Building Inspector II

Job Summary

This classification will independently perform the full range of combination building inspection duties involving residential, commercial, and other construction; inspects building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing installations for compliance with approved plans, applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations; resolves inspection and code-compliance issues; provides technical assistance to contractors, design professionals, property owners, and the public, and performs related duties as assigned.

Building Inspector II is the experienced journey level in the Building Inspector classification series. Incumbents independently perform combination inspections involving multiple construction disciplines and are expected to exercise judgment in interpreting and applying applicable construction codes.

This classification is distinguished from Building Inspector I by the greater degree of independence, complexity of assignments, required building inspection experience, and requirement for multiple ICC commercial inspector certifications.

It is distinguished from Senior Building Inspector in that the Senior classification handles the most complex and sensitive inspection assignments, serves as a technical resource, assists in training and mentoring inspection staff, and is required to demonstrate competency in all four major commercial inspection disciplines.

Works under the general supervision of the Building Inspection Supervisor or other designated supervisory staff who outlines work assignments, occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work. May provide technical assistance and training to Building Inspector I employees. No supervision exercised.

Representative Duties

• Independently performs combination inspections of residential and commercial buildings and structures.
• Inspects structural, building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction for compliance with approved plans and applicable codes.
• Performs inspections at various stages of construction including foundation, reinforcing steel, framing, insulation, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-resistive construction, accessibility, energy compliance, and final inspection.
• Reviews approved construction plans, specifications, engineering details, and related documents in preparation for and during field inspections.
• Determines whether construction complies with approved plans, applicable codes, standards, ordinances, and permit conditions.
• Identifies violations and deficiencies and determines appropriate corrective action.
• Issues correction notices and, within delegated authority, stop-work or other enforcement notices.
• Conducts follow-up inspections and verifies correction of identified violations.
• Explains technical code requirements to contractors, developers, architects, engineers, property owners, and members of the public.
• Resolves routine to moderately complex disputes regarding inspection requirements and code interpretation.
• Coordinates inspection issues with plan review staff, code enforcement personnel, fire personnel, public works staff, and other agencies.
• Reviews minor field changes and construction modifications within delegated authority and refers changes requiring engineering or formal plan review to appropriate staff.
• Evaluates alternate construction conditions and refers requests for code modifications or alternate methods and materials to appropriate authority.
• Investigates complaints involving construction without permits, unsafe construction, and code violations.
• Prepares accurate inspection reports, correction notices, correspondence, and other documentation.
• Provides technical assistance and informal training to less experienced inspectors.
• Participates in continuing education and obtains additional ICC certifications in preparation for advancement to Senior Building Inspector.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, materials, and practices used in residential and commercial construction
• Structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction systems
• Current California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Green Building, and related codes and standards applicable to assigned duties
• Accessibility requirements applicable to building construction
• Accepted inspection practices and procedures
• Construction plans, specifications, engineering details, and technical reports
• Code enforcement methods and procedures
• Principles of documentation and evidence necessary for enforcement proceedings
• Permit and inspection tracking systems
• Principles of effective public and customer relations

Skill in:

• Learning the correct local, state and federal regulatory codes and standards
• Understanding and interpreting plans and specifications
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing
• Using standard office equipment, software applications, and computerized permit tracking systems

Ability to:

• Independently conduct residential and commercial combination inspections
• Apply building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing requirements to field conditions
• Interpret complex construction plans and specifications
• Recognize unsafe or noncompliant construction
• Determine appropriate corrective actions
• Exercise independent judgment within delegated authority
• Resolve routine code interpretation and inspection disputes
• Explain technical requirements clearly to construction professionals and the public
• Coordinate effectively with plan review and other regulatory staff
• Prepare clear, complete, and defensible inspection documentation
• Assist in training and developing less experienced inspectors

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
• College-level coursework or technical training in construction technology, architecture, engineering, building inspection, code administration, or a related field is desirable.
• An Associate's degree in construction technology, architecture, engineering, building inspection, or a related field is highly desirable.

Experience:

• Two years of work experience as Building Inspector I with the City of Santa Monica or four years of paid work experience performing combination inspections, including residential and/or commercial construction inspection.

Licenses and Certifications:

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid Class C driver license.

Certificates:

Possession and maintenance of the following ICC certifications is required:

• Commercial Building Inspector (B2) or Residential Building Inspector (B1). A candidate who does not possess both of these certifications at the time of hire must obtain the other certification within 12 months of hire.

Within 12 months of hire, obtain one of the following commercial certifications:

• Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2)
• Commercial Mechanical Inspector (M2)
• Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P2)

Within 12 months of hire, obtain one of the following residential certifications:

• Residential Electrical Inspector (E1)
• Residential Mechanical Inspector (M1)
• Residential Plumbing Inspector (P1)

Possession of additional ICC certifications in the remaining commercial inspection disciplines is highly desirable.

Required certifications shall be maintained as a condition of continued employment.