Specialist (CASp) certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Performs difficult and complex inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial structures at all construction stages, covering foundations, structural components, roofs, electrical, gas, plumbing, mechanical systems, pools, accessibility features, and other building elements.
Reviews building plans, specifications, calculations, and supporting documents for code compliance; conducts comprehensive plan checks; identifies structural, technical, and design deficiencies; prepares correction lists and plan-check reports; and maintains all associated documentation.
Participates in development and design review processes to ensure projects comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and monitors major construction projects through completion, coordinating conditional releases and required inspections.
Interprets and enforces adopted building, zoning, housing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, accessibility, and life-safety codes; determines appropriate enforcement actions for violations, unsafe conditions, or noncompliant work; and issues correction notices, stop-work orders, and other enforcement correspondence.
Investigates construction-related complaints, disputes, and code violations; confers with property owners, contractors, developers, architects, engineers, and the public regarding permit requirements, inspection procedures, code interpretations, and compliance issues; and resolves complex technical disputes through sound regulatory application.
Provides information and assistance at the public counter; recommends alternative methods of compliance when permitted by codes and policies; and maintains accurate permit, inspection, plan-check, and enforcement records in applicable databases and tracking systems.
Provides technical assistance and training to Building Inspectors and other staff on inspection methods, construction practices, code requirements, and enforcement procedures; assists with developing and improving departmental policies, work methods, and service delivery practices.
Assists in scheduling workloads, establishing priorities, and coordinating assigned activities to ensure effective and timely service delivery.
Evaluates new construction practices, materials, technology, and industry developments; recommends policy or procedural updates as appropriate; and conducts research and prepares reports on plans, inspections, complaints, violations, and housing conditions.
Prepares comprehensive inspection reports, technical correspondence, enforcement documentation, risk-management records, and other official records.
Maintains current knowledge of evolving codes, regulations, construction methods, and inspection practices.
Coordinates activities with other City departments, governmental agencies, utilities, and regulatory authorities; and participates in committees, task forces, and meetings representing the Building and Safety function.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with City staff, management, contractors, design professionals, agencies, and the public.
Operates personal computers and applicable software for plan review, permitting, inspections, records management, and enforcement activities.
May serve as an emergency services worker during emergencies.
Performs related duties or responsibilities as assigned.