Job Abstract

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job:

• Performs field inspections of new/existing commercial, industrial, and residential properties at various stages of construction, alterations, and repair for conformance to codes, regulations, plans, specifications, standards, and architect and engineering drawings related to foundations, framing, electrical, mechanical, heating, plumbing, structure, finish, and a wide variety of other routine to complex building system elements;
• Inspects a variety of structural member factors; examines grade, quality, and treatment of a variety of materials; performs final inspections;
• Confers with legal, fire, public works, and other City/outside agency staff regarding building, fire, life safety, zoning, and other code interpretations and applications;
• Performs non-structural plan checking for completeness, accuracy, and code compliance for new construction, alterations, or remodeling of existing structures; ensures compliance with applicable codes and accepted engineering practices;
• Writes "stop work" notices for work being done without permits or in an unsafe manner;
• Reviews plans and applications for building permits;
• Investigates complaints regarding existing buildings or new construction to determine if code violations or problem conditions exist;
• Attends code interpretation meetings;
• Confers with and provides information to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, contractors, and others regarding code requirements and alternatives;
• Prepares and maintains a variety of correspondence, reports, correction notices, and other written materials;
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Attends code interpretations meetings;
• Conducts follow-up inspections to ensure compliance;
• Establishes and maintains accurate files;
• Assists the front counter in issuing permits and taking in plan check submittals.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education and Experience:

• Equivalent to the completion of 12th grade supplemented by coursework in construction code, such as building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and/or local municipal code, or a related field.
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering architecture, or closely related field is desirable, but not required
• Two (2) years of experience inspecting buildings or in general construction trades.

• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California driver license by time of appointment.
• Certification as a Building or Combination Inspector by the International Code Council within (1) one year of appointment.
• International Code Conference (ICC) Certificate as a Building Inspector, Certified Plans Examiner, or Inspection Technology is desirable

• Principles, practices, methods, materials, techniques, and safety standards of building construction, building inspection, and structural design for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
• Building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, life safety, energy, and related codes.
• Concepts and practices of non-structural plan review.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures governing the construction of assigned projects.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of building inspection and construction.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including safe driving rules and practices.
• Mathematical principles including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures, and departmental policies governing the construction and inspection of buildings.
• Review, understand, interpret, and analyze construction blueprints, plans, specifications, architect and engineering drawings, and maps for conformance with City standards and policies.
• Detect faulty materials and workmanship and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied.
• Coordinate and deal with contractors, engineers, and property owners, as well as investigate building code violations and respond to inquiries and complaints in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, change orders, specifications, and other written materials; maintain accurate and precise records.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with other departments, public and private organizations, and individuals.
• Make accurate mathematics computations.
• Operate office equipment and computer applications related to the work.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 544-5332 no later than five (5) business days before the test date.