Senior Building Inspector

Salary : $91,812.00 - $123,036.00 Annually
Location : City Hall - Ross Annex, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2027-00083 (MC)
Department: Planning & Building
Opening Date: 09/09/2026
Closing Date: 10/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: SEIU


Description
The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community


Under general supervision, inspects building construction, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations; performs plan check, inspection, and testing of new and existing commercial, industrial, and residential structures in all phases of construction, alteration, and repair, to ensure compliance with provisions of current local, state, and federal building and housing codes.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

• Examines plans, blueprints, and specifications for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and miscellaneous structures; and performs field inspections to determine compliance with applicable codes and laws relating to new and existing construction.
• Inspects complex single and multi-family residential structures.
• Inspects complex structural systems comprised of various building materials, including but not limited to, concrete, masonry, steel, timber, glass, and composite construction.
• Inspects complex and special occupancies; various types of construction; life safety features, such as fire and smoke protection systems; means of egress; and accessibility.
• Inspects structural,architectural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, green building, and energy building components.
• Inspects and verifies certificates of occupancy.
• Climbs up and down scaffolding and other objects; and crawls under buildings and other structures.
• Makes judgments as to the acceptability of construction work.
• Provides professional advice and technical assistance to developers, architects, contractors, engineers, homeowners, city staff, and the general public; and refers to other agencies for assistance and/or information.
• Responds to citizen complaints; issues citations; and prepares criminal complaint files.
• Mediates disputes between inspectors and customers.
• Utilizes current technology in the normal course and scope of daily duties, including but not limited to, permitting and inspections software; field hardware, such as hand-held computer devices; communications software and devices; and information systems that integrate, store, edit, analyze, share, and displays geographic information.
• Utilizes current standard office software applications to prepare reports, spreadsheets, and correspondence.
• Prepares correction notices, comprehensive reports, public handouts, and other related documents.
• Maintains up-to-date and accurate records, as required.
• Operates office equipment and vehicles during the course and scope of their duties.
• Promotes and provides excellent customer service.
• May appear in administrative hearings and in court as an expert witness.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Three years of experience as a journey-level, lead person, or superintendent in building construction work; or two years of building inspection experience for a public agency. Minimum qualifications may be met via an equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions. Experience, education, and training must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Current codes, laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations pertaining to building construction; standard practices, current methods, and materials used in building construction; principles and techniques of inspection work; current office software applications, such as Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, and Excel; and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Skill in: The integration, application, and utilization of current technology, including but not limited to, permitting and inspections software; field hardware, such as hand-held computer devices; communications software and devices; the use and application of geographic information systems that integrate, store, edit, analyze, share, and display geographic information, such as GIS; and the utilization of current office software applications, such as but not limited to, Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Ability to: Read and interpret construction blueprints, plans, and specifications; understand and make building construction computations; perform effective inspections; recognize construction practices which do not conform to code standards, acceptable practices, and/or proposed plans; organize and present thoughts and ideas tactfully, courteously, and effectively in written and oral form; keep required records in an organized manner; remain calm when interacting with irate members of the public; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with developers, architects, contractors, engineers, owners, other employees, and the general public in a culturally diverse community.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession and retention of a valid California Class "C" Driver's License is a condition of continued employment in this classification.


International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Residential Combination Inspector or Commercial Combination Inspector is required prior to completion of the probationary work test period and is a condition of continued employment in this job classification.


Must be willing and able to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE

Additional ICC certification in any inspection discipline is highly desirable.

Certification as a Certified Accessibility Specialist (CASp) is highly desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions: Work is generally performed in standard office and construction settings. Regular travel to different sites is required. Work on various types of surfaces, including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Work involves extensive public contact. Incumbents are exposed to electrical hazards, excessive heat and cold, fumes/smoke, smells/scents, noisy conditions, toxic agents, dirt, dust, wind/pollen, and variable weather conditions.

Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in office and construction settings; work around mechanical hazards, running machinery, and heavy equipment; operate vehicles; climb stairs and ladders; work in confined spaces; work at heights over 10 feet; occasionally kneel, jump, crawl, and lie down; frequently reach, bend, stoop, squat, and sit; continuously twist, stand, walk, and climb; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including the use of a computer keyboard and/or hand tools; utilize smell, sight, hearing, speaking, reading, writing, and math ability to exchange information; and lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds.

Selection Process
All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: .


Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:


Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for October 20, 2026) : (Weight of 100%) We will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.
The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.
Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

(under SEIU)
NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.
01


Failure to complete a thorough application may result in your application not being considered. Resumes and other attachments may not be used in determining your qualifications. Additionally, the City communicates with candidates via e-mail. You are responsible for providing a valid e-mail address that you access regularly and checking your spam folder. Do you understand and agree?

• Yes
• No

02


Select the option that best describes your relevant work experience to the position:

• No experience
• Three or more years as a journey-level building construction worker
• Three or more years as a lead person in building construction
• Three or more years as a superintendent in building construction
• Two or more years as a building inspector for a public agency

03


Please describe your experience in building construction or building inspection. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.Include the following information in your response:

• Your level of responsibility (journey-level, lead person, superintendent, or inspector)

• Number of staff supervised

04


What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Did not graduate high school / did not obtain GED
• Graduated high school / obtained GED
• Completed some college-level coursework or obtained Associate degree
• Obtained Bachelor's degree
• Obtained Graduate degree

05


Possession and retention of a valid California Class "C" driver's license is a requirement of this position. Do you currently possess a valid California Class "C" driver's license and understand this requirement?Note for out-of-state applicants: Currently possessing the equivalent of a California Class "C" driver's license from another state would temporarily suffice this requirement and must obtain a Class "C" driver's license in the State of California prior to a job offer with the City of Santa Ana.

• Yes
• No

06


This position will require the possession and retention of an International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Residential Combination Inspector or Commercial Combination Inspector prior to completion of the probationary work test period and is a condition of continued employment in this job classification. I acknowledge that I have read and understood the statement above.

• Yes
• No

07


Are you willing and able to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed?

• Yes
• No

08


Please list all active certifications you currently have (i,e. CASp, ICC). Please enter N/A if you do not have any.
09


Please check the options below that reflect your experience using office software applications (check all that apply):

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Outlook (email, calendar, contacts)
• Microsoft Excel
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Required Question