Building Inspector

The Position

Upcoming scheduled salary increase of 3% effective July 2026. Under general supervision, the Building Inspector performs full services at the public counter, performs plan reviews for developments with lower-level complexity, tracks permit applications and plan submittals, assists in processing permit applications, assists to coordinate permit and plans with other development staff, performs inspection work in all phases of construction, alteration, and repair for adherence to plans, specifications, and state and local codes and related work. ~This is a non-telecommuting position~

Representative Duties

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Inspects residential, commercial, industrial and other buildings for conformance to the California Building Code (CBC) and other related codes and statutes; notes defects in construction work and issues correction notices;
• Conducts field inspections as directed;
• Provides plan check services for compliance with applicable codes for minor projects, including, but not limited to, residential additions and accessory structures, and commercial, industrial tenant improvements;
• Interprets and applies pertinent code requirements; uses proper procedures and techniques of inspection and application and interpretation of Code provisions and departmental policies;
• Receives and investigates complaints on industrial, commercial, and residential conditions, health hazards, and safety hazards; manages inspections and employs de-escalation techniques during a difficult enforcement;
• Checks methods of construction and quality of materials at building sites;
• Provides information and assistance to architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and the general public in the field and office;
• Prepares, maintains and submits reports and records of inspections;
• Uses data record keeping systems;
• Takes the appropriate action to report violations to senior staff that may require legal action;
• Coordinates the use of the automated building permit system;
• Recommends changes in procedures and work methods related to enforcement of building codes;
• Maintains a variety of files and records related to area of assignment; inputs and retrieves information into computer data bases; prepares reports, correspondence, and a variety of other written material as requested; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification. An example would be: EDUCATION : Graduation from high school or equivalent; and EXPERIENCE : Two (2) years full-time experience as a Building Inspector for a municipal or county building department, OR four (4) years of responsible experience in the building, construction, or maintenance trades. Completion of related college-level courses may be substituted for 1 year of work experience. A certificate or degree in Inspection Technology, Construction Management, Architecture, Drafting, Engineering or a related field from a college or university, and/or a California Building Officials (CALBO) field inspection credential, and/or a certification from the International Code Council (ICC) for Building Inspector or Combination Inspector is highly desirable. Obtaining an International Code Council (ICC) Residential Building Inspector (B1) within 1 year from time of appointment is required. Obtaining an International Code Council (ICC) Electrical (E1), Plumbing (P1), or Mechanical (M1) certifications within 2 years from time of appointment is required. Possession of a valid class C California Driver's License is required at time of hire.

EVALUATION PROCESS : This recruitment is open until filled, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. First review of applications may occur the week of July 6, 2026. Interested applicants must submit an online application and a completed supplemental questionnaire. Candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the city will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position which may consist of any or all of the following components: Appraisal interview, a written exercise, or a practical skills assessment. PANEL INTERVIEW : Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026. SELECTION INTERVIEW: TBD The City may change these testing and interview dates at its discretion due to departmental staffing and operational needs.

Special Requirements

The applicant selected will be subject to a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and a thorough background check. A waiver for reference and background information must be completed.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license at time of appointment. A safe driving record is required and must be maintained during period of employment.

City of Santee employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.