Description
THE POSITION(S):
Under general supervision, inspects buildings and structures in all stages of construction for compliance with governing laws, local ordinances, and adopted state and model codes, and standards, and takes appropriate action to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and laws.
The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service skills as well as strong interpersonal skills which allow them to successfully work with a diverse customer base including home and business owners, builders, contractors, trades people, designers, and general public. The ideal candidate will also have recent construction experience with working knowledge of current construction methods and materials, including work experience in mechanical, plumbing, and electrical installations; ability to work under direction and/or independently with the use of mobile technology at various work sites throughout the County. Additional trade certifications from the International Code Council (ICC) are highly desired.
Building Inspector I and II: Under general supervision (I and II), inspects buildings and structures in all stages of construction for compliance with governing laws, local ordinances, and adopted state and model codes, and standards, and takes appropriate action to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and laws. Performs related duties as required.
Building Inspector III: Under direction, inspects buildings and structures in all stages of construction related to the assigned area of specialty for compliance with governing laws, local ordinances, and adopted state and model codes and standards. Takes appropriate action to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and laws. Trains inspection staff in the assigned area of specialty and performs related work as required. Where technically qualified, the Building Inspector III may be assigned to inspect complex commercial and industrial electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Building Inspector I is the entry level in the Building Inspector job series. The Building Inspector I differs from the Building Inspector II in that the latter requires ICC (International Code Council) certification.
Building Inspector II differs from Building Inspector I in that the latter is the entry level position in the job series. Building Inspector II differs from Building Inspector III in that the latter is assigned to the more advanced specialist functions and may supervise specific functions or programs.
Building Inspector III may be assigned the responsibility of performing the duties of the assigned specialty in a branch office of Building and Safety, or may be assigned to all branch offices on a periodic rotating basis. Incumbents are expected to effectively resolve difficult problems associated with inspection, plan review or permit processing in accordance with their assigned specialty, Building Inspector III functions at a more advanced level than a Building Inspector II, but does not have full supervisory authority withing a branch office as does a Building Inspector IV.
The Building Inspector III performs complex structural, architectural, plumbing, mechanical or electrical inspections and/or plan reviews; and may oversee and supervise permit processing and clerical staff of a customer service counter.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
Building Inspector I
- Drives to various location and inspects the construction of residential, some commercial and other structures and related equipment for compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and laws.
- Approves acceptable work or indicates in writing corrections necessary to comply with codes and ordinances.
- Explains code and ordinance requirements to county personnel, builders, architects, contractors, and the public.
- Issues written notices of violations when required.
- Provides written or electronic inspection notices.
- Maintains accurate permit and construction support files for the assigned geographical area.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Building Inspector II
In addition to the duties above, the Building Inspector II may include any combination of the following:
- Performs simple plan reviews for minor residential additions, alterations, and remodels.
- May appear as an expert witness at legal hearings and court proceedings.
Building Inspector III
In addition to the duties above, the Building Inspector III may include any combination of the following:
Generalist Inspector, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical Specialist:
- Inspects complex structural and architectural systems including the installation, alteration, repair, and maintenance of electrical, plumbing and/or mechanical equipment, apparatus and systems.
- Reviews plans and related documents and calculations for compliance with Ventura County ordinances and laws.
- Establishes and prepares training programs in basic to complex inspections as required in the various specialties. Assists building inspection staff on complex inspections.
- Explains codes and ordinance requirements for proper installation of equipment, materials and systems to county personnel, builders, architects, contractors, and the public.
- May appear as an expert witness at legal hearings and court proceedings.
- Maintains accurate permit and construction support files of all assigned projects.
- Recommends and advises the Building Official on proposed changes to the adopted codes.
Requirements
Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
Building Inspector I
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through two (2) years of experience as an inspector or a journeyman in the building trades or building construction. Certification as an inspector by a nationally recognized organization, such as the International Code Council, is preferred.
Building Inspector II
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through three (3) years as an inspector or a journeyman in the major building trades.
Substitution (I/II): Satisfactory completion of directly related college coursework may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. Other special training/experience pertinent to the specific tasks may be considered if appropriate to the position required.
Building Inspector III
Generalist Inspector, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical Specialist:
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through four (4) years as an inspector or a journeyman in the major construction trades, one (1) year of which has been with a local governmental agency in the appropriate technical specialty.
Substitution (III): Satisfactory completion of directly-related college coursework may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required experience, excluding the required government experience, on a year-for-year basis.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver License.
- All employees in this classification are subject to the provisions of Health & Safety Code 18949.25 et seq. which mandates certification and continuing education. Exemptions to certification requirements may be allowed as provided for in the above code sections. The certification will be from a recognized state, national, or international association as determined by the local agency, (County of Ventura, Resource Management Agency). All employees in this classification “shall complete a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education for every three (3) year period, with at least eight (8) hours regarding disability access requirements with providers determined by the local agency (County of Ventura, Resource Management).”
- Building Inspector II: Must possess at the time of hire at least one current ICC (International Code Council) certificate from the “Residential Inspector” Series, “Commercial Inspector” Series, or “Plans Examiner” Series. Other job-related certification pertinent to job duties may be substituted subject to approval by the Personnel Department.
- Building Inspector III - Generalist/Specialist: Must possess at least one ICC (International Code Council) certificate from the “Residential Inspector” Series, “Commercial Inspector” Series, or “Plans Examiner” Series, PLUS ONE additional recognized certificate in the appropriate discipline.
- Able and willing to perform work both in the office and outdoors.
- Able and willing to perform strenuous tasks including lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds with or without accommodation.
- Able and willing to frequently bend, crawl, climb, reach, crouch, and kneel.
- Experience working on computer databases or permit and land-use management tracking software.
DESIRED:
- International Code Council (ICC) certifications: Plumbing, Mechanical or Electrical inspector.
- Recent construction inspection experience.
- Recent education or training at a college level in Construction Technology or Building Inspection Technology.
- Experience in analyzing and interpreting complex mechanical and plumbing plans and applying practical knowledge to achieve safe installations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Some to Comprehensive knowledge of the following:
- Methods (I) and materials (II/III) of construction and building materials and specialty codes, governing laws, and policies appropriate to the area of responsibility.
- Fundamental tools, practices, and techniques of building construction, repair, and alteration.
- Inspection techniques and procedures.
- Basic (I) and more complex and technical provisions (II/III) of International and Uniform Codes.
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations. (II)
- Principles of supervision and training. (III)
Some to Comprehensive ability to do the following:
- Read construction drawings and documents related to assigned specialty.
- Communicate and give instructions orally and in writing.
- Read, understand and apply codes and ordinances.
- Effectively use a desktop and/or laptop computer and related software programs for document creation and email communications and permit processing and/or land-use tracking software.
- Detect residential construction defects and hazards in buildings undergoing construction, alteration, or repair.
- Evaluate damaged residential (I) and commercial (II/III) buildings for continued use and occupancy.
- Plan and organize daily work activities and adjust daily work assignments of inspectors. (II/III)
- Detect incorrect and unsafe installations, and equipment hazards, in building systems rlated to the assigned specialty. (III)
