Senior Building Inspector

City of Santa Monica•Santa Monica, CA

12d

About The Position

The Senior Building Inspector is the advanced journey-level classification in the Building Inspector series. The role performs the most complex combination inspections across residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, high-rise, major alteration, phased-construction, and other technically challenging projects. It requires extensive inspection experience, demonstrated competency across major construction disciplines, advanced code knowledge, and substantial independent judgment. The Senior Building Inspector serves as a senior technical resource and mentor to Building Inspector I and II staff, providing technical guidance, training, and functional direction without formal supervisory authority. The position may coordinate and schedule inspection activities, review work, and provide input to employee performance evaluations. Formal personnel supervision and related management responsibilities remain with designated supervisory staff. The role works under the general supervision of the Building Inspection Supervisor or other designated supervisory staff. The position reviews plans and technical documentation, coordinates with project stakeholders and other agencies, helps resolve complex code-compliance and inspection issues, and recommends improvements to inspection practices and service delivery. Some work is performed indoors, with occasional field work at construction sites, abandoned buildings, and outdoor work sites. A $15,000 signing bonus is available for new employees.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent.
Either two years of work experience as a Building Inspector II with the City of Santa Monica, independently performing combination inspections in building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing disciplines; or six years of paid work experience performing combination inspections, including residential and commercial construction inspection and inspections involving multiple construction disciplines.
Possession of a valid Class C driver license.
Possession and maintenance of ICC Commercial Building Inspector (B2), Commercial Electrical Inspector (#2), Commercial Mechanical Inspector (M2), Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P2), Residential Building Inspector (B1), Residential Electrical Inspector (E1), Residential Mechanical Inspector (M1), and Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1) certifications. Applicable ICC Commercial Combination Inspector and Residential Combination Inspector designations may satisfy this requirement if the underlying credentials include all required disciplines.
Ability to independently perform the most complex combination building inspections and apply and explain advanced building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing code requirements.
Ability to analyze unusual construction conditions, identify applicable code requirements, read and interpret complex plans, and identify conflicts between approved plans, field conditions, and codes.
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment, resolve complex inspection and code-compliance issues, and coordinate inspection activities on major and complex projects.
Ability to provide technical guidance, train and mentor less-experienced inspectors, communicate effectively with project stakeholders and regulatory agencies, and handle controversial or sensitive matters professionally.
Knowledge of advanced building inspection and code enforcement; complex construction methods and materials; structural systems; electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems; California Building Standards Code and applicable laws and amendments; accessibility, energy conservation, green building and related requirements; special inspection and structural observation requirements; alternate construction methods; inspection documentation and enforcement; technical training and mentoring; conflict resolution; and inspection policies, procedures, and quality-control practices.
Skill in leading and coordinating the work of others, interpreting plans and specifications, communicating orally and in writing, and using standard office equipment, software applications, and computerized permit tracking systems.
Physical ability to stand, bend, stoop, crawl, lift up to 25 pounds, climb ladders and flights of stairs, walk, and sit.

Nice To Haves

College-level coursework in construction technology, architecture, engineering, building inspection, code administration, or a related field.
An Associate or Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, construction technology, or a closely related field.
Experience inspecting complex commercial, industrial, mixed-use, major alteration, or other technically complex projects.
Experience providing technical guidance, training, or mentoring to other inspection personnel.
ICC Building Plans Examiner certification.
ICC Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner certification.
ICC Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner certification.
ICC Special Inspector certifications.
Other ICC certifications relevant to assigned Building & Safety functions.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced combination inspections of complex residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, high-rise, major alteration, phased-construction, and other technically challenging projects.
Provide technical leadership in resolving difficult, complex, or disputed inspection issues involving code interpretation, field conditions, construction methods, inspection requirements, and enforcement procedures.
Guide, mentor, and coach Building Inspector I and II staff in code application, inspection methods, documentation, problem solving, customer service, professional judgment, and technical development.
Assist in developing and delivering technical training, facilitating knowledge sharing, and supporting onboarding and development of less-experienced inspectors.
Provide functional guidance and coordinate inspection activities on complex projects or assignments as directed, without exercising formal supervisory authority.
Review plans, specifications, engineering reports, product approvals, special inspection and structural observation documentation, and other technical materials to evaluate and verify code compliance.
Coordinate complex inspection activities and participate in preconstruction and field meetings with plan review staff, engineers, architects, contractors, special inspectors, testing agencies, Fire, Public Works, utilities, and other agencies.
Provide technical input on inspection policies, procedures, standard operating practices, checklists, training materials, and implementation of new codes and regulatory requirements.
Identify recurring issues and recommend improvements to inspection practices and service delivery.
Help resolve difficult or sensitive matters involving contractors, property owners, design professionals, and the public.
Identify unsafe conditions and recommend or initiate appropriate corrective or enforcement action within delegated authority.
Provide input to employee performance evaluations.
Perform related duties as assigned.